KEMP, JAMES (1798-1872) came from Wymondham, Norfolk. A smith by trade, he was selected by the C.M.S. to proceed to New Zealand with the Rev J. G. Butler (1819). He sailed in the convict ship Baring to Sydney, and with Marsden in the General Gates to Bay of Islands, where they arrived on 29 Jul 1819. The Kemps were stationed at Kerikeri, where he helped to build the school and remained as smith and storekeeper. He also taught in the school and at one time had 200 natives under instruction.

Kemp was a zealous and high-principled man; Marsden more than once praised him as "a missionary of the right sort and the couple as very choice people." He served until 1852, when he severed his connection with the mission. He died on 21 Feb 1872 (his wife Charlotte having predeceased him by 12 years). Kemp's wooden house at Kerikeri, built in 1819, is still occupied by his family.

Marsden, L. and J., and Lieutenants; Stock; Kemp letters in Hocken Library; Williams papers; N.Z. Herald, 23 Feb 1872.

Reference: Volume 1, page 245

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