3-017-121 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The murder of a missionary by the Maoris in New Zealand: capture of the Rev. Mr. Volkner on board the schooner Eclipse, at Levy's Wharf, Opotiki, 1865. 'The war of races which has been going on for two or three years past in several provinces of the northern island of New Zealand does not seem likely to arrive at a speedy termination... Captain Levy and Mr. S. Levy were told that the two missionaries [Volkner and Grace] would be shot. Captain Levy in vain remonstrated and begged the Maoris to refrain from this bloody act. In order to purchase the lives of his two passengers, he gave up the vessel and its cargo...to be plundered by the Maoris... This bribe seems to have had its effect... But another party...presently came...and...asked for Mr. Volkner...The unfortunate gentleman eagerly ran out, thinking for a moment that he was about to be set free...They then told him that they were going to kill him. He stopped near the church and asked them to allow him five minutes for prayer...There were now about 800 natives on the ground, who at once marched him under the tree... The poor fellow commenced shaking hands with many of them...and he even had hold of some of their hands whilst they were hauling him to the fatal branch'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.