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Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, May 18, 1840

documentary heritage
  • Description

    Regarding her family's move from Waimate to Turanganui-a-Kiwi Poverty Bay. Jane goes on to pursue the proposition of Mrs Heathcote joining her family in New Zealand, writing of the 'abundant employment for everyone in this land who is willing.

    ' Furthermore, she discusses the changes in the Bay of Islands, affected by the political relations with England, she goes as far as to say that she hoped the relations would 'prove for the benefit of the natives, who are certainly in danger of sharing the fate of the Aborigines of New Holland and Van Diemen's Land, unless some powerful protecting hand is stretched out to rescue them.' Jane also writes of Mr and Mrs Ford and Mr and Mrs Wade, who had dissolved their connections with the mission. Finally, she enquires after the progress of the new church at Southwell.

  • Other Id

    14411 (Presto content ID)

    MS-1991-75-722 (Reference Number)

  • Department

Images and documents

    Catalogue

    • Object Type
    • Name/Title
      Letter from Jane Williams to Catherine Heathcote, May 18, 1840
    • Primary Maker
    • Date
      1840
      1783-1963
    • Physical Description

      7pp on 1 leaf ; 326mm x 406mm Folded to 326mm x 204mm.

    • Language
      English
    • Collection
    • Level of Current Record
      Child
    • Is Part Of
    • Classification
      Holograph
    • Public Access Text

      cross-written.

      [Keywords: Correspondence, Colonialism, Turanga, Poverty Bay, Turanganui-a-Kiwa, Missionary Women, Missionary Wives]

    • Subject Notes
      Jane Williams (nee Nelson � 1801-1896) was the wife of William Williams, and a force for Missionary work in her own right. Trained as a school teacher, she taught Maori women and girls the art of domestic 'English' life. During her husbands frequent absences, Jane managed the day to day running of their mission. She is remembered as a bright, intelligent, courageous and cheerful soul.
      [Further reading: Faith and Farming: The legacy of Henry Williams and William Williams. pg. 275]
    • Last Update
      07 Dec 2023
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