THE MARSDEN CROSS,

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2027, 12 March 1907, Page 1

THE MARSDEN CROSS,

TO-DAY’S UNVEILING CEREMONY. Tho ceremony in connection with the unvoiling of tho Marsdon Cross, that has been erected at Oihi, Russell, Ray of Islands, in memory of tho lato Rev. Samuel Marsdon, will take place to-day. His Excellency the Governor will unveil tho memorial, and amongst othors present will ho tho Anglican Bishop of Auckland (Dr Noligan),and a number of other Auckland visitors. Tho European and nativo residents of the district aro oxpoctod to provide a largo gathering and tho function will doubtless prove well worthy of the historic event that it is intended to.commomorate.

Tho proceedings will commence at three o’clock, at which hour the Governor will land at Oihi from tho s.s. Hinomoa. His Excellency will bo received by the Bishop, Archdeacon Walsh, and the representatives of the European and nativo residents. The party will then proceed to the sito of tho cross, which is elected on an eminence from which Mr Marsdon preached the first sermon in New Zealand on Christmas Day, 1814. On arrival at the historic spot the hymn “While Shepherds Watch’d Their Flock by Night” will be sung. Tho selection of this hymn is appropriate, as it interprets the text of Mr Alarsden’s sermon, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy.” Tho hymn will bo followed by a speech by ono of the Maori representatives, and an address by Archbishop Walsh, who will request His Excellency to unveil the cross. The Bishop will then offer prayer, after which the Govonior will unveil the cross and deliver a speech. Speeches will also be given by a representative of the pakehn families and by the Bishop. The singing of tho hymn, “O, God, Our Help in Ages Past” will follow, and the proceedings will close with the Benediction and the singing of “God Save tho King.” Under the heading of “A Great Missionary,” tho Auckland Herald gives the following biographical sketch of Samuel Marsden: —

FROM THE ANVIL TO THE ALTAR. On Tuesday next His Excellency the Governor will unveil the Marsden Cross, erected at. Oihi, Russell, Bay of Islands, to mark the spot where the late Samuel Marsden, in 1814, preached his first sermon to the Maoris.

Samuel Marsden was born at Harseforth, a village in the west riding of Yorkshire, and ' brought up to the trade of a blacksmith, but his mind being fixed on the ministry he used every opportunity of preparing himself for it. An • anecdote is recorded of him that even whilst employed in his trade, and blowing the bellows with one hand, with a bit of chalk in the other ho wrote out the declensions on the fireboard of his forge. Mr Stonej the clergyman of his parish, perceiving his serious turn of mind, kindly took him to live with him, and brought him up for the ministry.

After the independence pf pur North American colonies it became necessary to found a fresh penal settlement, and Now South Wales was selected. When the first fieot was on the point of sailing, to commonco the colony, the Minister of the day was waited upon by two philanthropic men, who pointed out the duty of sending a clergyman als.o. He laughed at the idea of any benefit being derived by such p. sqt of abandoned wretches, anti inquired what clergyman would be persuaded to take such a duty upon himself. Eventually the Rev. R. Johnson accompanied the party. Ho was, however, soon discouraged by tho fearful state of depravity which prevailed in the infant colony, and returned Home. Mr Mprsden wag next selected, and sent out; his commission was dated January 1, 1793. Possessing a great degree of firmness and determination, combined with plain good sense and fervent piety, he was admirably fitted for the arduous c]ut,y lie had accepted. To strangers his looks ami manners were not prepossessing; there was an unpleasant degree of sternness in his countenance; but tho peculiar circumstances of his position doubtless impressed liis unflinching firmness on his face.

CONVICT SETTLEMENT HORRORS. Few can form a just idea of the fearful state of depravity which prevailed amongst all ranks in the early history of the colony. Two instances may here be given as showing the necessity of severe firmness in the minister, and as a key to the cause of the bitter enmity lie experienced from those in power. At the commencement of the colony the sale of all spirits was monopolised by the officers and it was the endeavoring to do array with this practice which afterwards caused the* deposition of Governor Bligh. When vessels with female convicts arrived they likewise took in turns the selection of the fairest of them as companions, and not only was this generally done, hut it yvas winked at by the highest authorities, and these females, as well as their partners, were actually admitted to Government House. Mr Marsdeu very properly would not sit at table with them, or sanction their conduct by his presence, and thus, by declining the invitations on such occasions and plainly stating his reasons for doing so, the bitter hostility of the Governor and his officers was excited against him. Every effort was made tQ effect his ruin; public records were falsified, and such lepresentations sent Home as called for a searching inquiry into the chaplain’s conduct, tho result of which was that the Governor recoivcd a command tp make known to the rev. gentleman not only tho fact of his being honorably acquitted, but that the Home Government in approval of his conduct had added £IOO a year to his salary’, and ordered a suitable residence to be built for him. FiKST MEETING WITH MAORIS.

