Waka to Jerusalem

HERITAGESERIES7

Salvation Army Waka to Jerusalem

Māori Ministry on the Whanganui River

Caroline Wardle

Selwyn Bracegirdle

On 10 June 1888, in The Salvation Army hall, Taranaki Street, Wellington, known as "The Salvation Factory", two thousand people witnessed the handing of the flag by Mrs Colonel Taylor to Captain and Mrs Holdaway. Instead of the words, 'Blood and Fire' the flag carried the translation, 'He Toto He Ahi'. "Three Māori converts, wearing handsome flax mats, stood with the Holdaways on the platform

- Eruera Ranginia [Rangiuia], Mrs Hearn and Maraea Morris."

ARCHIVES

The Heritage Series is a collection of historical material from the Heritage Centre & Archives of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga & Samoa Territory.

The series brings to life the histories of a wide range of people, artifacts, images, records, events, places, work and mission of The Salvation Army.

HERITAGE SERIES 7

Salvation Army Waka to Jerusalem – Māori Ministry on the Whanganui River by Caroline Wardle and Selwyn Bracegirdle

© The Salvation Army Heritage Centre & Archives

New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

May 2023

ISSN 2624-3865 (Print) | ISSN 2624-3873 (Online)

The content of this publication has been sourced from The Salvation Army Heritage Centre & Archives’ physical and digital collection, unless otherwise stated. All War Cry references are from the New Zealand War Cry, unless otherwise stated.

The views, comments statements and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the official position of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army Heritage Centre & Archives

Te Rua Mahara o Te Ope Whakaora

Booth College of Mission

20 William Booth Grove, Upper Hutt 5018 PO Box 40542, Upper Hutt 5140

Phone: + 64 4 528 8628 ext 65051

Email: archives@salvationarmy.org.nz

The Heritage Centre & Archives also has a webpage on which you can find information and articles of interest: https://archives.salvationarmy.org.nz/

The War Cry 23 June 1888.

Cover illustration: By C Jones for The War Cry.

1) The War Cry references are given with each example, and are quoted with the spelling of that time.

2) Te Ope Whakaora - The Army that Brings Life. A collection of documents on The Salvation Army & Maori 18842007. Edited by Harold Hill. Published by Flag Publications 2007, The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. Referred to throughout as Te Ope Whakaora (ed. Hill).

3) Fight the Good Fight - the Story of The Salvation Army in New Zealand 1883-1983. Cyril R. Bradwell. Published by A.W. & A.H. Reed Ltd 1982. Referred to throughout as Fight the Good Fight (Bradwell).

Te timatānga ō taonga tuku iho | Beginnings of our heritage

‘Waka to Jerusalem’ is an amazing point in time for The Salvation Army beginning its journey with Māori. While there is no definitive explanation of the Māori translation for The Salvation Army we do have evidence of its use and origin in time through The War Cry - Te Ope Whakaora and earlier Te Taua Whakaora.

‘Waka to Jerusalem’ reveals how the events of this time unfolded in history. We believe it is important for the Salvation Army to provide a perspective on the start of its mission to Māori and this publication is our interpretation of this journey.

Humbly, we have endeavoured to communicate the thoughts of The Salvation Army: Te Ope Whakaora on the beginning of this our shared heritage.

An Introduction | The War Cry Articles | 2, 9 &16 November 1889

The War Cry, published by The Salvation Army, carried in November 1889 for three weeks, a series of articles reporting on ministry to Māori living along the banks of the Whanganui River. These articles originated after a three day waka journey up the river from Whanganui to Jerusalem (Hiruharama), by a party of Salvationist travellers. The group included officers and soldiers, some who lived in the river communities, others from Whanganui who had made the trip before, and for some it was a first time visit. This included the Colony Commander, Colonel Josiah Taylor, who was an avid traveller and wrote the accounts published in all of the three War Crys.

Colonel Taylor, or 'The Colonel', as he referred to himself, provided a first-hand perspective of the travel undertaken and life as he saw it on the river. He added biographical details and testimonies from local Māori Salvationists and officers. The Colonel gave particular mention to Adjutant Ernest Holdaway (Enata Horowe), who was instrumental in establishing ministry in several settlements on the Whanganui River. Holdaway contributed an autobiographical account, published in the 9 November 1889 edition of The War Cry. The three weeks of articles were accompanied by detailed line drawings, maps and timetables. Places visited, distances travelled and population numbers were listed, providing significant historic and social information of time.

Map source: Te Ope Whakaora, The Army That brings Life edited by Harold Hill, 2007, p.418.

