'Ai THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ''">$ m^y^m y W-^, .>~-~-V) /7>^W'^.' rJ_1 t:iii^i4>^iiAtt .^iHttSi^^.. Miii«f(^/.*i»i*>?XiVl4il. ^;^1fc:LiA^^WU<*i;t■i ("J-if^yt ^^l^, 'Vc^- 'James Chalmers —the Great Heart of New Guinea. • A Man I love A Man that took me fairly by storm for the most attractive, simple, brave, and interesting man in the ivhole Pacific." Robert Louis Stevenson. CDe jlpostle of iDe Papuan 6ulf, C. STUART ROSS, AUTHOR OF THE SCOTTISH CHURCH IN VICTORIA, Etc., Etc., Etc. Published by M. L. HUTCHINSON, little CouLINs St., Melbourne, DEDICATED TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY, WHOSE EFFORTS FOR THE EVANGELIZATION OF HEATHEN RACES HAVE BEEN A BENEDICTION TO THE CHRISTIAN WORLD. i 1 rf?<^-<^>Q BY THE SAME AUTHOR: **The Story of the Otago Church & Settlement.*' ** Education Sc Educationists in Otago." ** Colonization & Church Work in Victoria/* **Dick Arnold: a Tasmanian Story.** ''Life & Times of D. M. Stuart, D.D.** "The Scottish Church in Victoria.** Etc., Etc., Etc. PREFACE, JAMES CHALMERS takes rank among the excellent of the earth. His life and work are a stimulus and inspiration to us to labour ever- more abundantly in the Gospel of Christ. All that he was and had he laid at the Master's feet. He endured hunger and fronted peril with unflinching and fearless heart. His love to Christ was a glowing passion in his soul. His faith in His promises never faltered. He was willing to spend and be spent in His service. Hardest and rough- est experiences could neither daunt his courage nor quench his zeal. His longing for the conversion of the heathen was deep and strong. It reminds us of that of Knox, when he cried out in the dark night in an agony of prayer, " Lord, give me Scotland, or I die." So Chalmers, more than once, with a holy daring cried, "Give me New Guinea, or I die." And, in fact, for New Guinea he laid down his life, surrendering it cheerfully, as he sometimes prophetically (as it now seems to us) said he would, in order that the light and healing power of God's Word might shine in upon the darkness of the heathen whom he loved so well. He stood out with such prominence in the Mission, prosecuting his work with such devotion PREFACE. and energy, and wielding such influence over the natives, that he was referred to in one report as " the Apostle of the Papuan Gulf." Sir William Macgregor, who knew him well, declared on a great public occasion that there was nothing strained in the definition. 1 have read with great interest, " James Chalmers : His Autobiography and Letters," by Richard Lovett, M.A. ; and to those who desire very full information regarding the life and work of Chalmers, 1 would recommend a perusal of that book, which has been published by the Religious Tract Society, London. But quite naturally, much is omitted that is of special interest to many in the Colonies, who were biought into personal con- tact with Chalmers, and whose love and practical sympathies he entirely won. To supply that omission, therefore, I decided to issue this sup- plementally volume, in the hope that it may con- tribute in some measure to the creation in oui Christian people of a deeper and more general interest in the Kvangelistic operations of ti)e agents of the London Missionary Society in British New Guinea, which has now been brought into close political touch with our own Australian Commonwealth. C. STUART ROSS. The Manse, Darlington, Victoria. 1903. CONTENTS, Page CHAPTER I. A Mission — Ardour Kindled in Dunedin . . 9 CHAPTER II. Moulding Influences, and Work at Rarotonga . 13 CHAPTER III. New Guinea 19 CHAPTER IV. Native Teachers and their Work .... 26 CHAPTER V. The Hood Bay Massacre 32 CHAPTER VI. Gospel JAght Driving Heathen Darkness Back 38 CHAPTER VII. Polygamy and its Problem .... 46 CHAPTER VIII. Trip to Mekeo 54 CHAPTER TX. Collections for Princeton Mission Cabinet . 61 CHAPTER X. Kone, the New Guinea Raiti-maker ... 67 CONTENTS— (Con«»M«i.) Page CHAPTER XI. Decked Boat— A Supreme Need of the Mission 80 CHAPTER XII. A Munificent Gift to the Mission ... 87 CHAPTER XIII. Thanksgivings 93 CHAPTER XIV. The Church's Vitality Conditioned by Aggres- siveness 98 CHAPTER XV. Political Developments — Protectorate . . 108 CHAPTER XVI. Undenominational Christian Missions . . 113 CHAPTER XVII. Sir Peter Scratchley appointed Special Com- missioner 120 CHAPTER XVIII. Honoured in Melbourne 126 CHAPTER XIX. Re-Visiting Old Scenes 132 CHAPTER XX. The P'ly River 139 CHAPTER XXI. Second Visit to Great Britain .... 145 CHAPTER XXII. Station Established at Saguane . . 152 CHAPTER XXIII. Tamate wins the Martvr's Crown . . . 160 CHAPTER I. A Mission — Ardour Kindled in DUNEDIN. \T was in July, 1877, that we first met James Chalmers and his wife at Cintra, the Dunedin residence of the Hon. Mathew Holmes. They were on their way from Rarotonga to New Guinea, and made some pause at Dunedin to visit relatives who were resident there. Mrs. Holmes, a saintly woman, htid travelled down the coast v.ith them from Wellington, and, attracted by the charm of their personality, and the robust type of their Christianity, had welcomed them as guests at her hospitable home at Anderson's Bay. We felt drawn to Chalmers at once. His force and manliness, and splendid en- thusiasm, laid their spell upon us. His talk sparkled with uncommon incident and adventure, and was stamped with such lo TAMATE. glowing earnestness and honesty, that he took us by assault. A few days later, in the Church at Anderson's Bay, he held a large audience fairly captivated by a stirring address which he delivered on Mission Work at Rarotonga and the islands of the Hervey Gro^p. He was our guest that night, and we sat on till late chatting on the great subject that lay so near his heart. The result of that talk was that we were committed to the cost of maintaining a native teacher in New Guinea. On the 7th August following a great public meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, Dunedin, by way of welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers, and to wish them success in their great Christian enterprise in the new land. Speeches full of force and fervour kindled into practical sympathy and interest the hearts of that vast audience. Mr. James McKerras, a leading merchant of the city, on that occasion called us from the platform and put £15 into our hand, which he desired us to give to the Missionary, with an engagement that an equal sum, subscribed by himself and two other merchants of the city, would be TAMATE. II paid annually for three years, to maintain an evangelist in New Guinea. The an- nouncement of that generous donation and undertaking elicited a great outburst of applause. When the Missionary rose to speak he was greeted with an enthusiastic welcome, and amid the outpourings of his thanksgivings and praise, a wistful look came into his eyes as his thoughts flashed back to the old humble home at Inverary, and a deep, sad longing was expressed that his