You went out in connexion with a Missionary Society?
- Under the Church Missionary Society.
You went out originally with a view of superintending some Farm they had, did you not?
- I was sent out by the Church Missionary Society to assist Mr. Richard Davies, the Superintendent, that he might be more at liberty to attend to his catechetical Duties and the Spiritual Concerns of the Natives.
What did that Farm consist of, and in whose Possession is it?
- It is in Possession of Mr. Richard Davies, the Agent of the Church Missionary Society; it belongs to the Church Missionary Society.
You went out, as a Servant of that Society, to assist in the Management of that Farm?
- Subject to Mr. Richard Davies.
Were you afterwards engaged in catechetical Duties?
- Yes. So soon as I arrived Mr. Davies refused to accept of my Assistance, and consequently my Instructions were not followed; the Reverend Henry Williams told me that they could make a better Use of me, if I had no Objection to become a Catechist, and they sent me into the Interior.
You became employed under Mr. Henry Williams?
- Mr. Henry Williams was the Chairman of the Committee; they passed a Resolution that I should proceed to Matamata.
You are not now in connexion with the Church Missionary Society.?
- No, I am not.
When you quitted their Service did you receive any Testimonial from them?
- Yes, I did. I have a Copy of it.
The same is delivered and read, and is as follows:
“Dear Sir,Church Missionary House, 28th October 1837.
“On Occasion of parting with you, the Committee desire me to state that they are well assured of your Piety and good Conduct, having received satisfactory Testimonials to that Effect from their Friends in New Zealand, of the Missionary Body. We earnestly hope that it will please God to guide you by His Grace in whatever Situation His Providence may allot to you.
“I remain, very truly, yours,Wm. Jowett.”
“Mr. John Flatt.”
What is Mr. Jowett?
- Clerical Secretary of the Church Missionary Society.
When you received those Instructions from the Committee in the Island did you proceed to Matamata?
- I did, immediately.
Had you then an Opportunity of seeing a good deal of the Natives?
- A great deal indeed.
What is your Opinion of the Climate of the Country?
- It is a very healthy Climate; superior to England.
What is the Nature of the Soil?
- A very prolific fine stiff Loam in one Part, and fine vegetable Mould in others.
What was your particular Occupation at Matamata?
- I attended to catechetical Duties daily, and superintended the Native Work, the Formation of the new Settlement there, subject to the Reverend A. M. Brown, the Missionary there.
Had you a good many Attendants upon your Catechism?
- Yes; sometimes 200, sometimes less, sometimes more, Natives. I attended
