Page 408 - Puhipi

James Busby, godfather to Te Ripi; Rangatira o Pukepoto me
Ahipara.

When Te Ripi converted to christianity and the scriptures on 15
January 1840, James Busby happened to be visiting to discuss
constitutional issues for Maori nationally.

Thus it was determined that James Busby would be Te Ripis godfather,
and from that time on he adopted the name Busby for which he then
became known as Puhipi Te Ripi. The baptisim was performed by
Reverend Richard Taylor and duly recorded in the register of
baptisims in the parish of Kaitaia.

On 28 April 1840 Colonial Secretary Willoughby Shortland in place of William Hobson who
was ill, arrived in Kaitaia to ratify te Tiriti O Waitangi, he was greeted by Te Rarawa with
musket fire and a haka. Sixty one Te Rarawa signed te Tiriti which was conducted on the
verandah and lawn at the home of William Gilbert Puckey.

William Hobson, godfather to Wharemate Puhipi; Rangatira.

Wharemate Timoti Puhipi (Timothy Busby) was a descendant of the Old
Busby Family, and when he was baptised at the age of 10yrs, he had the
honour of having Governor Hobson as his godfather.