mother could have been there to witness the splendid enthusiasm there displayed. Her recent death had scarred his heart and tinged with sadness all his joys. Mr. William Somerville, an elder of the Church, and one of the kindliest and best of men, threw himself with ardour into the mission movement now initiated, and under his guidance the Sunday School children took upon them certain obligations in regard to the New Guinea work. Mr. Eley, a member of the Church, came to us at the close of an evening service, and after some talk about the mission, handed us a cheque for £15 to be applied in aid of its prosecution. Thus men's hearts were 12 TAMATE. touched by the magnetic influence that flowed from Chalmers, and kindled into an interest that grew and glowed, and that led them to lay their gold upon the altar that the heathen might be won for Christ. Early in wSeptember Mr. Chalmers had reached Sydney on his way to his des- tination. " When we get to New Guinea," he wrote to us, "1 shall appoint your teacher and let you know his name. . . .We leave on the 20th for Somerset, where we join the Schooner at present engaged in tke New Guinea Mission, and accompany Macfarlane and Lawes to China Straits. The "Ellengowan" will not be ready for some time, so we must press on by the mail. We pray that your Sabbath School may indeed be abundantly blessed, and that the work they are now entering upon in New Guinea may be the source of great good to them. May your own dear children be richly blessed, indeed, and may they ever feel it an honour to so help in supporting an evangelist amongst the heathen. God bless them. Our love to you and yours, &c. JAMES CHALMERS." CHAPTER II. Moulding Influences, and Work at Rarotonga. ^^AMES Chalmers was born at Ardri- Srali^ shaig, Argyllshire, on August 4th, ^^iS^ 1841, and received an elementary education at his villj^e school. It was in the little Church at Inverary that the first longing to labour in the Mission field was awakened in his heart. The Rev. Mr. Meikle, the minister, for whom throughout his life he entertained the warmest aftection, read to the class one day, at the close of the Sunday School lessons, a letter from a Missionary in Fiji, which was published in the Record of the United Presbyterian Church, and which dealt with the revolting practices of heathenism, and the power of the Gospel to cleanse the polluted heart. 14 TAMATE. Tlie reading of that letter kindled a desire in young Chalmers to devote himself to Foreign Mission work. He was then only fifteen years of age, and though the im- pression which was made gave for a. little while a new direction to his thoughts , yet it passed away under force of the influences that daily operated on him. At eighteen years of age he was brought under religious conviction, which issued in conversion, and three years later, u^der a quickening of the old longing, he began to qualify himself for the srreat work on which he now set his heart. For eight months he laboured in con- nection with the City of Glasgow Mission, and was thus brought into close contact with the practical heathenism that existed in his native land. But he always looked wistfully across the seas hoping that the way would open for him to enter upon the foreign field. ]t was about this time that Dr. Turner, of Samoa, crossed his path and powerfully influenced his future move- ments. Guided by his counsel he applied to the directors of the London Missionary TAMATE. 15 Society, who, satisfied that he was the stamp of man which they required for their work, sent him to qualify in Theolog-y at Cheshunt where he remained for two years. At Highgate he remained for another year, following such lines of study as were pres- cribed for those who were designated to labour in the foreign field. Then came his marriage, in 1865, to Miss Hercus, and shortly after that he set sail for Rarotonga and was wrecked en route at Savage Island. He arrived at his destination on May 20th, 1867. Rarotonga is the largest and most pic- turesque island of the Hervey group. It is some thirty miles in circumference and has a lofty mountain range running from East to West, which is clothed with lux- uriant vegetation to its very summit. The highest peak is called Teatu-Kura, which commands a magnificent outlook over a vast extent of broken volcanic country. Forty years of Christian teaching in the Hervey group had produced good results. Outwardly the people were well advanced in Christian knowledge and civiii- i6 TAMATE. zation ; on many of them the Gospel had laid a firm grip and developed in them some of the finest traits of Christian character. But the moral tone was low, vices were rife, and against these the Missionaries had unceasingly to contend. Chief among the evils that hindered progress was intemper- ance, caused by indulgence in foreign spirits and an intoxicant manufactured locally and known as *' orange beer." Mr, Chalmers did splendid work there, and displayed a tact and courage in dealing with hostile elements that had the happiest results. He had a remarkable power of adapting himself to circumstances and of reaching chords in the natives' hearts that vibrated to his touch, thus bringing them out of indifTerency into sympathy with Christian work. His occasional impatience of staid old methods and ways of doing things exposed him sometimes to strictures and admonitions from older workers in the Mission field. But he went on his way longing to see the Gospel triumphant and all men around him conscious of the throbbiners of a new-found life. TAMATE. 17 He was not satisfied, however, with his field of operations. His restless, fiery spirit chafed at its limitations. He felt that the islands and tribes which had been evangel- ised might now safely be left to the care of native pastors and teachers with only slight European supervision. He had an ardent desire to go out beyond the furthest reach of civilization among the very fiercest and wildest tribes and declare to them God's love in Christ. His irrepressible energy found outlet in exploring every valley and clambering over every moun- tain top in Rarotonga. That was his un- failing remedy for indisposition and depression. At last, in 1876, the Directors invited him to visit Britain, calling at New Guinea on his way. His mother still lived and longed to see him, and he had a great yearning to look into her face once more. But in December of that year he received the announcement of her death. The visit which he had projected was therefore in- definitely postponed. " The nearer I get to Christ and His Cross," he said, " the more do I long for direct contact with the i8 TAMATE. heathen/' And it was with great joy that he received instructions from the Directors of his society to proceed to New Guinea, where he knew he would find his longing abundantly gratified. On the eve of his departure from the Hervey Islands, the Mangaians presented him with the sum of £60 as a small token of their love and esteem. CHAPTER III. New