This is a sheet of Rays Vic Tonga writing paper.Single sheet of white writing paper with dark blue ink heading and the badges of the Methodist Girls' Comradeship Rays' section and the Uniting Church of Australia badges.methodist girls' comradeship rays' section, uniting church of australia

From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. The Rev James Watkin, 1805-1886, was a Pioneer Wesleyan missionary. He was born in Manchester, UK, in 1805. In 1830 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry and married Hannah Entwistle. They sailed with a missionary party to Tonga. The work of the mission was jeopardised by prolonged and involved struggles between Christian and non-Christian Tongan chiefs. He left with his family for Sydney in September 1837. He was offered a free passage for a missionary appointed to Waikouaiti, New Zealand and arrived there in May 1840. He established the first mission station in the South Island of New Zealand. Watkin established schools at Waikouaiti and Matanaka, and stationed partly trained Maori teachers at Stewart Island and at Moeraki. He had a natural flair for languages, preached in Maori four months after his arrival, and compiled an elementary reading book to be printed in Ngai Tahu. Watkin was relieved by Charles Creed and inWatkin finished his posiion in Waikouaiti in June 1844 when he sailed for Wellington, leaving 227 church members in Otago. In 1855 Watkin settled in New South Wales, Australia, and was president of the National Methodist Conference at Adelaide in 1862. He retired in 1869 and died on 14 May 1886, at Ashfield, New South Wales. Source: https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/watkin-jamesETH072.1 and ETH072.2: Mid nineteenth century woven palm fans with handles.rev james watkin

From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. The Rev James Watkin, 1805-1886, was a Pioneer Wesleyan missionary. He was born in Manchester, UK, in 1805. In 1830 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry and married Hannah Entwistle. They sailed with a missionary party to Tonga. The work of the mission was jeopardised by prolonged and involved struggles between Christian and non-Christian Tongan chiefs. He left with his family for Sydney in September 1837. He was offered a free passage for a missionary appointed to Waikouaiti, New Zealand and arrived there in May 1840. He established the first mission station in the South Island of New Zealand. Watkin established schools at Waikouaiti and Matanaka, and stationed partly trained Maori teachers at Stewart Island and at Moeraki. He had a natural flair for languages, preached in Maori four months after his arrival, and compiled an elementary reading book to be printed in Ngai Tahu. Watkin was relieved by Charles Creed and inWatkin finished his posiion in Waikouaiti in June 1844 when he sailed for Wellington, leaving 227 church members in Otago. In 1855 Watkin settled in New South Wales, Australia, and was president of the National Methodist Conference at Adelaide in 1862. He retired in 1869 and died on 14 May 1886, at Ashfield, New South Wales. Source: https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/watkin-jamesMid nineteenth century wooden comb from Pacific Islands.rev james watkin

B. 1841 in England, ordained 1863, President NSW conference 1893, d. 1909 Gore Hill NSW.B & W head and shoulders printed etching of the Rev. James E. Moulton. "Revd. J. E. Moulton (Tonga)"moulton, james e., rev., methodist minister, president of conference