The Whanganui River | The Origins of Ministry

In January 1888 Captain Ernest Holdaway married Lieutenant Elizabeth (Lizzie) Edwards. As a young man, Lizzie had introduced him to The Salvation Army in Nelson. After their wedding they proceeded to Napier, as Captain Holdaway had been appointed to this corps, in November 1887 with Cadet De Blois. However in March 1888 De Bois had a change of appointment to Whanganui and it would not be long before Captain Ernest and Lizzie Holdaway would find themselves in the same region. A new ministry awaited them there - one that would capture their hearts.

In 1888, it was five years since The Salvation Army held its inaugural service in New Zealand and several days of celebrations began on 19 May, in Christchurch. There it was announced that the newly married Holdaways would begin a new ministry among the Māori population along the Whanganui River.

On 10 June 1888, in The Salvation Army hall, Taranaki Street, Wellington, known as "The Salvation Factory", two thousand people witnessed the handing of the flag by Mrs Colonel Taylor to Captain and Mrs Holdaway. Instead of the words, 'Blood and Fire' the flag carried the translation, 'He Toto He Ahi'. "Three Maori converts, wearing handsome flax mats, stood with the Holdaways on the platform - Eruera Rangiuia [mis-spelt Ranginia in The War Cry], Mrs Hearn and

Maraea Morris."

Lieutenant De Blois, believed to be of Māori heritage, was now in Whanganui and would join the Holdaways in this innovative venture.

The War Cry 23 June 1888 pg1. Standing is Eruera Rangiuia; seated in uniform on the left is Captain Holdaway; seated in uniform on the right is Elizabeth Holdaway. Maraea Morris is on the left and Mrs Hearn on the right. This group travelled with De Blois to Whanganui in the year preceding the Waka to Jerusalem.

DAY ONE | Off to Jerusalem | The Beauty of the River and the Delights of Salvation

This first article utilised the full front page of The War Cry and is titled "Off to Jerusalem. BY THE COLONEL" (Colonel Josiah Taylor). At this time The War Cry was a large format paper and measured 280mm x 425mm, the article was therefore designed for maximum impact.

The Colony Commander stimulated reader interest with the by line, "The start from Wanganui - River Scenery - The Dangerous Rapids - Piripe and the Brandy Bottle - Potatoes and Whitebait - All about the Rob Roy - Parakino at Last."

He opened with an account of the Whanganui War Council meetings, held for local and visiting Salvationists over several days, which preceded the river journey. Major Rolfe, Lieutenant Annette Paul (who later was instrumental in establishing The Salvation Army's social services for women and children), Mrs Cumberland and her daughter and Colonel Taylor were to accompany Holdaway and a contingent of local Salvationists to make, "a combined attack upon Jerusalem".

With an 8:30 am start and after a series of fond farewells, first on land and then from the water, the waka party left Whanganui, "the volley firing, shouting, and waving of handkerchiefs both from those who were left behind (but whom we could not help thinking would jump at the chance to come) and from our party in the canoes, were immense."

The noise from Salvationists along the river bank, Taylor believed, would have let all Whanganui know that the waka had departed. He described the dimensions of the waka with care, they were 60 feet long and narrow, made from the hollowed out centre of tree trunks. "Maoris know very well how to manage them, as well as being thoroughly acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of the river." He also made a further reassuring comment about the ability of the crew to swim.

Colonel Taylor described the green of the willows by the river and the layer of hills, covered with foliage that rose "up to heaven", behind the town of Whanganui to create an evocative atmosphere complemented by the sun that shone brightly on the waka party and those gathered on the banks.

His scenic descriptions continued and he noted how the faithful dogs following them along the banks had at times to jump in the river and swim because of the steepness of the river’s slopes.

"The journey was just magnificent...the hills which rise to great heights on both sides of the river, in some places are almost perpendicular...in these places when we shouted we could hear the echo of our voice among the mountains...the sweet singing of the birds, the rushing down of the waterfalls or the roar of many waters as they dash down the rapids... The vast number of lovely ferns spreading out their large branches to meet the warm rays of the sun, the willow...with the sight of a Maori Pah every now and again... In some parts the river with its numerous bends represented a large lake."

However the highlight, amongst all this beauty he pondered upon, was the salvation of those who lived in the river communities. The impact of The Salvation Army's presence by Holdaway and his contingent was evident by groups of people wearing, "Guernseys, S's , shields and tricolour ribbon...seen on every hand...children could often be noticed in little groups singing the Army songs."

