Feby 1st 1817
Revd and Dear Sir,
	I have already communicated to you the particulars of the commencement of the Church Missionary Society’s School at New Zealand and its progress in August, September and October 1816 and I have again the pleasure of reporting the state of the establishment during November and December in the same year, and January 1817.
	In November and December there was not so great a number of children instructed as in the preceding month. Every method was adopted to gain their attention which was likely to prove effectual, but as we had no provisions of any sort to give them to eat, it necessarily followed that they must seek out for themselves, and that we could not prevent their falling off.
	I was exceedingly distressed in my mind on this account, not then expecting any arrivals from Port Jackson for at least three or four months to come but my fears were groundless. Mr Marsden contemplating our wants had, on account of the long delay of the Active at Otaheite engaged the Queen Charlotte to convey our supplies on her passage from Port Jackson to the Marquesas, and her unexpected appearance on the 21st of December put an end to my disquietude. A portion of the stores was with the consent of my colleagues set apart [f] for the use of the School. The Queen Charlotte was upon the point of sailing from port Jackson at the Time Mr Marsden received our Letters informing him of the state of the Settlement and the School, yet he sent me some Rice and abundance of fish Hooks and needles for the School. The welcome news was soon published throughout the neighbourhood and the native children assembled together and manifested their joy by singing and dancing. They immediately repaired to the School House where they remain Day and Night; repeat their lessons with chearfulness and are content with what is given to them. The Society will, I am confident, be highly satisfied with our present prospects and will rejoice with thanksgiving to hear, that, after so many impediments have been thrown in the way of their benevolent designs in favor of New Zealand, there are within six months after the commencement of the School no less than sixty children which constantly attend, and that in this number, seventeen Orphans and six Slaves are made daily partakers of their bounty. I believe the number of Scholars may be increased considerably.
	It appears to be much in favor of this plan of the [f] Society that none of the grown up people are averse to having the children instructed, they believe that education is valuable as it bears upon the temporal interests of mankind. Their commercial disposition, perhaps induces them to believe this. They are fond of visiting the School but they do not now trouble us with their presence during the time the children are repeating their lessons or cooking their victuals.
	To fill up that part of the day which was formerly employed in procuring fern root &c. we have set the girls to make apparel according to the New Zealand fashion for which purpose they are supplied with portions of flax. Several Boys are engaged in making fences, cultivating Land, procuring fire wood & ca and we shall attempt to teach them to write as soon as Slates & paper come to hand. We have at present no regular employment for them all—
	I have written to Mr Marsden for Supplies for the School in particular, and I have now no doubt but he will send me all the remaining articles which I want if he can possibly procure them, by the next return of the Active. I repeat the assurance that [f] in supporting the School I shall be as frugal as possible. A great deal of money might be laid out upon the children all at once, but I do not really think it necessary. I am of opinion that to aim at a “gradual improvement of their “condition”, or in other words to encourage them to “improve themselves” the Society will find by far the best way with an handful or two of potatoes daily, and occasionally a fish hook the children do at present very well. When we have no potatoes, we must allow them some rice. We must also patiently overlook many things now which if it pleases Almighty God to prosper our efforts we shall find it our duty hereafter to attempt to improve and correct both in their dress, customs, manners and even morals. When the Word of God shall be introduced amongst them, and sounds in their ears, that will form the foundation for all that is excellent to be built upon, and while things of no less importance in their plan are kept in our view, it will be well to direct our attention chiefly to such things as may assist in the attainment of this greatest of all objects, procuring for the people of New Zealand this [f] sure guide from a World of Sorrow to a world of Glory.
I have the Honor to be
      Revd and Dear Sir
      Your faithful Servant
Tho Kendall
      Bay of Islands Febry 1st 1817
Revd Basil Woodd
&c &c —
Postscript. The above letter was written previous to the receipt of Mr Pratt’s bearing date Sepr 5. 1810. My future communications will be addressed to Mr Marsden, or a Corresponding Committee at Port Jackson as directed.
June 3. 1817
N.B. Matts manufactured by the female Scholars are sent by this conveyance. This is their first work in the School _____