Samuel Williams (1822 - 1907)

Born 17 Jan 1822 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Williams — married 30 Sep 1846 in Auckland, New Zealand

Descendants

Died 14 Mar 1907 at age 85 in Te Aute, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Carol Doake [send private message]

Biography

Samuel Williams migrated from Great Britain to New Zealand.

DEATH OF ARCHDEACON WILLIAMS
The Venerable Archdeacon Samuel Williams died at his residence at Pukehou at 9 o'clock this evening, after an illness resulting from a chill caught a week or two ago. The deceased arrived at the Bay of Islands 85 years age and has been connected with the work of Te Aute College and of the Church of England in Hawkes Bay since 1853. The funeral takes place on Saturday at Te Aute.

The Right Venerable Archdeacon Samuel Williams was Archdeacon of Hawkes Bay and Commissary to the Bishop of Waiapu since 1888. He was born on January 17th 1822, and was the second son of the late Archdeacon Henry Williams of Waimate. Educated at Waimate and St. John's College (Auckland), Archdeacon S. Williams was ordained deacon in 1846 and priest in 1853. He married Mary, daughter of Archdeacon William Williams, afterwards first Bishop of Waiapu.

In 1847 the deceased was asked by the Bishop of New Zealand to go to Otaki on a mission in the first instance, to endeavor to unravel some of the disagreements amongst the Maoris, and the differences between them and the Government. This resulted in a petition being sent to the Bishop of New Zealand and the Church Missionary Society that the then Rev. S. Williams should be placed at Otaki permanently. Otaki was the headquarters. He succeeded in pacifying the Natives and made considerable progress in the way of education amongst them, having eight village schools and a central school at Otaki, with 120 to 130 scholars in the latter alone.

In 1852 Sir George Grey visited Otaki, and told the Rev. Mr. Williams that he was feeling very anxious about Hawkes Bay, stating that he saw a large English population would be flocking into the district before the Natives were prepared to come into contact with them, and he feared that unless there was somebody who could stand between the two races they would be certain to come in collision. "Now," he said, "if you go I will give you 4000 acres of land to assist you in your educational pursuits, and I will endeavor to induce the Maoris to give an equal amount." Sir George also promised to give money for the purchase of sheep and erection of buildings, and giving a definite promise that funds would be provided to carry on the school.

The Rev. Mr. Williams was very happy in his work at Otaki, but on being pressed by Sir George agreed to go to Hawkes Bay. Early in 1853 the Bishop and Sir George Grey made an appointment to meet the Rev. K. Williams at Waipukurau. The latter went through to Hawke's Bay along the Manawatu river. There were no roads in those days, only pig tracks. Sir George Grey said the Rev. Mr Williams could pick the 4000 acres wherever he liked, and he accordingly fixed on Te Aute. This was when the district was first thrown open for selection.

The Natives, on returning to their own country after the cessation of hostilities amongst themselves, had previously expressed a wish that he should come to Hawke's Bay and had also promised to give whatever land might be required. The Central Committee of the Church Missionary Society in New Zealand and the Bishop concurring in the appointment, the Rev. S. Williams took charge of Hawke's Bay district in 1853.

The first habitation he had at Te Aute was a pataka, or Maori store, which was 14 feet long by 8ft wide, and the walls were about 3ft 6in high. Neither the Governor, the Church Missionary Society Committee, nor the Bishop had taken into consideration that a missionary would require a house to live in. He took steps to erect a two roomed raupo house, and in the second year it was added to by another room, but the Rev. Mr Williams had to live in a raupo whare for six years.

The Te Aute block, when he occupied it first, was principally fern country and scrub, some parts being forest and swamp. After surmounting numerous difficulties in the very trying times of the early days of Hawkes Bay, the Ven. Archdeacon continued to be identified with Te Aute and its famous Native College up to the time of his death. The present College is the result of his untiring labors in advancing the cause of education amongst the Natives. He was also instrumental in starting the Hukarere school for Native girls at Napier.

A brother of the late Archdeacon, Judge Williams of the Native Land Court, is a resident at Te Aute. Other members of the family are Mr. C. P. Davies senior, Wellington; the Hon. H. Williams, Bay of Islands; Mr. T. C. Williams of Auckland and Mrs Ludbrook of Bay of Islands, brothers and sisters of deceased. Archdeacon Henry Williams their father, landed at the Bay ,pf Islands on August 3rd, 1823. deceased was a cousin of the present Bishop of Waiapu. He had many stirring expcriences in the early days, and at the time of the Hau hau troubles on the East Coast used active influence toward pacification of the turbulent natives. He had great influence with the Maoris, one secret of which was his intimate knowledge of the Maori mind and language and splendid oratorical powers. Poverty Bay Herald 15 March 1907

Sources

Biography Samuel Williams