The Colonel provided an account of the life and conversion of a local man, Piripe. "He was saved at the Maori Barracks in Wanganui before meetings were started up the river - was a drunkard too. He was with us throughout the trip and not only shouted and was happy in the meetings, but worked hard at the oar during the day and kept as he said 'proper saved' all the time".

Lunch at Matahiwi | Day One Ends at Parakino

When the waka arrived at Matahiwi, the first stop, three and a half hours from Whanganui, a lunch was kindly provided, a meal of potatoes and whitebait for all the travellers. At dusk the waka arrived at Parakino and they sighted the first Māori Barracks (hall) of their journey. Here 18 months ago Holdaway and Major Lovelock had held their first Salvation Army meeting and now the Colonel reported on there being 18 soldiers. The travellers squatted on the floor and ate "...a great spread of pork and eggs, etc., etc., laid on a white cloth on the floor."

It was shortly afterwards that the Adjutant Holdaway arrived in his one person waka, which had been dedicated "Nga Tuakana" (The Brothers) on the platform at one of the Whanganui War Council meetings held prior to this trip. It had been "supplied in a very generous way by our friends the Messrs. Baker Bros., of Wellington." This waka, referred to as the Rob Roy, featured in an illustration in this edition and it is noted that while Holdaway left three hours after the main party, he arrived one hour after them. Pleased with this time for its maiden voyage. Taylor reported that Holdaway was confident in making the full journey of 53 miles from Whanganui to Jerusalem in six hours.

Taylor noted that while on the river, the local population had no access to alcohol, compared to its ready availability when they visited Whanganui, however tobacco was very prevalent. "Nearly all the Maoris smoke, men, women and children alike; but it is a notable fact that nearly all our converts have got the victory over the pipe."

The meal was followed by a meeting, which Colonel Taylor would detail further in the following week's War Cry, of 9 November. Taylor describes how the travellers settled down in the wharepuni, which slept 40 -50, "...a large room with no furniture except a number of flax mats laid on the floor. An aisle runs up the centre in which there are two or three pits for fires to be built in...there are no ventilators...except two tiny windows and a door at one end...if visitors come they take their abode here at once and food is brought to them by the people of the pah." Wrapped in blankets they prepared for sleep that first night, listening as was the custom to men speaking and discussing various topics until 3 am. The women travellers were located in different sleeping locations.

The breakfast cooked early in the morning was welcomed, "The kumaras were a rare treat , we enjoyed them much. After rations had been served out we had knee-drill, bade them good-bye, and started on the second day."

The War Cry 2 November 1889 pg1.

Adjutant A. E. A. Holdaway

The War Cry | 9 November 1889

DAY TWO | Athens | Piripe's Testimony at the Meeting at Parakino | Corinth

Colonel Taylor's account continued from the previous week's recollections and his report of day two's travels, again made the front cover of the War Cry and continued onto page 2.

Atene (Athens) was reached at 1 pm on the second day and the party was met with a hospitable welcome. A lunch of potatoes and whitebait was provided in the wharepuni, where later that evening a meeting was held prior to sleep.

In the next paragraph Colonel Taylor recounted the events of the first meeting held in Parakino on the first night of their travels. He recorded that Holdaway with his concertina led the singing in Te Reo with approximately 40 people sitting on the floor of the wharepuni.

Piripe's testimony, one of several given that first night of the journey, was featured in the article. "Good evening to all my relations. I was a bad man, drinking, smoking, I have given up all these things. My soul's saved. My heart is washed in the blood of Jesus. Now I am a soldier to carry out God's laws. His laws are not burdensome. The Salvation Army will be victorious in winning the world for God." After a solid time of testimonies, the Salvation Army waka visitors were introduced and "spoke words of cheer and encouragement to our Maori comrades."

The wharepuni on the trip were the site for all meetings and Colonel Taylor noted that the one at Koriniti (Corinth) was 60 feet long and 25 feet wide. He commented that, " There were several of Te Kooti's followers in this pah, led on by one of his Staff. They have service every morning and evening...and lasts for about fifteen minutes.. The leader rings a bell in the streets, to call the people together for service."

The Rapids

The rapids were encountered for the first time after the waka left Atene. With a reputation for being difficult and dangerous and knowing that Māori called them, 'Kaiwaka', meaning eat the waka, and 'Whakamataku', frightened, it is no wonder the party were rather apprehensive at the outset of this journey. When they came down the rapid, using poles rather than oars, as the water was shallow, the waka struck sand, "... we had scarcely recovered from the shock when one remarked, 'I thought we were going over that time'... It was very interesting to watch the movement of the men, here lifting up their poles in the air, throwing them in the water and then leaning upon them with all their might. The Te Kai Urungi, or steersman shouting out 'akina', which means push it along, or 'whakawhina', which means twist it along. And sometimes breaking out into English with 'Altogether!'. It gave one a rather dizzy feeling, to be surrounded by angry waters, which every now and then splashed into the canoe and rushed past you with great speed... above you the beautiful sky is rapidly passing in another direction."

