THE REV. JOHN WHITELEV.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 February 1919, Page 3

THE REV. JOHN WHITELEV.

A JUBILEE MEMORIAL. j t'picial services were held yesterday iu Whiteley Memorial Church to oiorn. the occasion of the liftic-th anniversary of the deatii of the I{ev. Joim Whiteley, who was murdered by natives at the White Cliii'a on Feb'. 13, ISKJ. There were large cungregaions and the Ilev. VV. A. Sinclair was the preacher at both services- In the morning' there was a parade oi the local branch ol : the Veterans' Association; about 20 being present. The sermon, which was based oil the words: "He being dead, yet speaketh" (Heb. XI 4) was a eulogy of the late Mr .Whiteley whom the preacher styled saint, missionary and martyr. After referring to the particularly line typo of settler who did the pioneering work in Xew Zealand, and especially in Taranaki, and to the commencement of missionary enterprise among the native?, .Mr Sinclair reminded liia bearers that the Revs. J. Whiteley and J. White arrived in New Zealand in 1883 and worked at the mission station at Ilokianga, Mr Whiteley living among the Maoris for 38 years, proving a most successful missionary, six years being spent it Hoi?ianga, 16 at Kawhia., and 14 in New Plymouth. Coming to the Duinin on before the days of colonisation, Mr Whiteley tasted to the full th© har'hlups of the* early settlers, but no word of complaint ever escaped his lips. Many a long and dangerous journey he lu»d to make on foot. It was in ISoti that he came to Taranaki, being in New Plymouth during tthe dark days of the Maori war, and it was chiefly through h's influence that the Waikato tribes were induced to set free the Ngatiawa slaves captured at Pukerangiora- He was truly a peacemaker, and the Governors of the Colony on several occasions sought his aid in settling Native disputes. He was also an ardent temperance advocate. Besides being fatlier, friend and protector to every Maori, lie was teacher, doctor, magistrate and adviser to the Government. Throughout the war ho was fearless and untiring in his efforts to allay excitement and promote peace. Through several years he cerried on his difficult work in Wi» Grey Institute with many discouragements In 1809 came the final scene of his life at Pukearuhe when he refused the Maori order to "go hack," and insisted on remaining "for my children are doing evil." Five bullets pierced his body and his earthly career was ended. He might easily have saved his life by going tack, but to do bo was contrary to lvia nature- He gave his life for others; h\q was a sacred death. Such men as Whiteley, said the preacher, are the salt of the earth, a savior of the nation.