Guinea. >ORTH of Australia, some 150 miles beyond the outermost fron- tier of Queensland, lies New Guinea, the largest Island in the world. It is nearly 1,400 miles in length, and some 400 miles across at its broadest part, and is separated from Australia by Torres Straits, which are thickly studded with islands and sand banks, the busy scene of the pearl fisheries, which have now developed into an important industry. In New Guinea there are tropical forests of marvellous beauty, where vegetation wantons luxuriantly in a thousand forms of exquisite loveliness. Lofty mountain ranges, the birth-home of innumerable rivers, hide their summits amid mists and snows. The Owen- Stanley range which, forty miles back from the sea-board, rises to a height of some 13,205 feet, is said 20 TAMATE. to have a swarming population dwelling in villages biult on its ridges and spurs. The countless streams, which in the rainy season rush down the gorges and valleys from those stupendous heights, flood the low lands, and turn many of them into a vast morass, the fertile cause of the deadly fevers which make havoc of the health of the Christian teachers, who have gone thither from other isles. The climate of the South- Eastern coast, which is higher than the other side, is comparatively healthy from the wholesome influences which the trade winds exert \\\}on it. The country is des- cribed as generally fertile, abounding with streams and inland lagoons, which swarm with ducks, and are the home of crocodiles, of which the natives stand in constant dread. There seem to be two distinct races inhabiting the island, the Malayan and the Papuan, which differ from one another in colour and habits, and in the way in which they treat their women. The houses of the Coast tribes are built on lofty piles or trees, probably for safety from incursions of crafty foes. TAMATE. 21 The condition of the heathen population of the country awakened interest in the London Missionary Society, which sent out agents to break up ground as early as 1871. Native teachers from various islands in the South Pacific were also located at various points. Tn 1874 the Rev. W. G. Lawes joined the Mission as superintendent of the Malayan or Eastern branch, with Port Moresby as his centre of operations. Mr. Chalmers, with such a field before him, vast and unexplored, entered upon his work with glowing zeal and heart aflame to win the heathen for Christ. Towards the end of the year there came to us from Murray Island a marvellous collection of butterflies of unusual size, and with gorgeously tinted wings ; and, later on, we received specimens of products of the land, which told of illimitable sources of commercial wealth, which only enterprise and capital are needed to develop. Mr. Chalmers moved about unceasingly, opening new Stations, placing teachers, and visiting Mission districts already formed. 22 TAMATE. A noble contribution to the Mission cause was made by the native Churches of Raiatea and Rarotonga, which sent twenty additional teachers to the New Guinea field. But all too soon difficulties and disasters began to gather and thicken around the heroic band that laboured there. The malarious climate and the want of proper food seriously affected their health, and some were removed by death, while others fell victims to the treachery of those whom they sought to evangelize. Early in 1878 Mrs. Chalmers made splendid exhibition of her dauntless courage and faith when, during the absence of her husband for six weeks on matters of urgency connected with the welfare of the Mission, she, of her own will, decided to remain among the wild Suau tribe in order that the work might not suffer hindrance, and that the native teachers might have the cheer and the moral support of her presence. And that sublime act of moral daring had the best effect on the native mind. " They trust us/' the savages said, " We must treat them kindly. They cannot mean us harm, or Tamate would not have TAMATE. 23 left his wife behind." It is one of the most luminous pages in the history of Missions, that which exhibits to our view the frail, cultured woman, left alone among a wild cannibal tribe, with only a few native teachers around her, whose couraj^e she had to sustain as best she could. But the strain to which she was then subjected was too much for her. Her vitaility fell low. She lost the power of resisting the enervating influence of climate, and, under date, South Cape, New Gumea, 29th August, 1878, Mr. Chalmers wrote to us : — *' The enclosed translations explain themselves. If I have time I shall send you a copy of ' My trip across the Peninsula.' You may do what you like with it — publish or burn it. " I have got a collection of curios and insects for the Dunedin Museum, but will not be able to send them on until ' John Williams ' leaves in November. I shall send the whole to you, and ask you to present them. The insects had better be given to an expert, and ask him to make a complete 24 TAMATE. collection for you. My collections of plants go to Baron von Miiller. " Mrs. Chalmers is not well, and may have to go to the colonies. If so, we shall leave next week for Cooktown. I am in excellent health, much lighter than when in Dunedin this time last year. Hence in much better trim for travelling. " We are expedient friends with the cannibals, go about with them, sleep with them, eat with them, and sit to all hours yarning with them. They are not bad fellows, and can appreciate kindness. " 31st August . . . Piri's letter 1 think interesting. Parts I have translated separ- ately. You will see why. I know all is interesting to you. 1 had to translate right off, and have not been able to revise and copy. " I hope soon to clear up about Orangerie Bay lagoon and the different rivers flowing into it. Our united love to you all. Pray for us that we mav be strong in His strength, and evermore live TAMATE. 25 near to our Lord Jesus. We remember you. Affectionately yours, JAMES CHALMERS." Mrs. Chalmers went to Sydney, and died there on 19th February, 1879. " It was evident to all," the Rev. J. P. Sunderland wrote to us, " she could not recover. She had every care which loving friends could show to her, but she fell asleep in Jesu,s." Mr. Chalmers had been arranging a visit to the Home-land, but his wife's last v/ords to him — " On no account leave the teach- ers " — determined him to go back to work ; and with chastened spirit he threw himself with renewed energy into it, striving thus to overmaster the sorrow which had so deeply bruised his heart. The translations referred to were those of letters received from Piri and Pi, the former being the evangelist supported by the Anderson's Bay Sunday School, and the latter by Mr. McKerras and his friends. CHAPTER IV. Native Teachers and Their Work. SKj^HE mortality among the native *^Ji3^ teachers distressed Mr, Chalmers cS^sr^ greatly. They held a large place in his heart. Many of them had been trained by himself at Rarotonga. In many respects they did admirable work, but they had no toughness of fibre to resist the miasmatic fever that smote so many of them down. Those native evangelists we are apt to hold of small account, we are slow to appreciate their courage and devotion, and the great longing that sometimes fills their hearts to carry the lamp of truth to heathen lands. With full knowledge of the perils to which they would be exposed, the Rarotongans left the quiet security of their island homes to pluck the standard from their dead comrade's hands, and to carry it forward into the thickest of the fight. Mr. TAMATE. 