The War Cry 9 November 1889 pg1.

A hearty welcome was received at Jerusalem on the afternoon of the third day. Tamatea Aurunui, a chief of Ngatihau-nui-a-Paparangi, stood on the river bank holding a sword with a group of Salvationists shouting, singing and moving to the tune.

As they arrived, a number of Māori on the waka began to openly grieve the death of a local chief, who had died two months earlier. "...this, being the first time these Maoris had visited the pah since his decease...we had no idea of this going to take place, but here they stand, weeping and mourning...who have been bright and cheerful...now moved to tears... It is their custom when a man dies, for all the people in the pah, first to hold a tangi and mourn for him, and then they send the news to all the pahs round, inviting them to come for the same purpose... When the tangi is held, the visitors stand in a row facing the people of the pah, the women squatting on the ground in front of the men, and all mourn and cry."

After greetings had occurred, they all proceeded to the wharepuni for more speeches of welcome. Colonel Taylor noted details of the welcome where locals as they spoke walked up and down, one even with spear in hand who ran and jumped and shouted his words of welcome, "Haeremai, Haeremai, Haeremai."

Taylor described the hongi ceremony, "...each person greets another in their turn, giving at the time a sympathetic moan." The plentiful kai served in a processional way by local women was appreciated by the guests.

The Colonel observed how the variety of house building materials, the clothing worn and outdoor games played by the children, reflected a mix of two cultures.

The War Cry 9 November 1889 pg1.

The War Cry 9 November 1889 pg2.

The War Cry 9 November 1889 pg2.

DAYS GATHERED TOGETHER | Meetings | Testimonies | Departure from Jerusalem

From The War Cry account meetings were held at Jerusalem in the morning and at night over several days in an upstairs room. Numbers reached up to 60 and musical accompaniment included a drum and band. Testimonies were given by Turahui and Tamatea Aurunui, a chief and his daughter, Maria who said, "I have got the power to overcome... I used to be ashamed to speak, but now that is all taken away... You must come up here often, Colonel, don't be frightened of the river."

Te Kai Oroto, a chief from Pipiriki also spoke on "his belief in the S A and his desire to obtain Salvation." He also made a favourable comment regarding the visitors, "as in the past Europeans would not let us in their houses, and would not associate with us or eat with us, as these do."

Colonel Taylor noted how many local soldiers used their bibles and read along in Te Reo with Holdaway. His fluency was acknowledged in an article in the following week's edition of The War Cry, 16 November, page 7. Holdaway replied, when someone asked if he translated his thoughts from English into Māori, before speaking in Te Reo, "Oh, no, I always think in Maori."

On Monday the travellers were to make their planned departure back to Whanganui. A gun was fired at 4:30am which woke the cooks and this was followed by cornets at 6 am which called the people to knee-drill (prayer meeting).

Taylor reported that Tamatea stated how he wanted to take the gospel further up the river now that officers would be based at Jerusalem and Sister Metiria, said that she never loved comrades from Parakino as she did now.

The waka party was followed "down to the river's banks and watched us to the very last. Some...preferred to show their love by weeping out of sight. We have eighteen soldiers at Jerusalem. God bless them all."

As the party travelled back down river to Whanganui they got an enthusiastic welcome from river communities. On page 2, a map and tables were included, which provided extra information on the population of the river settlements and the time and distances between them.

"There are a thousand Maoris on the banks of the river. Will you help us win them all for Christ?" Writes Colonel Taylor as he ends his account on page 2, finishing with a plea to pray for or send a donation and, "If you are fully saved and prepared to rough it, and can learn a language, offer yourself to go forth to the Rescue of Maoris."

Our Māori Pioneer

"Incidents in the life of Adjutant A.E.A. Holdaway, of the Maori Work."

This was the title of an autobiographical account written by Ernest Holdaway, which was included on page 3 of The War Cry 9 November edition. Three columns described Holdaway's youth in Nelson, his experiences within The Salvation Army and first impressions of life on the Whanganui River with his wife, Lizzie.

Holdaway begins, "T'was in September, 1888, the scene, the Maori Pah of Whangehau, a few miles up the Wanganui River. Here, for the space of three months, a young man and his wife had been living under canvas, cut off from all European associations, shut out from their world, their fixed determination being to conquer the difficulties of the Maori tongue, so that they might be enabled to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the dying Maori race."

