Octavius Hadfield
[extract from the diary of Octavius Hadfield]
Dec. 17th . . . Went to school at 5 o'clock. The numbers have increased since yesterday, but I have not yet sufficiently ascertained their knowledge to classify them. Was much pleased and delighted with it. After breakfast rode to Otaki on the hard sandy beach and carried a few books in my pocket. Went first to Pakakutu, and was much pleased with the chief Ruru to whom I gave a testament and some small books. He appeared very grateful. He is I trust really drawn to spiritual things. I then went to Rangiuru and sat for an hour and a half with Watanui and his sons. I gave him and each of his sons a book. I learnt from some notes to natives that Mr. Williams was at Rangitikei, having met a party of natives coming from Taranaki to join these people. He remained there and persuaded them to return. I rode back to Waikanae.