HAMMOND, THOMAS GODFREY (1846-1926) was born at Richmond, Nelson, on 4 Oct 1846; educated at Nelson and spent 14 years in business before entering the Wesleyan ministry, for which he was accepted in 1874. He did duty as a probationer at Rangitikei, New Plymouth and Manawatu. In 1878 he was appointed to the Maori mission at Hokianga as successor to the Rev William Rowse, and in 1887 he was appointed to resuscitate the West Coast Maori mission (with headquarters at Patea). The natives were bitterly hostile, and every door was closed to him except that of Taurua and his brother. A church was opened at Hukutere and services were held at Waitotara and Whenuakura. Hammond often met with insult, but gradually won his way, counselling the natives against armed resistance. By his patient endurance and virile courage in face of disappointment he eventually won the goodwill of Te Whiti and Tohu and was welcomed to Parihaka. Throughout Taranaki the name of 'Te Hamana' is revered by the Maori. In 1890 he was appointed superintendent on the West Coast, and in 1917 superintendent of the Maori missions. He had a wide and accurate knowledge of Maori history and customs and made many contributions to the journal of the Polynesian Society. In 1916 he published In the Beginning; The History of a Mission, and in 1924 The Story of Aotea, both dealing with the history of Taranaki. He was superannuated in 1920, but continued to serve the Maori people until his death on 13 Dec 1926. Hammond married (1878) Lydia St George (1857-1936) of New Plymouth.

Cycl. NZ, vi; Pratt, Minutes Conf. 1938; W. J. Williams; Centenary Sketches; T. A. Boughin, foreword to The Story of Aotea (p).

Reference: Volume 1, page 192

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