In 1800 Captain King was appointed Governor of New South Wales. It was he who obtained two New Zealand natives, Tiki and Huru, from the North Cape, as teachers to show the prisoners at Norfolk Island the way of working the flax, which is also indigenous there. It was the meeting with these boys at Norfolk Island which first gave Mr Marsden the idea of establishing a mission- in New Zealand. He was sc. much struck with their intelligence and manners that from that time ho determined to use his best efforts to raise their race from its then debased state. In 1807 he accompanied Governor King to England, and it was then that he brought New Zealand to tho notice of the Church Missionary Society. His application was favorably received, anil when he returned in 1810 lie brought Messrs Hall and King with him as lay missionaries. They were afterwards joined by Mr Kendal and his family. The party, however, was hindered from proceeding to its destination for several years on accountof the Boyd massacre. SAILS FOR NEW ZEALAND. In 1811 Mr Marsdeu purchased tlio brig Active, a vessel of 100 tons, and

on Novombor 19 ho went on hoard on hii first visit to Now Zealand, to locate tho laborers ho had procured for his new mission field. On Docembor 15 they sighted llie Three Kings, and o.i tho 10th they opened a friendly crhimiiiilcation with tho natives of the North Cape. Ho was accompanied : by aMr Nicholas, who aftorwi ids published an account of tho voyage; and by Messrs King, Kendall, and Hall, with their wives and five children, two sawyers and a smith, a horse, a bull, two cows, a few shocp, and poultry of different kinds. They first anchored at Matouri Bay, about twenty miles to the north of tho Bay ol' Islands. Mr Marsden landed with his party at Wainwn, but ho and Mr Nicholas only stayed on shore for the night. There he met Tara, bettor known as George, the chief who effected the massacre of the crew of the Boyd, and ho slept by his aide in full confidence that he might do so in perfect safety. In speaking of this first night ashoio Mr Marsdon says:—“As the evening advanced the people began to retire to rest in different groups. About. 11 o’clock Mr Nicholas and I wrapped cnrselvi's up in otir great coats and p: epared for rest also. George directed me to lie by his side. His wife and child lay on tho right hand, and Mr Nicholas close by. The night was clear, the stars shone bright, and the sea. in our front was smooth. Around us wore numerous spears, stuck upright in the ground, and groups of natives lying in all directions, like a flock of sheep upon the grass, as there were neither tents nor lmts to cover them. I viewed our present situation with sensations and feelings that I cannot express—surrounded by cannibals, wlio had massacred and devoured our countrymen, I wondered much at -lie mysteries of Providence,and how these things could bo! Never did I behold the blessed advantage of civilisation in a more grateful light than now. I did not, sleep much during the night. My mind was too seriously occupied by the present scene, and the new and strange ideas which it naturally excited, About 3 o’clock in the morning I rose and walked about the camp, surveying tho different groups of natives. Some of them put out their heads from under the top of their kakalius (a rough shaggy mat, which is like a beehive), and spoke to me. When the morning light returned we beheld men, women, and children asleep in all directions, like the beasts of tho field.”

From Matouri they went to the Bay of Islands near to the entrance of which Ruatara lived. He had done everything in his power to do honor to the occasion, and did his utmost to return the kindness ho had received from Mr. Marsden when in Sydney. Mr Marsden remarks : —‘On Sunday morning when I was on deck I saw the English flag flying, which was a pleasing sight in New Zealand. I considered it was tho signal and dawn of civilisation, liberty, and religion in that dark and benighted land. I never viewed the British colours with more gratification, and I flattered myself they would never be removed till the natives of the island enjoyed tho happiness of British subjects.” HIS FIRST SERMON TO MAORIS. Ruatara erected a pulpit in the centre of an enclosed space, made out of an old canoe, and covered with a cloth given him in Sydney; he formed TSeatS - rof- the'EaFopearis in a similar way. Then, having made all his arrangements, he and his two companions, dressed in regimentals given them by the Governor, with swords by their sidos and switches in their hands, marshalled their people on either side of Mr Marsden, who there, on Christmas Day, 1814, preached to the assembled natives, taking as liis text, “Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy.”

OVERLAND TO BAY OF ISLANDS. Air Marsden stayed till the end of February to see the missionaries properly settled, and then returned to Sydney. On July 26, 1819, he again returned to New Zealand and took wtih him several fresh hands to strengthen the work there; and located them at the Kerikeri. After settling the mission to the best of his power he returned to Sydney. At the request of the Governor Mr Marsden again went to New Zealand in H.M. ship Coromandel, February 20, 1820. He landed at Coromandel, and under the guidance of a chief, Tainorangi, he took what was then a most wonderful journey overland to the Bay of Islands. In several jiarts they were in open war, and the chief afterwards often expressed his astonishment that lip had ever dared to undertake such a journey. When Air Marsden reached the Kerikeri liis clothes were in rags, covered with mud and red ochre, from his near contact with the natives, who were then constantly {smeared with it and shark’s oil; and with an old dirty nightcap on his head, he made his appearance before the astonished missionaries. He arrived at a most seasonable time, for they were upon the point of breaking up the mission and leaving in the Dromedary, which was then in the bay; disheartened by the opposition of the natives, and the horrid scenes they witnessed, they despaired of success. Mr Alarsden’s presence revived the courage of the missionaries, and they decided to remain.