Joeli Bulu was one of the first missionaries to Fiji. Not a Christian when he grew up but was converted after listening to John Thomas in Tonga. The king of Tonga had just been converted to Christianity and asked for volunteers to go to Fiji as a missionary. His reception in Fiji was not welcoming, but he was such a tenacious chap and because he was likeable he became one of the most influential missionaries in the South Pacific. He was a rascal as a young man in Tonga and the meeting with John Thomas was the thing that changed his life. Very well regarded now in Fiji. His active period was the 1838 to 1870 - John Thomas came to Tonga in 1826. From Wikipedia: Joeli Bulu (Siaoeli Pulu) (around 1810-May 1877) became a Christian in 1833. He was one of a band of Tongan teachers who came to Fiji in 1838, and pioneered the work of the Christian Church in this group. He served the Church in Fiji for almost four decades. He came to Lakeba by canoe, and was appointed to help with the printing of catachisms and passages of Scripture. Lorimer Fison translated Bulu's oral account of hislife. This was edited by George Stringer Rowe and printed in England in 1871 with the title, "Joel Bulu: The Autobiography of a Native Minister in the South Seas". He served first at Lakeba and then at Rewa, and after that the station was closed because of the wars, at Viwa. John Hunt sent him to investigate the possibilities of establishing the work in Vanua Levu, and to that field he was later appointed. He was the first Pacific Islander to be placed alone in charge of a circuit - Ono, in 1848, and also the first to be ordained (1850) as a Native Assistant Missionary. After this he served at Nadi (Vaua Levu), Bua and Cakaudrove where he pioneered the work before any white missionaries were established there. Afterwards he was appointed to Bau. He died in May 1877 and his grave is beside that of John Hunt at Viwa Island.B&W photo, no backing, print from The Argus files, dated 30 March 1933. Tongan beareded old man, wearing a traditional (Fijian vala or lap-lap) and carrying what looks like a fly swat, but is more significant than that. Dressed as a Fijian chief."Joeli Bulu" "1/2 col Argus" and "Return to Rev. A. W. Amos 148 Lonsdale St" all written in pencil on the back.bulu, joeli, tonga, fiji, thomas, john, lakeba, hunt, john

Very active Methodist church member.Tuipulotu is shown dressed in indigenous costume."Motto of the Tongan Coat of Arms:- God and Tonga are my inheritance. Otua mo Tonga ko hoku tofia. 12/9/'52. S. Tuipulotu"tuipulotu, saia

Clircular tapa cloth painted and sewn to a round wooden frame. View of a village painted on front of cloth, depicting a pole and wire fence with palnts at base, and palm trees and bushland in the background. The huts have thatched roofs.Front: Tonga Friendly Islands (lower centre, black dye)

A cream programme with green and black print on the cover and the words, ' Tongan Methodist College Boys' Choir Concert Programme. Conductor : Rev. A.H. Wood, M.A., B.D. Principal of the College. Price sixpence.' It also includes a photo of the young men in their traditional clothing. Inside the programme is some information on Tonga and the Choir including photos. On the back of the programme is a list of the 'Personnel of the choir.' C. 1933.program, music, singing, lydia chancellor, collection, music, entertainment, performing arts, singing, programme, program, event, tonga

Dr George Niumeitolu was born in Tonga and worked as a medical missionary to the Sohano hospital in Papua. He visited Australia in 1949.B & W head and shoulders studio portrait of Dr George Niumeitolu, in postcard format.Rev. & Mrs Risstrom & Children, Kind regards & best wishes. Thanks very much for your great kindness, love and hospitality. Ofa ali Geo Niumeitolu.george niumeitolu, tonga, medical missionary, sohano hospital, papua

Rev David Mills was ordained in 1982, minister at Beeac-Cressey-Rokewood 1983 - 1984, Principal of Tupou College Tonga 1985 - 1990, Bendigo East 1990 - 1997, Brunswick from 1998.Colour photograph of the Rev. David Mills, his wife Wendy and their two children Lindy and Joe, taken outdoors.david mill, wendy mills, lindy mills, joe mills, uniting church, minister, tupou college, tonga

Rev David Mills was ordained in 1982, minister at Beeac-Cressey-Rokewood 1983 - 1984, Principal of Tupou College Tonga 1985 - 1990, Bendigo East 1990 - 1997, Brunswick from 1998.B & W photograph of the Rev. David Mills, his wife Wendy and their two children Lindy and Joe, taken outdoors.david mill, wendy mills, lindy mills, joe mills, uniting church, minister, tupou college, tonga

