Jerusalem, or Hihuharama, as the Maoris pronounce the word, is situated fifty-one miles north from Wanganui on the left bank of that grand river. It is in the Electorate of Patea and the County of Waitotara. The settlement is considered the most picturesque on the Wanganui River. As the steamer rounds the bend nearing the settlement, the picture unfolded to the eyes of the tourist is that of a grassy knoll studded with Maori whares, quaintly constructed and carved, surrounding a very prettily designed Roman Catholic Church with a tall wooden spire. The Maori pah at Jerusalem has a population of about 200, and on the occasion of the writer's visit a large and motley gathering greeted the return of the “queen of the settlement,” Mother Mary Joseph Aubert. Jerusalem is best known as the headquarters of a French Roman Catholic Mission to the Maoris. Mails are received and despatched twice weekly in the summer months by the river-steamers, the post-office being at the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Mission. A few miles lower down the river is the settlement of Ranana (London).

Jerusalem Foundling Home was established in 1886 by Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, a member of the Roman Catholic Mission, and Superior of the Order of Our Lady of Compassion. Receiving outcast infants from any part of New Zealand, at the time of writing some thirty of these infants were housed in a comfortable home and attended by the lady superintendent and fifteen Sisters of her order. The home is maintained from the proceeds of a 700 acre farm and orchard, owned by Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, and from the sale of her well-known herbal remedies. Gifts of money or cast-off clothing are, however, thankfully accepted from charitably-disposed people, visitors being welcomed at all times. The children are well cared for, and educated when old enough for instruction.