Despite determination and dedication, within six months Holdaway suffered the passing of his father and shortly after the tragic death of his wife, Lizzie from typhoid fever, leaving him with baby Eva Aroha, a few weeks old. His mother died just a few months later.

He wrote, "Thus bereft of father, wife and mother, he goes forth to lay down his life for the salvation of the Maori race... The father kneels by the side of his infant daughter's cot. She is the only earthly tie remaining." Despite such tragedy Holdaway continued on with his ministry with his young daughter cared for by the Baker family of Whangaehu until Holdaway remarried Captain Agnes Alston in 1890.

At this point in The War Cry article the text moves to the third person and the account becomes biographical. The reader learns that Holdaway's parents were staunch Methodists with a home free of alcohol. He remembered the prayers of his mother at bedtime and recalled he was a sensitive child reacting with tears to evocative Bible stories and music. His interest in reading and music continued as he grew older. "He played the harmonium in church for a while, and was pretty regular in his attendance at some place of worship, unless the charms of some unusually interesting novel proved too strong for him." It is reported that Holdaway attended evangelical meetings led by a Dr Somerville and a Mrs Hampson, however, "it was the same tale, good resolve for a season, soon to relapse into his former state of indifference."

While on a beach with a friend, he heard that The Salvation Army was coming to Nelson and The War Cry made its way into the family home, with Holdaway "ridiculing the funny phrases and generally pulling it to pieces."

The Army made its presence felt in the local community with reports from Nelson and Motueka of conversions, singing and uniform wearing. Finally with his curiosity aroused Holdaway attended a service, but "what most of all strengthened his determination... was the news that his lass, whom he already loved, had got saved at the penitent-form and was going to be enrolled as a soldier." The following Saturday night he attended his first meeting. "Angry as he felt, and dissatisfied at the turn affairs were taking, yet he determined to sit still and listen to what was said." He sat with his

eyes on Lizzie Edwards, who was sitting on the platform and he became "convinced in his own mind that the Army was right and he was wrong."

A few weeks later and after several discussions with Lizzie about his soul, while riding home from a Sunday night meeting, "... the spirit of God took hold of the fellow mightily. Reaching home he hurriedly put the horse in the stable, rushed into his room...and cried unto the Lord for mercy. After being on his knees for about an hour, a sudden rush of wonderful joy filled his soul, and Ernest Holdaway knew he was saved."

From then on he regularly attended meetings and wished he was as bold as Lizzie when she spoke in public, as even times of open testimony caused him to tremble. After a while he plucked up courage and spoke in public, "Only a few words, and then he sat down and cried. It was not a very brilliant start, but the ice was broken."

Holdaway became a soldier in 1884 and led small house meetings in Richmond, becoming even more involved when it became an outpost of Nelson Corps. However the thought of becoming an officer never entered his head and there were even doubts that "the whole affair was only a fad with him." He stated that, "I sometimes seemed frightened to look into the future...but I kept on one step at a time. I read my Bible, gave up everything that I knew to be wrong, and prayed for strength. I sought sanctification and obtained it, and then I felt that it no longer depended on myself, but I belonged to God entirely and He could keep me from falling."

Holdaway's decision to become an officer coincided with a visit to Nelson, from one of the founders of The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Major George Pollard. After meeting Holdaway he wanted him to begin officer training as soon as possible and Holdaway began training in Christchurch in 1885.

The War Cry article of 9 November, concludes with a few lines written by Holdaway, reflecting on his current ministry and his commitment to the cause, "God led, and always does, and will lead me. I am never tired of doing his will... I am changed and I am determined to do God's will. I am in a very difficult work at present, but complete trust in God can never be defeated."

The War Cry | 16 November

1889

Biographies of Officers Associated with Ministry on the Whanganui River

Unlike the first two editions of the November 1889 War Crys, where accounts of the Whanganui River ministry filled the first few pages of each edition, this final report of two columns is located on page 7. Titled "The First Officers Council at Jerusalem", Colonel Josiah Taylor, recorded that the meetings were held in the open air and they discussed plans for how the present work on the Whanganui River was to be organised. He ended The War Cry article, with a biographical synopsis of several officers who attended these councils and were involved in ministry along the river and at Jerusalem. He noted that these officers were not given any salary but were fully supported for all needs by local Māori. They all were to have a significant impact upon Māori ministry in Aotearoa New Zealand with some even responsible for ensuring it travelled the world.

The War Cry 16 November 1889 pg7.

