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Samuel Ironside Diaries- The Wairau Incident

Last Modified: 14-2-2019 21:25

Part Three The Wairau Massacre 28 December 1842. For some time back my middle finger has been very painful from a bite which festered much, so that I have not been able to use my pen. Now that it is a little relieved I take it up to record a most horrid tragedy which has lately occurred in this place. Rangihaura a native female living here with a respectable European of the name of Wynen has been cruelly murdered along with her little boy about 18 months old, during Mr. Wynen's absence at Nelson. Both their heads have been cut & mangled in an awful manner. The murderer is not yet discovered, though several of us have our suspicions. From all the circumstances, I should judge that some European has lusted after her and finding her unwilling to consent, had forced her, and found it necessary to murder her in order to cancel his crime. Rash attempt!!. The God of Heaven saw him & How true are St James's words. Them when lust hath conceived, it bringith forth death". I trust that this will awaken our drowsy senses. Sunday Morning January 1st 1843. Let me record the grace and mercy of God in Christ. I am permitted to begin a New Year. I had many trials last year but praise the Lord I had more mercies. I had a very little sickness but generally speaking. I was very healthily all the year round. How numerous were my spiritual mercies!. We read the 103rd Psalm at family prayer, & truly my soul feeling joined that of the Psalmist in the delightful exercise of recounting the goodness of God. Last night was our watch night. My heart felt the solemnity whilst I was directing the congregation in Rev. 20-11-13. The addresses of the native Local preachers were very good especially PARATEUE and PARAMEUA: We concluded the very interesting service at 1/4 past 12 this morning O Lord. I will by thy help, be more watchful & thoughtful this year than I was last. I do promise to spend more time in private for I have been very very guilty in this matter. LORD HELP ME!

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Samuel Ironside Diaries- The Wairau Incident. (2019) Retrieved March, 28, 2024, from https://www.marlboroughonline.co.nz/marlborough/information/history/samuel-ironside-diaries-the-wairau-incident/samuel-ironside-ii

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