ST. STEPHEN'S, TUAHIWI.

» Cbpzciallt vmrnzs ton "the tress.") (By J.L.V.) To-day marks tho jubilco of St. Stephen's Alaori Church, Tuahiwi. Though neither large nor pretentious in architecture, tho building has proved a valuable asset to the-Maori people, \rho, in turn, havo boon a great asset to the Dominion. For years after tho flearance of the bush, its spiro was a notable landmark, but is now hidden by the trees -which have since been planted. I was present at tho laying of the foundation 6tone of tho church, which ccromony was performed by tho then Governor of New Zealand, Sir George Grey, in fulfilment of a promise made ten years previously. The funds for tho crection of the church Hero raised bv "koros," whilo £100 was received from tho friends in England of the Rev. J. W. Stack. # For weeks before the arrival of bir George Grey, tho Maoris wero agog with excitcment, and as the foundation titono ceremony had beon trumpeted in uvcry kainga in tho South Island, tho consequence was that Tuahiwi pa was crowded with visitor*. In Kaiapoi a gallant effort was made by the residents to fittingly receive the Gqvernor and party, and tho "Influential Committee" appointed to paako tho necessary arrangements, decided on a plunge —the presentation of an address on parchment, a triumphal arch at the traffic bridge, where the address should -j)e presented, and a procession, headed • by a fife and drum band and the volunteers, to the Courthouse, where an "undress lovce" was to be hold. The programmo was duly carried out on Sir George's arrival, and everything passed off brilliantly, thanks to Mr J. C. Porter, chairman of the Reception Committee. Later in the day Sir George and suite set out for Tuabiwi in, a carriage, drawn by a team "of greys. Tho route ran through the old track, and the first part over rough sandy ground, the journey being intended to suggest . tho need for a proper road. The ViccKagal party, had an escort of mounted police, under Inspector Pender- At the entrance to Tuahiwi there was an arch of evergreens, and tho rest of tho ■' routo to the church, was marked by flags and more arches. Near the lie v. J. AV. Stack's mission house and school. • thero Ayas. a very, artistic arch. Volunteers; from ;> Kaiapoi, Woodend, and Kangiora, and Maoris lined the \ Toad, the lattor giving * cheers, hakas, and screams of welcome. At Mr ►Stack's house the children wero drawn up, in line, and each > one was spoken to/by Sir,G-.'Grey. "When a move was made towards the church site, tho ! Iter. J. "W. Stack.led'the way, followed by eighteen", of the .principal natives, ; followed' by the mission' children two and two. and the clergy, including the Revs. W. W. Willock, G. J. Cholmondjey, R. S. Jackson, H. Torlesse, Dean Jacobs, and Canon B. W. 3>udley, with Sir G.Grey and suite, his Honour . the Superintendent " (Mr W. S. Moorhouse), and members of Cburistchurch and Kaiimoi'- -Municipal Councils. Near the church- site was a splendid arch, of overgreen^sbd-ferns. The clergy took a 'position to itho north of the site, ■being flanked'by a choir led by, Mr C. Morton. • His Excellency and party weny on the west'side, with the churchwardens/ Pxta'To Hori and Kuru Mai- • taiAOver the triangle, from which tho Btone was suspended was the. motto, "Christ Our Corner Stone." Oyer six hundred people were estimated to bo present. Tho Revs. Mr Stack, B. W. Dudley, ; and .W. W. "Willock, conducted; the service. A silver trowel with inscriptionvwas handed, to Sic G. Grey, and utider the 'stone' was placed a briof record of the 'proceedings.. By tho endj of August tho .caurch, designed by' Mr, A.- G. .Furchas, and erected by Messrs - Herbertson and Byers.( Creek, at a cost of £600,* was completed, -It was 41ft by 20ft,, the-chancel being 14ft by 12ft,with a vestry Bft by Bft in the base oflthcji spire. The main-entrance was ■through tho tower, in which a bell was hung. . The was opened on "Wednesday?" September 11th; 1867, by the Dean of Christchurch.. the conunissarv of Bishop Harper, who was then in \England—who preached a sermon 'from Micah, chapter iv., verses land 2. The church was crowded, and maiiy persons were unable to gain admittanco. 'Xhb Maoris provided a great feast for the. muny .visitors. ~ A parley was subsequently hold between, the* Governor and the Maoris on land matters, the latter being told that '£hoir claims would be considered by a, Land Court. The Court sat in 1868 (tho year following), but tho Maoris got littlo satisfaction.