27 Chalmers knew their worth, and was always eager to honour them. He never allowed either them or their labours to be depreciated. Many of them wielded an influence that was sometimes powerful, and that was wholly for good. They not only taught the people and exhibited in their view the purity and beauty of a consistent Christian life, but they also translated portions of Scripture into the language of the country, which effectively helped on the evangelization of the tribes. Piri, and Pi, and Ruatoka were splendid types of native Christians and evangelists, whose praises Mr. Chalmers never ceased to sing. And they were utterly devoid of ambition, always willing to make sacrifices and endure toil, without any itching desire for applau,se and fame. It was to save precious lives so often decimated by malaria, that Mr. Chalmers projected a Training Institution at Port Moresby, where natives of New Guinea might be educated to become teach- ers and evangelists to their coiintrymen. An imperative need of the native teach- ers was a boat, and on 1st April, 1879, Mr. Robert Brown, of Dunedin, who took a deep 28 TAMATE. and intelligent interest in Mission work, sent us a che(iue for £35 which had been subscribed, and which was forwarded to the Rev. J, P. Sunderland, in aid of the New Guinea Boat Fund. And, in response to an appeal made to them by Mr. Chalmers, the native Churches of Mangaia subscribed to the same fund the sum of £66 18s., collected by them on one Sabbath day. In April Mr. Chalmers returned to Dunedin, and gave eloquent and fervent addresses on his work in New Guinea in the Anderson's Bay, and other Churches. He was greatly changed and reduced in weight. Sorrow had left its ravages upon him. But the old fire in the eye and magnetic rinsr m the voice with their wonted power searched and thrilled men's hearts. The following letter addressed to the children of the Sunday School, will show the spirit with which the Native teachers prosecuted their work : — "Blessings on you from God and Jesus Christ our Saviour. 'Tis 1, Piri, who write this letter of love to you, that you may know the nature of our stay in New Guinea now. We are doing our T AM ATE. 29 Master's work, every day trying to per- suade the people to become people of Jesus, teaching that the people may know the Word of God, — and some already know how to read, and now we follow on, that they may become as members of the Church of Jesus, and New Guinea must become a Kingdom of Jesus. Children, 'tis that I seek, that 1 may obtain some souls from New Guinea as a hand-l^earing presentation in God's presence. God's talent is in my hand, and 1 am buying (bartering) now, that I may other talents beside obtain, and I make known that all-powerful and all- glorious Name in the presence of the people, that they may receive Jesus as life for their souls. If they live I have obtained more talents for my Master. Should no soul be saved Idv my making known the Name of Jesus, then truly I am like unto the servant who hid the talent of his lord. That is my great fear, lest I should become a worthless and lazy servant and be thrown out into the darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth . . Bless- ings on you from God, through Jesu,s Christ." Tis I, PTRT. BOERA. 30 TAMATE. Mr. Chalmers wrote to us under date, March 4, 1880 :— "My dear Brother— With the teacher, I say, too, 'Blcssinors on you and yours.' We are busy erctting wood for Church huildin":, and hope to have a good house up very soon. Assisted by two teachers and two natives, we are trans- latintr Matthew, i hope to be able to keep at it until we have s^ot to the end of Mark. At odd times the teachers have translated Catechisms, which I am revisinj^, and with new hymns, may soon be able to send to press. "1 hope in opening the new Church to baptize a few natives who are now in class, and whose progress is cheering. T feel con- fident we have not much longer to wait ; the wall gives way, and we must enter in. "We are now riijht in our wet season, and some days you would be astonished to find it so cold, sufficient for warm clothes — thermometer, 75 deg. 1 wonder how 1 would stand the Highlands now; not well, 1 fear. Fancy being snowed up in Lochaber, or, worse still, in a carriage of the High- land railway, and not able to get along. TAMATE. 31 I remember you, are now entering on your cold weather, and will laugh at our cold of 75 deg. One of our inland teachers came down lately very sick, but has returned quite well again. All on the coast are at present well." Mr. James McKerras, whose interest in Christian Missions was always keen and well sustained, announced to us his in- tention of subscribing, in conjunction with Mr. Robert Glendining, £15 a year for the support of a native teacher in New Guinea. Mr. Glendining for many years has stood well to the front as one of the most gen- erous and sympathetic friends of the Church in Dunedin. CHAPTER V. The Hood Bay Massacre. SwpH^ARLY in 1881 a sad disaster befell ^r^i the Mission in the Hood Bay Mas- tfi^s^rllj Scicre, which was perpetrated at the instance of Qu,aipo, Chief of Kalo. Twelve persons were then barbjarously slain, inchiding four Native teachers, who could ill be spared. The British Govern- ment sent Commodore Wilson in his flag- ship, the " Wolverene," to punish the murderers, and the chief and three others were killed. How Tamate's heart was torn by that cruel tragedy will appear by the following- letter from his own pen — or rather pencil. It is dated Dilend, Hall Sound, :^)Oth May. 1881 :— "Dear Brother Ross — Excuse pencil. I am living in a tent and cannot find ink. I came down here last week to begin work at Maiva, the largest district visited by me the end of last year, but a heavy sea TAMATE. 