Page:Letters from New Zealand (Harper).djvu/147

 and it was owing to information gathered from one of them, who had crossed the mountains to Christchurch, that it was ascertained that Westland was a likely goldfield. Government then made liberal reserves of land for the natives, which happened to be in the centres which were richest in gold. Trustees were appointed, land let on their behalf, and I find that every native has a comfortable annual income. They are a sober set of people, and industrious, having their small cultivations, with horses and cattle and pigs. I have been able to provide them with a church, paid for by them, designed by myself; a school also has been built for them by the Government. They speak a little English, but have the Bible and Prayerbook in Maori; two of them have been appointed Lay-readers, and conduct the services, one daily, and on Sundays. Once a month I visit their village and hold a week-day service, with a celebration of Holy Communion, and, if necessary, baptisms. Maories know their prayerbook well, and are most particular in observing all its seasons. I receive every Saturday a visit from some of them to ascertain exactly what the Sunday will be, so that there may be no mistake. They have much respect for discipline; for example, I go for the monthly service, and find all work stopped, and everything ready; the two lay-readers in cassock and surplice prepared to help me. One produces a note of two names of persons who, in their judgment, ought not to come to Communion. "Why not?" "Well, he quarrel with his wife since you come last, and not really make it up,—and he—(this is a rare case) make a drunk." We go to church; the two delinquents are there, sitting at the extreme end; the service is taken by myself, aided by the lay-readers,