John Thomas was born at Worcester, England in 1796 and he became a blacksmith at Hagley, Worcestershire before becoming a Methodist and he soon started to preach. He married Sarah Hartshorn who predeceased him in 1867. He was accepted by the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society (WMMS) in 1824 and he became a pioneering missionary to Tonga (the Friendly Isles) in the South Pacific. He sailed first to Australia, and eventually arrived in Tonga in 1826, together with his wife and fellow missionary John Hutchinson.Initially he preached in Hihifo, Tongatapu from 1826 to 1828 and then moved to the island of Ha’apai in 1829. He baptised the chief Taufa’ahua Tupou in 1831 and enthroned him with English rites as the first King of all Tonga in 1845. Although the WMMS withdrew from Samoa in 1839, Thomas advocated its re-entry and he supported the King’s policy of sending Tongan Wesleyan missionaries to Fiji and Samoa. John Thomas also persuaded the Australasian Wesleyan Conference ( which took over the Pacific region from the British in 1855) to reverse the London Missionary Society’s decision regarding Samoa. John Thomas had 2 periods in Tonga from 1826 to 1850 and 1855 to 1859. Following a visit to England his influence with King Tupou waned in the 1850's and he retired to England and became a supernumerary minister at Stourbridge, Worcestershire, where he died in 1881. His wife Sarah had been a partner in his missionary work until she died 14 years earlier than he did. John Thomas’ name is honoured by having one of the 12 dormitory houses of Toupou College in the capitol of Tonga named after him. John Thomas House is House #1, and it is customary for the Head Prefect to reside in this dormitory. B & W engraving from a photograph of the Rev. John Thomas, formerly missionary in the Friendly IslandsRevd. John Thomas, Formerly Missionary in the Friendly Islands, Engraved by J. Cochran from a Photograph.rev. john thomas, methodist, tonga, friendly islands, wesleyan, missionary, wesleyan methodist missionary society

John Hartley Roberts was born in England and migrated to Australia with his parents in 1853, when he was fifteen. He married Mary Ann Ellis in 1863. He was Head Teacher at Linton State School from 1867-1877. He became Victorian Inspector of Schools and later went to Tonga to establish the educational system there. This photograph is part of the Old Lintonian collection ; No. 27.Portrait of a bearded gentleman seated with arms crossed, wearing suit with tie or cravat.On back - "John H. Roberts".john hartley roberts, old lintonian collection

``Newspaper clipping from The "Post" , 29-9-93 P2 Australian all overAustralian citizenship was granted to 45 Ringwood residents on Monday night in a ceremony at Ringwood Convention centre. The 37 adults and eight children came from South Africa, Britain, Nigeria, New Zealand, Hungary, the Philipines and Tonga. Mayor, Cr Margaret Cheevers welcomed the new citizens.`

Born on 4 July 1918, the son of Queen Sālote Tupou III and her consort Prince Viliami Tungī Mailefihi. He was educated at Newington College and studied Law at Sydney University while resident at Wesley College in Sydney, Australia. He was appointed Minister of Education by Queen Sālote in 1943, Minister of Health in 1944, and in 1949, Premier. He remained a lay preacher of the Free Wesleyan Church until his death, and in some circumstances, was empowered to appoint an acting church president. He was King of Tonga from the death of his mother in 1965 until his death in Auckland on 10 September 2006.Hand tinted waist length studio photograph of H.R.H. George Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, mounted on cream card.george taufa'ahau tupou iv, king of tonga, preacher, free wesleyan church of tonga.