33 rolling in prevented me landing, so I re- turned here and have begun work. The natives are all out to-day cutting wood for a house. This is really the only good har- bour in all the Gulf, after leaving: Port Moresby. Some years ago we had a station on Yule Island, just opposite, but two white men having been murdered near here, the teacher was withdrawn, and since then nothing has been done. Our hope is to have stations here at Maiva, Kevai, Jokea, and Motumotu as soon as we can possibly o-et teachers, and at Naara, Cape Suckling, where my friendly queen is. "The Hood Bay Massacre was a ter- rible blow to us, but I hope not upsetting or disastrous. Lioht will arise in the dark- ness, and this cruel massacre will not be forgotten or unblessed. Eh ! brother, they were my ain bairns : three of the men and the two women were trained by me on Karotonga, and since our joining this Mis- sion we have worked together — they looking to me as to a father. It was a terrible heart-raking. The murdering of the women, infants at the breast and walking children, was horriblv cruel. Anederea's wife and 34 TAMATE. infant were pinned with one spear. You will not be astonished at mv an;ireciation of those imprecatory Psalms, and breatliing them freely. A child of five years, running from the boat to the Mission-house and calling on its father, was met and syieared by a youth who nursed him, and for two years lived about the house. I have been twice in the Bay since the massacre, but have not met a Kalo native. They are in expectation of an attack, and are prepared. We have returned the Aroma teachers ; the people and chiefs received us well. At Kerepunu and Hula they beg for teachers to supnly the places of the murdered ones. We have written to the various Institutions of the South Seas, and hope soon to re- ceive a number. Some will come via Auck- land. "How are all in your home ? How the bairns would enjoy a peep in here ! I do not suppose they would care for it beyond an hour — A good tent with fly : my bed a piece of an old canoe covered with a mat : my table a camphor-wood box, and a to- bacco case for a seat : another tent outside for a store : and, to the North, a fly for a TAMATE. 35 cook-house : natives in crowds all about, jabbering frightfully, and a sorcerer trying to make friends by appearing friendly : but these are gentlemen I dislike, and do not feel friendly. There are only three of us. Bob Samoa, and Keua, the old Port Mores- by woman who accompanied me in my inland trips : and this waif Keua says she is going wherever Tamate goes, and she is not afraid, because if Tamate lives she will live, and if they kill Tamate then they will kill her, and it will be all right. She does the cooking. I look upon this kind of life as the pepper and salt to the regular settled Mission Work. 1 expect to have a good deal of it for some time to come. "Mr. and Mrs. Lawes have returned and taken their old station. Port Moresby, the central station of the New Guinea Mission. I shall have my headquarters with them, and sally forth after a rest and other work. God help us to live out our little day for His praise and glory — in all kinds of work abundant. If only Christ is glorified all is well. "Do you know 1 never yet felt sick with hard work, but I have really been sick with 36 TAMATE. laziness and doing nothing. I have spent three weeks in an open boat, visiting in all kinds of weather, and thoroughly enjoyed it. 1 have had to tighten my belt to ease hunger, but have never had any evil con- sequences. But when resting for a time and feasting 1 have got fever. Tell the bairns honest, hard work for Christ, it matters not in what situation, will be always bles- sed, and no evil consequences will follow. ''What is the matter now ? Natives are shouting, ' Tamate, Tamate, come out quick.' Must go. It was to see the wood they had brought in for house. Poor fel- lows, they are in earnest in this house business. I hope soon they will be as earn- est in another business. ''You are right, brother, as to our ups and downs, lights and shadows. They are many, but they will lend a grand back- ground to the future. "I shall keep Princeton Museum in mem- ory. I have ju,st finished a collection for Berlin. T wonder if they will make me a Baron. Fancy your old friend Baron ! Now Tamate ! What about the world endiner ? TAMATE. 37 "... I wonder if ever I shall see you all again. My path seems plain enough. My loved one at Home ! My work for Christ here, until He shall say it otherwise. Do not suppose I am never lonely. God only knows how alone T am, and at times how I feel it. I live the past and sometimes forget it is a past. But, brother, God is Home. In Him through Christ there is all. Have you ever felt you were comforted with the insects chirping, the sough of the wind through the trees, or a solitary bird singing in his loneliness out of tune ? Or have you ever felt that your nearest companions and friends were the seemingly unattached stars overhead ? And you remembered yourself and thought, God is here, near, and loved ones who have gone within are here, near, and you have felt life change and worth living. ''Brother, Good-bye. The God of all grace bless you and yours. Love to you all. Oh, pray for me : earnestly do I ask for it." Very affectionately yours, JAMES CHALMERS. CHAPTER VI. Gospel Light Driving Heathen Darkness Back. jHE publication of the foregoing letter, and the wide distribution of copies of a brochure which we wrote on Mission Work in New Guinea, stimulated interest in the great enterprise, and Mr. Chapman, at that time a member of the Ri vert on Church, but now in the Church triumphant, came to us and said, ''The people are not doing enough for Missions, I will give five pounds a year if the con- gregation will raise other ten pounds to support a native teacher." A little boy, who is now a prominent minister of our Church in Dunedin, handed us three shil- lings which he had saved, saying, "Please use that for Christ's work among the hea- then." Another boy put into our hand a shilling, which he had earned by some hard TAMATE. 39 service ; and another handed us two pounds four shillings — all for Missions. The following letter addressed to us by Mr. Chalmers, will shew the steady progress made by the Gospel in New Guinea : — "Your very kind letter of 1st August I duly received, and, by last mail, your deeply interesting pamphlet. Your letters are as tine cool water to a thirsty soul in this sun-burnt land. "I have ink this time, brother, but no box suitable for a table, and with my wri- ting case on my knees I write, finding it easier to do so with my pencil than with ink, so pray forgive. ''I am here superintending the building of two houses to be in readiness for teach- ers expected very soon, so that they may have comfortable houses, without the hard work of putting them up when they come new to the country. To know that we are remembered in prayer by you and yours is strength and consolation, and helps us amazingly in our work. In such ways the toiling disciples may see the Master stand- 40 TAMATE. iniJ: near coming over the seas to cheer and comfort, "We are now really in the Gulf, amongst a fine sturdy lot of natives, with whom we get on amazingly well. Our camp is prim- itive. We shall be glad when our houses are hnished. Your teacher, Piri, is with me, a splendid fellow with natives, and a right good workman in every respect. I have the old Port Moresby woman again and two boys from Hood Bay. The old woman does our cooking, and the boys are for the boat. Working with natives only is slow work, and requires much patience. 