MISSIONARY FAMILY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 63, 7 December 1937, Page 6

MISSIONARY FAMILY

Tliircl Generation as Bishop of Waiapu The Williams family are closely associated with the coming of Christianity to New Zealand. Nine years after the arrival of Samuel Marsden, in 1814, arrived a young ex-naval ofiicer, Henrv Williams, and his wife, who landed at Paihia, Bay of Islands, in 1823 and from the day of hip landing he devoted his life to the service of God in spreading the gospel among tli* Maoris. Te Wiremu, as he was known, soon acquired a commanding influence over the Natives. In 1824 Mr Williams laid the keel of a 55-ton schooner, and after 18 montlis the vessel, which was christened the "Herald," was lauuched and a few days later set sail for Sydney. Hert* Mr Williams met his brother William. William was born at Nottingham iu 1800 and was destined fnir the medieal profession, being articled to a surgeon. When he heard that his brother Henry had been accepted by the Church M'issionary Society his whole plan* of life was altered and he resolved to fit himself for Holy Orders and follow hi? brother Henry. Mr William Williams entered MagHalen HaU, Oxford, in 1822, graduated in 1824 and was admitted to deacon 's 4and prlest's orders in the same year. ipe s£e£t'sogija riays £hft Jjga-

don hospitals (and that experienea proved invaluable in this new land), was married in 1825, and sailed Sydney where he met his brother. On arrival at Paihia he took up the study of the Maori language and three months after arrival was able to converse fluently with the natives. He ro--mained with Henry at Paihia for some years. In 1833 the Bev. William Williams paid his first visit to the East Coastdietricts, travelling. sometimes by schooner and sometimes overland through the dense bush, until he reached Hicks Bay and Waiapu, and Christianity was introduced into these parts. About 1840 he- moved with his family to Poverty Bay, continuing his good work among the Maoris. There he- remained until the sixties, when the Hau Hau "war caused much uneasmess, and at Opotiki, after the murder of the Rev Carl Volkner he removed to Napier. Later he was appointed Bishop of Waiapu. Later his„son, William Leonard Williams succeeded to the bishopric, and the chain was later continued by Archdeacon Herbert William Williams, who mortal tasks were ended yesterday. /