7-9 Russell Street has had 2 house names: ‘Vavau’ and ‘Handsworth’. Early occupants were: 1887–1892: George Legge, builder. 1892-1902: Arthur Greenwood – storeman and missionary in Tonga, hence the house name ‘Vavau.’ 1902–1950s: Mr and Mrs George Jackson and family of 10 children. Alice Jackson was a specialist manufacturing jeweller and set up a jewellery business with her husband. He and the family continued it until late 1950s. 1978–1986: Sold in late 1950s; Ruth Theodoris and her husband Peter bought it; sold 1986. The house is extant in 2020 and was last sold in May 2009 for $1,315,000. Real estate agent photos from the time reveal it has had a large extension at the rear. A black and white photograph of a late Victorian Boom Style house with ornate filigree lacework on the verandah. There is a picket fence along the front. Scalloped lace curtains adorn the front windows.surrey hills, russell street, (mr) george jackson, (mr) arthur greenwood, (mrs) alice jackson, jeweller, (mrs) ruth theodoris, (mr) peter theodoris, victorian boom style, vavau, handsworth, house names, (mr) george legge

Rev. Daniel James Draper (1810 - 1866). Born Wickham, Hampshire 28 August 1810. In 1830 joined the Methodist Society at Fareham and became a local preacher. Nominated in March 1834 as a candidate for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry. Appointed preacher on probation to the Charteris circuit. Married Sarah Webb in September 1835, ordained 7 October 1835, sailed for Australia on 13 October 1835. Served at Parramatta, where his wife died on 16 February 1838. Married Elizabeth Shelley (1808 - 1866) daughter of William Shelley, formerly a missionary in Tonga and Tahiti in July 1939. Served in N.S.W., Victoria and South Australia. Elected President of the 1859 Conference. Granted leave in 1865 to return to England as the Australian representative to the British Conference. He was returning to Australia on the SS London in January 1866 when he and his wife, along with 244 others, perished when their ship sank during a fierce storm in the Bay of Biscay.Sepia toned, full length carte de visite studio portrait of Rev Daniel J. Draper.daniel james draper, sarah webb, elizabeth shelley, ss london, bay of biscay, methodist, wesleyan, minister, president of conference, shipwreck

Rev. Daniel James Draper (1810 - 1866). Born Wickham, Hampshire 28 August 1810. In 1830 joined the Methodist Society at Fareham and became a local preacher. Nominated in March 1834 as a candidate for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry. Appointed preacher on probation to the Charteris circuit. Married Sarah Webb in September 1835, ordained 7 October 1835, sailed for Australia on 13 October 1835. Served at Parramatta, where his wife died on 16 February 1838. Married Elizabeth Shelley (1808 - 1866) daughter of William Shelley, formerly a missionary in Tonga and Tahiti in July 1939. Served in N.S.W., Victoria and South Australia. Elected President of the 1859 Conference. Granted leave in 1865 to return to England as the Australian representative to the British Conference. He was returning to Australia on the SS London in January 1866 when he and his wife, along with 244 others, perished when their ship sank during a fierce storm in the Bay of Biscay.B & W waist length printed etching of the Rev. Daniel J. Draper"Revd. Daniel J. Draper. President of the Australasian Conference 1859."daniel james draper, sarah webb, elizabeth shelley, ss london, bay of biscay, methodist, wesleyan, minister, president of conference, shipwreck

Rev. Daniel James Draper (1810 - 1866). Born Wickham, Hampshire 28 August 1810. In 1830 joined the Methodist Society at Fareham and became a local preacher. Nominated in March 1834 as a candidate for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry. Appointed preacher on probation to the Charteris circuit. Married Sarah Webb in September 1835, ordained 7 October 1835, sailed for Australia on 13 October 1835. Served at Parramatta, where his wife died on 16 February 1838. Married Elizabeth Shelley (1808 - 1866) daughter of William Shelley, formerly a missionary in Tonga and Tahiti in July 1939. Served in N.S.W., Victoria and South Australia. Elected President of the 1859 Conference. Granted leave in 1865 to return to England as the Australian representative to the British Conference. He was returning to Australia on the SS London in January 1866 when he and his wife, along with 244 others, perished when their ship sank during a fierce storm in the Bay of Biscay.B & W etching: two head and shoulder portraits of Rev. Daniel Draper and Mrs Elizabeth Draper superimposed on a scene depicting the shipwreck of the S.S. London, with cross and crown above.daniel james draper, sarah webb, elizabeth shelley, ss london, bay of biscay, methodist, wesleyan, minister, president of conference, shipwreck