1 sometimes wonder if Job's would be sufficient for them. "It will cheer you to hear that on the 1st of January twenty more natives were baptized, and seven sat down at our blessed Lord's table. In the afternoon an open service was held, when several spoke, and some said really good things, testifying to the good they had derived from the Gospel, and the effect it has had on the whole tribe, and that it is their sincere desire to follow Christ. There were natives present from TAMATE. 41 various other tribes, some formerly in mortal dread of the Port Moresby tribe, and I have no doubt they were astonished at what they heard and saw, and the effect on them must be for good. "In December we opened two Churches at Aroma (where the Chinese were murder- ed), which will become centres of light for that and surrounding districts. There are now many openings for teachers, and splen- did scope for thorough, earnest work, which I hope will soon be undertaken in a truly Christ-like enthusiastic manner. We need men in true sympathy with our Lord in His great work of man's redemption. Men living themselves near the cross will ever desire to lead tl.e heathen to the cross. "How I should like to spend an evening with you, and over a pipe talk of the work and its prospects, and hear of your work too. "The shades of evening are falling ; the curtain is being drawn, the natives are as- sembling in front, and the talk begins. Soon, the Gospel having lost none of its c 42 TAMATE. calm Christian men and women, and in the grand old power, these wild sava ... 20 Dunedin 60 I draw the above on faith.'' CHAPTER XII. A Munificent Gift to the Mission. |JN April, 1884, we received the following '^ letter, dated from Stewart Island : — "Dear Sir, — In the 'New Zealand Mis- sionary Record' for February, 1884, Mr. Chalmers, Missionary to New Guinea, re- fers to some communication made to him about a decked boat, showing at the same time, from the description given of liis journeys, his need of such a thing. Has Mr. Chalmers got a decked boat yet ? If not, would a six-ton decked boat be accept- able for his use ? I have such a boat. She is a good little boat, though small for a deck. She has sails, &c., and would not need any great outlay to make her ready for Mr. Chalmers. She cost £100 when built, a little more than a year ago. The deck might affoixi Mr. Chalmers some pro- tection from the rain he speaks of. 1 had 88 TAMATE. intended to sell the boat, but takin^r up your little 'Missionary Record,' broutrht here with me, T was reminded of Mr. Chal- mers's need, and, indeed, if he is supplied, there may be another amongst the New Hebrides, working for CJod in your Mission service, who would be very Jome fulness in "Work and Adventure in New Guinea,"' we abstain from re- prof New Guinea, which lay so close to our Australian North- ern boundary. The discovery of gold also awakened interest, and allured adventurous bands of miners across the intervening strip of sea, to explore and prospect the country, These may have been in some measure con- tributory to the movement for the estab- lishment of a British Protectorate over New Guinea. But the main reason that influ- enced the Government to take that step was TAMATE. 109 a political one. namely, a determination to forestall annexation of the Sou,th-Eastern portion of the island by a foreign power. The Missionaries would have preferred that things should remain as they were ; but as that seemed to be impossible, they regarded British annexation as the next best thing that could happen in the interest of the natives. It was a time of great anxiety and distress to Mr. Chalmers, who foresaw, in certain contingencies, great perils to the natives whom he and his brother Mission- aries had done so mu,ch to advance. There were two things which he strenuously op- posed, namely, the alienation of the lands, and the expatriation of the people to labour on the sugar plantations of the adjacent colony. Two men, representing a Sydney syndi- cate, had bought, as tliey alleuwl, 1.5,000 acres of fine sugar countiy in New (luinea, for one penny an acre. The native who sold it had no right to it ; the real chief and owner had neither been seen nor had he re- ceived an equivalent ; he had no knowledge even of the traiisaction. Mr. Chalmers, in a red glow of indiLnuition at what he retrarded no T AM ATE. as unprincipled sjjoliation of a helpless people, never rested till the alleged claim to the land had been withdrawn. Through personal interviews with Queensland Minis- ters, through correspondence with the Imperial Government, on the platform, and in the columns of the press he insisteil that the human rights of the natives should be respected, and that they should not be torn from their homes and placed in enforced servitude in a foreign land. His noble and chivalrous defence of the poor savages who loved and trusted him had something in it unspeakably touching and pathetic. When Commodore Erskine arrived at New Guinea to proclaim the Protectorate, Mr. Chalmers, alonof with Mr. Lawes, x-en- dered service of great value and importance in gathering the chiefs together, instructing them in the real nature of the proceedings, translating and explainintr the terms of the proclamation, and the full signification of the public ceremonial. Without the help of the Missionaries, the Commodore confessed, insuperable difficulties would have fronted him in the performance of the duties which he was appointefl to fulfil. Anr) there is no TAMATE. Ill doubt that the lines of policy pursued by the Government are mainly those which were suy:gested by Messrs. Chalmers and Lawes for the control of the tribes and the economic administration of the country. More than most men are willing; to ack- nowledtre we are indebted to Missionary de- votion and enterprise for the development of trade and the expansion of Empire, and for the ever-orowing enlarL'^ement of the boundaries of scientific and Lfeographical knowledge. "When J iinisJied with the Commodore," Mr. Chalmers wrote to us, "and Mr. and Mrs. Lawes went on in the F'laijship. J re- turned from Peste Island to South Cape, where we had youno" New Guinea teachers and their wives from our College, awaiting me to be landed— a kind of firstfruits to be given in evangelistic work to the Lord of the harvest. T placed four teachers at new stations, and when finished came on here and placed four more. Before the arrival of all the warships. I placed one at Kivori, near Cape Possession, making in all nine. They were good, earnest men and women, who long had been with our South Sea 112 TAMATE. Island teachers, and for a few years at Col- lesre here. The services setting them apart were full of interest and great blessing, and they have '.rone out full of enthusiasm to do work for Him whom they love, to lead their ccnintrvmen to Him. T wish you could have seen them, and felt the thrill of pleasure when these ofterincrs were laid on Christ's altar. Everywhere they had good recep- tions. We know the Harvest Lord will not forsake them, and we may expect good work. Tt can only be a wee while now, and He'll come to look us up. May we have sheaves to shew Him, and may these New Guineans have many. "1 shall see Piri, and keep him up to the mark. I wish T could only keep Tamate up to it. Gill has all my papers. 