Biographies

CAPTAIN ERNEST HOLDAWAY (Enata Horowe) | Before and Beyond the River

Albert Arthur Ernest Holdaway (later known as Enata Horowe) was the youngest of 11 children born to Amelia and John Holdaway in Richmond, Nelson in September 1863. He became a soldier after being introduced to The Salvation Army by his future wife Lizzie Edwards. He trained for officership in 1885 and was appointed to the 'Flying Brigade' under the leadership of Captain Dave Pattrick, later in 1885. Their heights are noted as Holdaway, 6 ft. 2 in. with Pattrick, just over 5 ft. 6 in., in Te Ope Whakaora (ed. Hill) p.53. This Brigade was involved in the establishment of The Salvation Army in North Canterbury. While Holdaway was in The Brigade he met Hohepa Huria in Kaiapoi, also known as Joe Solomon or "Maori Joe", a convert to Christianity and significant Salvationist in the town. Meeting Hohepa impacted greatly upon Holdaway's future dedication to an evangelical ministry among Māori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

On 31 October 1886, Captain Holdaway with Cadet Grinling and Lieutenant Arthur Wilde, from Napier, arrived in Gisborne to begin the work of The Salvation Army. While he was stationed in Gisborne a significant number of conversions were recorded, including that of Maraea Moana Mahaki (Morris). Her story and forgiveness of Te Kooti, who had seized her and shot her husband, in a raid on Matawhero in 1868, appeared in The War Cry, 1 October, 1887. Holdaway's "contacts with East Coast Maoris reinforced his growing conviction that he should devote his life to work among the Maoris and, while convalescing after a bout of sickness, he wrote to headquarters offering himself for this work." Fight the Good Fight (Bradwell) p81. The Holdaways were appointed to the Whanganui River in June 1888.

Captain Ernest & Mrs Agnes Holdaway with Eva 1891.

Colonel Josiah Taylor wrote in The War Cry of 16 November 1889 "... he has won the respect and love of the Maoris up this river in a way that has enabled him to firmly plant the S.A. flag there. He has had to turn his hand to rowing the boat, gardening, etc. Tamatea has lent the army a piece of land to grow vegetables... The Adjutant has got it into a thorough order, and it is in fact, the best garden I saw." Colonel Taylor also described him as a 'doctor' and witnessed him providing such assistance to locals. As Holdaway had taught Te Reo for the last six months to the other officers in the area they were now able to be left in charge of Jerusalem and Parakino.

Taylor wrote that Holdaway translated, "with ease", and noted Holdaway's reply, "I always think in Maori", to a question asking him about his thought processes when using the two languages. The Colonel hoped that he will be able to train more officers in the future.

The Introductory Material section written by Cyril Bradwell and Harold Hill, for Te Ope Whakaora (ed. Hill) p28 clearly relates the importance of Holdaway to The Salvation Army's first interaction with Māori. "The key figure in this first phase of the Army's mission to Māori was Ernest Holdaway (1863 -1913). Jessie Munro, in her life of Suzanne Aubert, notes that 'he was very tall, very handsome, very keen and put a lot of intelligent effort into learning Māori'... Although Holdaway embraced ministry to Māori as his life's calling, he was able to spend just nine years directly responsible for The Salvation Army's Māori work in New Zealand: 1888-1894 and 1896-1899. Having to watch the Māori Division dissolved not once but twice must have been very frustrating for Holdaway, but being a good soldier he saluted and got on with whatever other assignments he was given, both in New Zealand and in Australia."

Much credit is given to Ernest Holdaway by Judith Binney in her foreword to Te Ope Whakaora (ed. Hill), she wrote, "It looks at the foundations of the Army among Māori, created largely through the energies and skills of Ernest Holdaway, a fluent Māori speaker..."

Brigadier Ivy Cresswell's account, Canoe on the River, appeared for the first time in The War Cry, in 1971, as a serial, with her research based on early War Cry reports and some Holdaway family material. It appeared as a book version In Te Ope Whakaora (ed. Hill), for the first time.

The final instalment of this 1971 serial, Number 38 is titled "Haven Eternal", and covers the final two years of Ernest Holdaway's life, after he was appointed as The Salvation Army's Commander of Tasmania, Australia in 1911. Cresswell recorded that his persistent ill health was evidenced by those working with him at this time and eventually weakness from pernicious anaemia caused him to a collapse at the beginning of 1913, when he was 49. Once he was fit to travel Holdaway was sent to Melbourne to receive medical attention and initially over the next few weeks his health improved. However on September 18, 1913 just days before his fiftieth birthday, while sitting up in bed he died. Some who knew him wondered at the difficulties he had endured in his early years of officership and Cresswell's biographical account ends with these words, "The doctor, too, was of the opinion that his health had been undermined by those early hardships on the river. But Horowe had no regrets. Each time he had replied, 'Yes but I would do the same again.' " He left behind his wife Agnes and seven children, the youngest aged only five years old.