Mrs Elizabeth Draper (1808 - 1866). Second wife of the Rev. Daniel James Draper (1810 - 1866). Born Wickham, Hampshire 28 August 1810. In 1830 joined the Methodist Society at Fareham and became a local preacher. Nominated in March 1834 as a candidate for the Wesleyan Methodist ministry. Appointed preacher on probation to the Charteris circuit. Married Sarah Webb in September 1835, ordained 7 October 1835, sailed for Australia on 13 October 1835. Served at Parramatta, where his wife died on 16 February 1838. Married Elizabeth Shelley (1808 - 1866), daughter of William Shelley, formerly a missionary in Tonga and Tahiti in July 1939. Served in N.S.W., Victoria and South Australia. Elected President of the 1859 Conference. Granted leave in 1865 to return to England as the Australian representative to the British Conference. He was returning to Australia on the SS London in January 1866 when he and his wife, along with 244 others, perished when their ship sank during a fierce storm in the Bay of Biscay.Sepia toned, carte de visite studio portrait of Mrs Elizabeth Draper, seated at a table.daniel james draper, sarah webb, elizabeth shelley, ss london, bay of biscay, methodist, wesleyan, minister, president of conference, shipwreck

From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. The Rev James Watkin, 1805-1886, was a Pioneer Wesleyan missionary. He was born in Manchester, UK, in 1805. In 1830 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry and married Hannah Entwistle. They sailed with a missionary party to Tonga. The work of the mission was jeopardised by prolonged and involved struggles between Christian and non-Christian Tongan chiefs. He left with his family for Sydney in September 1837. He was offered a free passage for a missionary appointed to Waikouaiti, New Zealand and arrived there in May 1840. He established the first mission station in the South Island of New Zealand. Watkin established schools at Waikouaiti and Matanaka, and stationed partly trained Maori teachers at Stewart Island and at Moeraki. He had a natural flair for languages, preached in Maori four months after his arrival, and compiled an elementary reading book to be printed in Ngai Tahu. Watkin was relieved by Charles Creed and inWatkin finished his posiion in Waikouaiti in June 1844 when he sailed for Wellington, leaving 227 church members in Otago. In 1855 Watkin settled in New South Wales, Australia, and was president of the National Methodist Conference at Adelaide in 1862. He retired in 1869 and died on 14 May 1886, at Ashfield, New South Wales. Source: https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/watkin-jamesETH071.1 and ETH071.2: Mid nineteenth century woven palm fans with red coloured bamboo handles.rev james watkin

From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. The Rev James Watkin, 1805-1886, was a Pioneer Wesleyan missionary. He was born in Manchester, UK, in 1805. In 1830 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry and married Hannah Entwistle. They sailed with a missionary party to Tonga. The work of the mission was jeopardised by prolonged and involved struggles between Christian and non-Christian Tongan chiefs. He left with his family for Sydney in September 1837. He was offered a free passage for a missionary appointed to Waikouaiti, New Zealand and arrived there in May 1840. He established the first mission station in the South Island of New Zealand. Watkin established schools at Waikouaiti and Matanaka, and stationed partly trained Maori teachers at Stewart Island and at Moeraki. He had a natural flair for languages, preached in Maori four months after his arrival, and compiled an elementary reading book to be printed in Ngai Tahu. Watkin was relieved by Charles Creed and inWatkin finished his posiion in Waikouaiti in June 1844 when he sailed for Wellington, leaving 227 church members in Otago. In 1855 Watkin settled in New South Wales, Australia, and was president of the National Methodist Conference at Adelaide in 1862. He retired in 1869 and died on 14 May 1886, at Ashfield, New South Wales. Source: https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/watkin-jamesETH073.1 dark brown wild tamarind seed necklace and ETH073.2 bracelet.rev james watkin