1 must get the spirit of ink. and write one or two for the 'Record.' Love to yc-u all. and all bles- sinofs descend on vou all. . . ." CHAPTER XVI. Undenominational Christian Missions. ^p OON after our settlement in Victoria, '^ we projected issuing a Mission paper, to be conducted largely on the lines of our ''New Zealand Record," giving ample space in it to the publication of Missionary operations in New Guinea, and to the work generally of that marvellously successful and honoured organization, the London Missionary So- ciety. But for various reasons, which appeared cogent enough to us in the cir- cumstances, we were constrained, to our keen disappointment, to ai)andon the oiiter- prise, in the hope that differences of opinion in some of the great Mission agencies represented in the Colonies, and the friction engendered by tliesc. niiirht so far disappeai- as to lead to cordial harmony of action and to practical, if not formal, co-operation in ac- 114 TAMATE. complishintj the sublime aim which they held in common, to conquer the heathen world for Christ. it has always seemed to us, that if the .rreat organized Churches of Christendom can show a valid historical ' raison d'etre ' for their separate existence, they can show none for isolated action in Christian Mis- sions — for perpetuating denominational differences in pagan lands. A grand com- bination of evangelizing agents and concen- tration of financial resources moving; forward in holy crusade against the follies and pollutions of heathenism, would be more impressive and eCiective than the present mode of working ; they would broaden sympathy, stimulate interest, lift the Churches' efforts to higher ground with loftier outlook, if there were blazoned on all the banners planted in heathen soil, NOT FOR DENOMINATTONALISM, BUT ALL FOR CHRIST. Hence we think the London Missionary Society, in the undenominational aspect which it presents in all its work, is worthy of admiration and substantial support from Christians of everv name. TAMATE. 115 ''Your letter is so to the point," Mr. Chalmers wrote to us, under date. Port Moresby, 19th August, 1885, ''and the object in view so clear, that I shall send it to the Mission House at once. Get Gill to assist you with papers ; he writes well, and is full of Mission news. A few weeks ago I had a large case of valuables for Piri. I divided them out between Piri, Ruatoka, Isaako, and Pi. Piri also yot parcels en- closed, addressed to him and wife. Mr. Somervilie sent the case. 1 acknowledged it a few days ago. . . . "Is it not too true that the Christian Church has neglected her opportunity ? The apathy in reference to Christ's com- mand is indeed depressing. "Mr. Lawes tells me that Mr. KinL'", of St. Kilda, Congregational Minister, has a splendid macic lantern, with good slides. You might get it for a while from him. I do not know King personally ; he is an old Samoan Missionary, and was, and is highly spoken of as a man and a mini.^^ter. "At present 1 am a prisoner from a sprained foot, now getting bietter, and ii6 TAMATE. hope the fetter;^ will be taken oft" in a day or two. Until now, since Mr. and Mrs. Lawes arrived, 1 liave been on the move, and but for my foot would now be at Aroma. "Have you heard the Eomanists have come to Yule Island, right in the centre of our Gulf work ? What is the use of saying anything ? We can only work and pray, and pity tlic poor natives, who will not know what to believe. "Our teachers are all well. At Saroa two new churches have been opened, and last week several were baptized at Kapa- kapa, and Kaile, and at Aroma, Kerepunu, Delena, and Maiva, there are good catechumen classes. At Kalo the teacher is getting on well, and has a fine large Church nearly iinished. The schools are not nearly so well attended as I could wish, hence that branch of oui- work is very discouraging to the teachers. In the College there is life^ and many are the applications for admis- sion. "I hope, as 1 ordered, you have got 'Work and Adventure.' It is possible another volume will apr)ear next year. TAMATE. 117 "I leave next month for the West, where I shall stay some time in new dis- tricts. The 'Blessing' (Hanamoa) has done splendid service, and, although small, has proved herself a capital sailer, and able to stand a gale of wind. If I could get a good offer for her, do you think the kind and noble giver would be vexed if I sold her, build a larger and more suitable, and retain the name 'Blessing,' or 'Hanamoa/ the native of blessing ? T should not like to hurt the feelings of the true-hearted man who gave her. . . ." "Work and Adventure in New Huinea," by Mr. Chalmers, contains remarkably in- teresting sketches of Papuan life as he saw it in the interior. Professedly Christian people, who boldly aver that the heathen are happy enough in their natural state, should read that book and the companion volume by the same author — 'Pioneering in New Guinea.' The information given there might lead them to change their opinion regarding the utility and value of Christian Missions to the heathen. The religion of the New Guinea tribes, we are told, is one of fear. They tremble at the falling of a ii8 TAMATE. leaf, the flight of a bird, the appearance of a strang-er in the land. The story of the deep degradation into which they had sunk is narrated to us with directness, sim- plicity and graphic skill ; and there, we learn, the Gospel has achieved some of its highest triumphs, and exhibited its iivine power, as in days of old, to transform into meek and lowly followers of Christ, and into devoted and heroic extenders of His Kingdom, some of the basest and Laost polluted thralls of a cruel and pitiless heathenism. The two volumes give a ,nost animated account of Missionary explor- ation and work in New Guinea, and form a valuable addition to the literature of the great Society which has done so much to scatter the darkness of heathenism in many lands. ''Mr. Chalmers has just sent me," Dr. Wyatt Gill wrote to us, ''his Journal for 1884, written in pencil. Would it not suit the pages of your Missionary Periodical ? 1 am glad that you are pleased with the book on New Guinea. May it serve as an impetus to the Missionary spirit and enter- prise I" "Keep Chalmers' M.S. for your TAMATE. 