MEMOIR OF PITA WHAKANGAUA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume I, Issue 8, 1 November 1855, Page 2

MEMOIR OF PITA WHAKANGAUA.

Head Teacher of Rangitukia, near the Church Missionary Station, Waiapu.

This worthy Native had been brought to a knowledge of the Truth many years ago; and, for the space of ten years, bad acted in the capacity of Teacher to his countrymen. By diligence and

perseverance he had acquired a very considerable knowledge of the Scriptures, and his views of the Divine plan of Salvation were very clear; and he had been ardent in the pursuit of knowledge, that he might impart it to his people. He availed himself of all the means within his reach, while any Missionary remained here; and on the Station being vacated, he went to Uawa twice to school, spending some time on each occasion, during ray occupancy of that Station. I saw much of him then, and his quickness of perception and earnestness of application to his studies, increased my interest in him ; withal, there was a deep wrought piety and singleness of purpose, not often found «o conspicuously as in him. The Waiapu Station had been subject to trials in the removal of its Missionaries. Mr. Stack had left under a painful affliction, and many months elapsed before he was succeeded by the Rev. C. L. Reay, who was removed by death before he had been a year in that District. Another interval of many months occurred, when the Rev. R. Barker was appointed to the charge of the Waiapu Station, which he occupied but for a short time, and the people were again left without a Minister for nearly a year. The religious instruction of the people of Rangitukia v and the adjacent villages devolved upon Pita, during those several intervals. Having visited this Station many times whilst he was performing the duties of Head Teacher, T had ample opportunity of acquainting myself with the nature of the dif- 1 ficulties with which he had to contend, and the temper and spirit by which he was actuated under trials of no ordinary kind. I saw much that I admired, and felt a deep sympathy for! him. In February 1854, I came to take charge of the Waiapu Missionary District, and found that portion of it which was more immediately connected with the Station, and the scene of the labors of the deceased, in a far better state than the remainder The regular Public Services had been held, the Adult Schools and Bible Classes had been continued, and the Teacher was devoting all his energies to promote the advancement of his people. Soon after ray arrival, he began gradually to decline, the Measles having had a debilitating effect upon his constitution. He continue 1, however, to attend wholly, or in part, to his duties until a few months before his death j and when not able to teach, he continued to attend the Public Services. He greatly delighted in the preaching of the Gospel, and when he could no longer attend the means of grace, he made diligent enquiries upon the Sermon or Lecture delivered. During the'many months of his declining health I had much intercourse with him, and saw a gradual improvement with regard to his spiritual state. He looked forward to a glorious immor-.

tality. All was done for hiin that could be devised, both with a view to his recovery, and the alleviation of his sufferings. Two days before his death it was evident to me that no means could be of avail, and he too was fully aware of this and said, ''l see that all is over, I must now look t< tbs end." I reminded him of what St. Paul said, when in the prospect of his speedy departure—2 Tim. 10.7, B.—to which he replied, "Yes, that was St. Paul's experience j but he possessed a large measure of the Holy Spirit. All that I, a poor sinner, can do is to cast myself on the mercy of Christ." I remarked to him "Christ is the only foundation upon which a sinner can fix his hopes of salvation." He replied, with emphasis, " Christ is an immoveable foundation." We joined in prayer, and at a late hour I left him When I called upon him. the following morning he was dozing, and I did not converse with him. In the evening, he appeared to be fast sinking into the arms of death. I observed to him that the| same Omnipotent arm that conducted Israel through the Red Sea was with them when they passed over Jordan. He raised his head, and J assented to what I said ; remarking further, "I cannot speak much, I am very weak ; all I can say is, Christ alone! Christ alone! Chrisi alone !" This thrilled through my soul. Wbatj more could he say ? What stronger evidence! could I have that Christ, whom he had served, was sustaining his servant in the hour of his extremity ? I left him with indescribable feelings, and breathed a prayer that my last end might be like his. When I saw him the next morning, he recognised me, and appeared in joyful hope, saying, " I am now near my departure." I commended him to Christ who had purchased him with his own blood, and said, •' Now you are going to see the Saviour as he is ; yes, and to join the Church above, containing some of every age of the world from Abel to the present time ; some from among all nations, and also from New Zealand." This was the last time I saw him. I had occasion to go some few miles to see a sick man who was reported to be near his end, and on my return was met by a messenger who said, »Pita has slept." He died May 30th, lSoo, aged about 40 years. On the 2nd June his remains were followed to the grave by about two hundred Natives, all of whom evinced a sincere regard. " Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labours." On the 3rd I preached two sermons, with a view to improve the event: in the morning, " Christ is the only foundation," 1 Cor. iii, 11. : »i n the evening, •< The Life and Death of the Christian" I ml. i,21. The congregations were large and deeply attentive. cipal features of his character:—the cleanliness of Uh person, and comparative neatness of his

dress ; the order with which he proceeded with his public duties; the superior style of his house and premises ; and the consequent respect lie secured from others. He had adopted the novel plan of having the morning prayer bell rung at daylight, which he called " the washing "bell;" this was to give timely notice to prepare for prayers and school, and to appear with clean Face and hands. This practice is too good to be discontiued. Another trait was his eagerness for a large and substantial Church ; and he had •done much by way of preparing material. During his illness he witnessed with great interest the progress of its erection, and contributed laTgely towards the support of the Native workmen. He greatly abhorred the Native superstitions, and ■never failed to express his opinion of them ; and •whenever he witnessed any conduct he deemed inconsistent with the profession of Christianity, he reproved the offender, while he watched with jealous care over the conduct and behaviour of •all. In his last illness, he on several occasions, ■warned the careless, and reproved the unruly. For the old of both sexes he felt a strong soliciand urged them to reside in the village ; them that the only way to promote their •spiritual welfare was to be regular in the attend- j ance on the appointed means of grace. He! rejoiced in seeing provision being made for the young, saying ''the perpetuity of the Church.at Waiapu rests with them " He was strongly attached to those who had been instrumental in the progress of the Missionary work ; and frequently expressed himself in terms of the highest admiration of their labor of love. He likewise evinced sincere gratitude for the little attentions that were shewn him in bis affliction; and when he perceived his end was near, be sent a very affectionate message to all the members of my family residing at Waiapu. " The memory of the just is blessed." Charles Baker, Church Missionary. C. M. Station, Waiapu, June 6th, 1855.