From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. From the collection of the Rev James Watkin. The Rev James Watkin, 1805-1886, was a Pioneer Wesleyan missionary. He was born in Manchester, UK, in 1805. In 1830 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry and married Hannah Entwistle. They sailed with a missionary party to Tonga. The work of the mission was jeopardised by prolonged and involved struggles between Christian and non-Christian Tongan chiefs. He left with his family for Sydney in September 1837. He was offered a free passage for a missionary appointed to Waikouaiti, New Zealand and arrived there in May 1840. He established the first mission station in the South Island of New Zealand. Watkin established schools at Waikouaiti and Matanaka, and stationed partly trained Maori teachers at Stewart Island and at Moeraki. He had a natural flair for languages, preached in Maori four months after his arrival, and compiled an elementary reading book to be printed in Ngai Tahu. Watkin was relieved by Charles Creed and inWatkin finished his posiion in Waikouaiti in June 1844 when he sailed for Wellington, leaving 227 church members in Otago. In 1855 Watkin settled in New South Wales, Australia, and was president of the National Methodist Conference at Adelaide in 1862. He retired in 1869 and died on 14 May 1886, at Ashfield, New South Wales. Source: https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/watkin-jamesMid nineteenth century cylindrical woven carry bag with a lid attached and a platted handle. The bag has a brown pattern within the weaving at the top and bottom.rev james watkin, pioneer wesleyan missionary

Beatrice Eliza Dacomb died 12 Feb 1947 at her residence, 120 South Street, Sth Yarra, aged 83. Her parents were Eliza Evans and Edmund Dacomb; she was born 22 Nov 1863 in Portland. Her sister Clara Thurston Dacomb b 15 Oct 1867 Portland, Victoria; died 19 Oct 1946 aged 79 years at her residence, 120 South Street, Sth Yarra. Their mother Eliza died aged 47 years in 1875; parents = Thomas Evans and Frances Thurston. Their father Edmund Dacomb was a merchant; both parents born in England. They were the 6th and 8th children in the family. Other siblings: Geoffrey (b1860; died Box Hill 1936 aged 76 years), Walter Alfred (b 1857; died Qld 20 Jul 1936), Annie Frances (b. 1862; died Lilydale 1901 aged 39 years), Lydia Harrt (b. 1855; died Balwyn 1925 ged 70 years), Leonard (b. 1866; died 1872 aged 6 years), Emily Maud (b. 1869; died 1874 aged 5 years). Clare and Beatrice Dacomb lived at 4 Wilson Street, Surrey Hills from 1909-1918. (1903 also Margaret Thomas Dacomb) Originally teachers of the Pitman method of shorthand, they invented the Dacomb method which was originally called Web Speed. In 1933 the method was trialled at Coburg High School and found to have a far superior skill uptake to Pitman. Its simplicity made it particularly useful in South America, Tonga and other Pacific Island countries. Their book 'Web speed-quick shorthand' was published in 1922. Their method lost currency after 1975 when a simplified form of Pitman was adopted by high schools and colleges of advanced education. This image is thought to be Clara.Black and white photocopy of a head ad shoulders portrait of a well-dressed middle-aged woman idetified as either Clara or Beatrice Dacomb.Black and white photocopy measuring W 11.2 cm x H 16.3 cm. Photocopy was taken from a framed photo.wilson street, dacomb school of shorthand, melbourne dacomb college, secretarial services, miss clara dacomb, miss beatrice dacomb, george a h lang's business college