Captain John Nicholls (Hoani Nikora)

The Colonel stated that Nicholls originated from Cornwell and was converted in 1880 influenced by The Revival Song Book of the Rev William Booth. After arriving in Auckland he joined The Salvation Army, and his earlier interest in missionary work was rekindled after reading and collecting articles, "...of the Maori work", from editions of The War Cry. He "felt an inexpressible compassion... His mind was now exercised about offering himself for the Maori war". Nicholls was accepted for "the Maori work and commissioned at the last Wellington Anniversary."

Lieutenant Wini Grey

Grey had come from a Catholic background but his past had been heavily impacted by the effects of alcohol. Descriptions of Grey almost drowning in the Waikato River several times when drunk are provided within the article. "Sir George Grey advised him to sign the pledge, which he did, but the first pub he came to, he broke it." However through contact with the Salvation Army in Onehunga, he was converted and was now in ministry on the river.

The War Cry 28 September 1889 pg5.

The War Cry 21 December 1889 pg8.

Lieutenant Charles Smith (Miti)

An account is given of Smith's bad temper and use of tobacco prior to his conversion, which occurred in Christchurch. "He applied for the work, and was accepted, and when stationed at Blenheim, got a strong desire to go into the Maori work... He says, God has blessed me here, and I feel it's just where God would have me be."

Lieutenant Thomas Rothwell (Ratawera)

While background information was not provided by the Colonel, we are told of Rothwell's dedication in offering himself for this ministry and he is quoted, "...the work has not been as fast as I thought it would but it has been more solid. I expected the Maoris would take to it with a rush, but did not think they would be so brave."

The War Cry 21 December 1889 pg8.

The War Cry 12 October 1889 pg3. (Note: Inconsistent spelling of Ratawera)

The War Cry 26 April 1890 pg4.

Colonel Josiah & Kate Taylor.

Notes on the Author (The War Cry Articles)

Colonel Josiah Taylor | Colony Commander New Zealand 1887 – 1891

Colonel Josiah Parsons Taylor and Kate Caroline Taylor’s leadership in New Zealand began with a welcome letter to Salvationists, published in The War Cry, 5 November 1887. The Taylors arrived in New Zealand from India, late in 1887, having served there and previously in England. In India Taylor had been Chief of Staff to the Indian missionary pioneer, Major Frederick Tucker (Later Booth-Tucker).

An able and efficient administrator, Colonel Taylor enjoyed meeting people and travelled widely. "Taylor … got on well with his officers and soldiers, and liked... making personal contacts. During his first twelve months he travelled 27,00 kilometres" - from Fight the Good Fight (Bradwell) p36. This was no mean feat considering the difficulties of transportation in that era.

Taylor claimed that by mid-1888 every town in New Zealand with a population over two thousand had a corps or was an outpost. He established the first divisional system where corps in New Zealand were organised by area, under a commanding divisional officer. Beginning with six divisions, corps were sectioned into brigades with sergeants and soldiers given specific responsibilities.

Taylor, in 1888 realised the need for a dedicated Salvation Army Māori ministry and established this in May 1888, at the fifth anniversary celebrations, in Christchurch (The Salvation Army began in Dunedin on 1 April 1883). He appointed Captain Ernest Holdaway, to begin work on the Whanganui River and later Holdaway became the divisional officer of the Māori Division.

In May 1890, Taylor opened the first men’s training garrison, in Christchurch, in Hardwick House, Oxford Terrace as a seventh anniversary project, and a women’s training garrison, in December 1890. He also pioneered the establishment of Rescue Homes for women. In October 1889, New Zealand became a separate territory from Australia with Colonel Taylor in charge. When he departed from New Zealand in March 1891, the New Zealand Territory had 67 corps and 212 officers and approximately 4,000 adult soldiers.

Taylor contributed many War Cry articles, including those documenting his extensive visits around the country. He wrote a 60-page book of his reflections of New Zealand, titled Three years in Maoriland (only a few copies exist). Josiah Taylor’s life story with image appeared on the cover of The War Cry 19 January 1889, with Kate Taylor featured in a full page War Cry article on 7 March 1891.

Kate and Josiah had two sons born in New Zealand, Frank Samuel Fetcher in 1889 and Cris Frederick in 1891. They arrived in New Zealand with three children, Kate, Arthur and Pryotama.