119 own periodical," he wrote later on, "as that would please our friend best. . . ." The record of work referred to may be found in "Pioneerine in New Guinea." CHAPTER XVII. Sir Peter Scratchley appointed Special Commissioner. ^^^ENERAL Sir Peter Scratchley was Mc^ij; appointed by the British Govern- "^^^-^"^^ ment to the office of Special Com- missioner in New Guinea, soon after the Protectorate was proclaimed, and no man could have been chosen better fitted than he for the important position which he was called to fill. Full of sympathy with the Missionaries in their work, and with clear recognition of the advantages which they possessed in their knowledge of the charac- ter and habits of the natives, and in the great moral influence which they had ac- quired over them, he was specially desirous of associating Mr. Chalmers with himself in his visits to the various districts that required attention, and in his dealings with TAMATE. 121 the chiefs with whom he was brouj^ht officially into contact. Indeed it would have gratified him exceedinsjly could he have persuaded Mr. Chalmers to accept some office of administrative trust mder himself, and devote to the service of the Crown those splendid gfifts, which com- manded the homage of savage races, and won for him their unfaltering confidence and trust. But nothing could induce him to swerve from the lofty service to which he had consecrated all his powers. His work as a Missionary he held to be of supreme importance, and everything else was sub- ordinated to that. in the interest of the people whom he loved, however, he was willing to render all possible help to '.heir civic rulers, and to smooth the pathway for their feet. His work as an explorer and as an intelligent extender of the boundaries of science, attract od attention both in the Colonies and at Lome, and his papers and collections describing and illustrating the physical geography, flora and fauna of New Guinea, not only awakened interest both in the Colonies and in European lands, but drew men's eyes upon him as one possessed of rare daring and fertility of resource, and 122 TAMATE. such coniidence was reposed in his judement and special qualifications for the position, thai more than once he was offered, and promptly refused, the leadership of ex- peditions equipped by learned societies and others, for exploration and research in that great unknown land. Bu,t his Divine Work ! Ambassador for Christ to the Heathen ! Bearer of the Glorious Gospel of God's errace to those, whose very misery voiced their clamant need of its Divine consol- ations. Ah, he felt that he could never turn aside from that to take uji anything- that the world could offer him. On 6th Janu,ary, 1886, Mr. Chalmers wrote to us from Port Moresby as follows : — "Your kind letter of the 23rd October last 1 received a few weeks ago. on my return from the East end, where 1 had been with the late General Scratchley. When at South Cape I baptized thirteen, and a few weeks asTO Mr. Lawes baptized at Boera, Piri's station, five. At various other stations there are classes of catechumens, men and women, waiting to be visited. "I hope your book is out, and that it will have a largre circulation and do much TAMATE. 123 good. I am sorry you are away from New Zealand, bu,t 't is the Master's work wher- ever you are. I am glad you have got to a more agreeable climate, and a sphere that opens more of life to you. May you be abundantly blessed in your every work, and know that Christ is. glorified ! ''You are right about over-urging money claims upon your people. We are too apt to give the Church the idea that our religion, our very faith, is money, and money only. 1 dislike the begging- system much. When a Church lives, there will be no lack of funds for all her work. ''General Scratch ley's death was a terrible blow to us. We liked him much, and we felt he was indeed a fit man to in- augurate the New Guinea TJovernment. In his great anxiety to become acquainted with the people and country he overworked himself. He was a very temperate man in food and drink, and we did not fear the climate would take serious effect upon him. He was only ill a very short time, and we hoped the quick run to Australia would quite set him up. and a few quiet months 124 TAMATE. at Hobart with Lady Scratchley and cliil- dren would so renew him, that his return next season was secure. 'Tis otherwise; we must submit. The (general would have actetl ritrht by both races, and would not be led by any party. Did you ever meet him ? We cannot help wondering what the next New Guinea chapter will be ; we won- der and we pray. '*We are now in our North- West Mon- soon, and since Christmas have had plenty of rain. "We have got two new Missionaries from England. I trust they may be kept in health and prove true workers, thorough Christ-men, and ha,ve many years of gjlorious work in this land. "The 'Hanamoa' does good work, but she is too small. In the present state of the Society's funds we must be satisfied and wait. The great distress in Britain tells much on the Mission funds. I suppose you also feel it in the Colonies, . . ." The "next New Guinea chapter," about which Mr, Chalmers felt some anxiety, was TAMATE. 125 entirely satisfactory in its opening, and in its political developments. An unwise ap- pointment to administer the affairs of the Protectorate might have seriously impeded the progress of the Mission, and caused much harm to the natives by sowing in their minds the seeds of suspicion and dis- trust, thus hindering their educational and social upliftinu'. Tlie Missionaries therefore welcomed the appointment that was rnn.Je as a happy autjurv for the future prosperity of the country. CHAPTER XVIII. Honoured in Melbourne. pElARLY twenty years hat! passed since Mr. Chalmers, accompanied by his yoiui!^ bride, had sailed fiom English shores to take up work at Raro- tonga. Years full of joys and full of triumphs they had been, and with no small share of perils and sorrows. The Directors of his Society had repeatedly recpiested him to lay aside his work among the heathen for- a while and visit the H<^mc-land. ('ut he shrank from leaving his post. His diffi- dence, and tendency to underrate his own fitness to undertake the deputation work, which he knew would be thrust upon him, made him reluctant to move. But the vast- ness of the work that lay to hand, the urgency of the needs of those swarming tribes, who were living in pitiful darkness and dying in absolute ignorance of 'Jod, TAMATE. 127 pressed upon his spirit and stamped out his scruples ; and he Ijraced himseh' ap to tell out in the face of the Britisli peonle how alone New (Guinea could be won for Christ. Four months after the date of his last letter to us, he was in all the bustle of preparation for a visit to l\nsrland. Mr. Chalmers, always on the watch to commend the Mission to the Christian public, addressed meetings in the larger Australian centres. On his arrival in Mel- bourne, he received a great public welcome in the Independent Church, Collins Street. The Governor, vSir Henry Loch, who [)re- sided on that occasion, said : — " . . \Vhile we view with admiration and respect Mr. Chalmers' Missionary laljours, the country owes him a debt of gratitude for his services to the State. Whenever differences have arisen — which 1 am sorry to say has not infrequently l")een the case — between the natives and l^^uropetins who have