Beatrice Eliza Dacomb died 12 Feb 1947 at her residence, 120 South Street, Sth Yarra, aged 83. Her parents were Eliza Evans and Edmund Dacomb; she was born 22 Nov 1863 in Portland. Her sister Clara Thurston Dacomb b 15 Oct 1867 Portland, Victoria; died 19 Oct 1946 aged 79 years at her residence, 120 South Street, Sth Yarra. Their mother Eliza died aged 47 years in 1875; parents = Thomas Evans and Frances Thurston. Their father Edmund Dacomb was a merchant; both parents born in England. They were the 6th and 8th children in the family. Other siblings: Geoffrey (b1860; died Box Hill 1936 aged 76 years), Walter Alfred (b 1857; died Qld 20 Jul 1936), Annie Frances (b. 1862; died Lilydale 1901 aged 39 years), Lydia Harrt (b. 1855; died Balwyn 1925 ged 70 years), Leonard (b. 1866; died 1872 aged 6 years), Emily Maud (b. 1869; died 1874 aged 5 years). Clare and Beatrice Dacomb lived at 4 Wilson Street, Surrey Hills from 1909-1918. (1903 also Margaret Thomas Dacomb) Originally teachers of the Pitman method of shorthand, they invented the Dacomb method which was originally called Web Speed. In 1933 the method was trialled at Coburg High School and found to have a far superior skill uptake to Pitman. Its simplicity made it particularly useful in South America, Tonga and other Pacific Island countries. Their book 'Web speed-quick shorthand' was published in 1922. Their method lost currency after 1975 when a simplified form of Pitman was adopted by high schools and colleges of advanced education. This image is thought to be Beatrice.Black and white photocopy of a head ad shoulders portrait of a well-dressed middle-aged woman idetified as either Clara or Beatrice Dacomb.Black and white photocopy measuring W 11.2 cm x H 16.3 cm. Photocopy was taken from a framed photo.wilson street, dacomb school of shorthand, melbourne dacomb college, secretarial services, miss beatrice dacomb, miss clara dacomb, george a h lang's business college

James Watkin (1805–86), Pioneer Missionary. James Watkin was born in Manchester in 1805. While still young he felt the call to preach and in 1830 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry. In the same year he married Hannah Entwistle and they sailed with a missionary party to Tonga. The work of the mission was jeopardised by prolonged and involved struggles between Christian and non-Christian Tongan chiefs; Watkin faced alone the danger of tribal warfare, but the experience left him depressed and exhausted. On his removal with his family to Sydney in September 1837 he prayed for a return home to England. Instead, when John Jones offered a free passage for a missionary appointed to Waikouaiti, where Jones had a whaling station, Watkin was selected for the post and arrived there in May 1840. Here he established the first mission station in the South Island. Watkin found the whaling settlement of Waikouaiti a centre of violence, licentiousness, and drunken depravity. Thoroughly disliking the corrupted Maoris and convinced that they were doomed to extinction, and disgusted by the brutality and vices of his fellow Europeans, Watkin laboured without hope, in the bitterness of exile and with deepening depression and distress. In spite of an abhorrence for his situation he established schools at Waikouaiti and Matanaka, and stationed partly trained Maori teachers at Stewart Island and at Moeraki. He had a natural flair for languages, preached in Maori four months after his arrival, and compiled an elementary reading book to be printed in Ngai Tahu. In November 1840 Watkin was greatly disturbed by Bishop Pompallier's visit to Otago. When, however, this was followed by Anglican intrusion – for Bishop Selwyn visited Otago in January 1844 – Watkin thought of withdrawing his own Maori teachers and abandoning the field. Never reconciled to his position at Waikouaiti, Watkin was relieved by Charles Creed and in June 1844 he sailed for Wellington, leaving 227 church members in Otago. In 1855 Watkin settled in New South Wales, and was president of the National Methodist Conference at Adelaide in 1862. He retired in 1869 and died on 14 May 1886, at Ashfield, New South Wales. 'WATKIN, James', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/1966/watkin-james (accessed 30 Apr 2018) B & W engraving from a photograph of the Rev. James Watkin.Revd. James Watkin, Australia Engraved by J. Cochran from a Photograph.