Colonel Josiah Taylor - The War Cry 19 January 1889 pg1.

Te Taua Whakaora | Te Ope Whakaora

The Salvation Army commenced ‘work’ among the Māori in 1888. It was officially announced in The War Cry of 16 June 1888 under the descriptor ‘Te Taua Whakaora’. Support for this 'work' had been requested the previous week, 9 June 1888. Use of Te Taua Whakaora lasted more than a year - the descriptor then changed to ‘Te Ope Whakaora’ as titled in The War Cry of 26 October 1889 pg5.

'Te taua whakaora' meaning 'the same healing' or 'the same recovery'.

The War Cry 9 June 1888 pg1.

The War Cry 16 June 1888 pg2.

The War Cry 9 November 1889 pg3.

Adjutant Holdaway wearing a guernsey with the words Te Taua Salvation.

'Te ope whakaora' meaning 'the rescue force' or as used by The Salvation Army 'the army that brings life'. (Whakaora means 'save')

However, it is interesting to note that in The War Cry of 13 October 1888, referring to Commandant Herbert Booth campaigning in Auckland, 'The Maori Contingent' were described in this way: Everybody roll up for The March! Clear the way! the Maori contingent"Te Ope Whakaora".

This is the very first exclamation in The War Cry of Te Ope Whakaora. It seems, spontaneously stated by 'The Maori Contingent'.

The War Cry 6 April 1889 pg4.

The War Cry 26 October 1889 pg5.

In 1892 it was announced in The War Cry that Māori ‘cap bands’ have arrived featuring Te Ope Whakaora and on 28 May Bonnet Bands were included. While there appears to be no written record that explains the use of Te Taua Whakaora and/or Te Ope Whakaora, both books Fight the Good Fight (Bradwell) p81 and Te Ope Whakaora (ed. Hill) p63, mention a significant conversation Captain Holdaway had on a Christchurch street with an observant boy, who enquired as to the meaning of the 'W' on his uniform collar. He wondered why Holdaway was not wearing the letter 'S' for 'salvation'. The 'W' represented 'Whakaora', for 'Te Taua Whakaora', the Army that causes life. Later 'taua' was changed to 'ope', the Army that brings life. An illustration of Adjutant Holdaway in The War Cry on 9 November 1889, shows him wearing a guernsey, with the words 'Taua' and 'Salvation' visible under the korowai.

The first Salvation Army Songbook in Māori was published in 1889. This copy was used by Captain John Nicholls on the Whanganui River.

The War Cry 28 May 1892 pg6.

The War Cry 30 April 1892 pg4.

Captain John Nicholls with his Te Ope Whakaora cap in the 1890s.

An example of a Te Ope Whakaora bonnet band.

Captain Alexander Armstrong (right) with his Te Ope Whakaora cap placed on the side table. Possibly photographed in 1892 - no sooner, as the Te Ope Whakaora cap bands were not available before 1892.

Photograph taken at the Wigglesworth & Binns studio, Wellington.

The Illustrator of the Articles

In the early years of The War Cry, there was a great dependence on engravers to supply illustrations for printing a more interesting and visual publication. Many of these engravers identified their work with their initials or name. There were many different styles and techniques demonstrated.

The engravings for the articles featured in Waka to Jerusalem were of a particular type, by a single artist, producing a very stylish woodcut effect. His name appears only on the illustration of The Adjutant on the "Rob Roy" - C. Jones.

His work features variously in the period 1889-

The War Cry 23 November 1889 pg1. (Piripi was generally spelt Piripe in The War Cry)

1892. Another illustration has him identified as Chas [Charles] Jones. It is known, for example, that Alfred Burton, a photographer from Dunedin, took images around this time period, on the Whanganui River. Was it possible that photographic images were copied and made into these line drawings, or were the illustrations made based on observations provided?

Little is known of Charles Jones. He worked in Christchurch, possibly with The War Cry printer Thomas E. Fraser in Manchester Street.

Piripe testimony, one of several given that first night of the journey, was featured in the article. "Good evening to all my relations. I was a bad man, drinking, smoking, I have given up all these things. My soul's saved. My heart is washed in the blood of Jesus. Now I am a soldier to carry out God's laws. His laws are not burdensome. The Salvation Army will be victorious in winning the world for God."

The War Cry 9 November 1889.

The War Cry 23 November 1889 pg1.

The Colony Commander stimulated reader interest with the by line, "The start from Wanganui - River Scenery - The Dangerous Rapids - Piripe and the Brandy Bottle - Potatoes and Whitebait - All about the Rob Roy - Parakino at Last."

The War Cry 2 November 1889.