FURTHER VISITS. In 1823 Marsden loft Sydney on his fourth visit to New Zealand. Ho found the mission prospering and a school established, his opinion of the importance of which is seen in his report:—“The true foundation must be laid in the education of the rising generation.” It was during this visit that the Paihai station wag formed, and the two brothers, H. and W. Williams, located there.

In 1523 Marsden left Sydney on his fourth visit to Now Zealand. He found tho mission prospering and school established, his opinion of the importance of which is seen in his report:—“The true foundation must be laid in the education of the rising generation.” It was during this visit that the Paihia station was formed, and the two brothers, H. and W. Williams, located there.

In 1826 tho news reached Mr- Marsden that the mission was again on the point of being given up. He lost no time in visiting New Zealand, and soon suceeded in restoring confidence in the missionaries. It was in February, 1830, that he paid his sixth visit, and was much gratified at the flourishing state of the schools. The natives were quite enthusiastic in their reception of him. He was welcomed with songs and dancing and firing of guns. On one occasion more than 2000 armed men were present; lie was surrounded by. hundreds as lie went from place tp place. THE END: “NEW ZEALAND.”

Mr Marsden’s seventh and last visit to New Zealand was made in February’, 1837 ; lie was then in his 72nil year. He had the satisfaction of seeing the mission in a flourishing condition. Many new stations had latelybeen open pel and the natives were bythousands becoming converts, and were vapidly giving up their intertribal wars, cannibalism', and other savage customs. Mr Marsden re-

turned to Now South Wales in July, and in the following May, while on a ministerial visit to Windsor, ho was suddenly taken ill and died in tho clergyman’s house. His last words wore “Now Zealand.” No funeral has ever taken place in New South Wales which was attended like his. SO Alii'" STORIES OF JUS CAREER.

Air Alarsden’s person was not prepossessing; ho was slovenly in dress and stern in look; hut those who know him found him a warm-hearted friend. ILis homo was open to all ; he gave no invitations, but if his friends did not go without ono ho was angry. Ho had always some New Zoalandors about him, and esteemed them superior to every other aboriginal race. The following stories serve to illustrate Marsdon’s character. Oil one occasion lie was travelling in the interior of Australia with another clergyman, and called on a man whose house was kept with the greatest order. His wife, a picture of neatness and respectability, laid the cloth for breakfast. Tho clorgyman expressed bis admiration,for such sights were then uncommon. Air Atarsden laughed, and afterwards told him the following story:—Once when ho was there he asked the man how he was getting on, as he had recently married a woman out of the factory (all convicts of the worst sort). He- complained that she would not do anything, she would neither cook nor keep the house tidy; everything was in confusion, and when lie spoke to her she only laughed. Marsden ordered him to call her. She would not come. At last Air Atarsden called in a voice of thunder. She then •ame. He demanded, “What, is this that I hear,-of you? So you won’t obey your husband, although you have sworn to do so before the Lord. Words will make no impression on you, severer measures~must be adopted.” He then laid his horsewhip over her shoulders, until the woman went down on her knees and begged for pardon, promising to behave better for the future. AJarsderi told her ho would give her a trial; hut she must take care not to forget her promise. Some time afterwards wlipn ho called he said, “Well, John, how does your wife behave?” “Oh,’’-said he “thanks to you, sir, there cannot be a better wife jiow- She is everything I can wish.” We must remember New South Wales was then a convict colony. Mr Alarsden lias been accused by seme of penuriousness. This charge certainly does not seem to have been web founded,as the following incident will show. Tl\is was told to the Rev. R. Taylor by a daughter of Air Alarsden. . A gentleman called one day and said he came to repay the money he had borrowed of him, many years before. Alarsden said, “You must make a mistake. Y’ou do not owe mo anything.” “Oh,” said the gentleman, “I cannot be mistaken. It was when I first landed on these shores, an indigent youth, that you most liberally advanced me £IOO to ser me up in trade: and by God’s blessing, that laid tho foundation of my prosperity. I am now a rich man ; and here are your hundred pounds with interest, aiid my grateful thanks for your great kindness ” Bishop Broughton once remarked that he was the first “consecrated” Bishop of New South Wales, but that “practically” Samuel Alarsden was the first ■ one.