CLEVEDON MAORIS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 206, 31 August 1936, Page 3

CLEVEDON MAORIS.

PRESENTATION TO VICAR.

FAREWELLED AT MATAITAI,

The Maoris of the Clevedon district have never forgotten the wonderful work which was done for them by the vicar of Clevedon, the Rev. H. W. Heaslip, when intense excitement reigned among them in July, 1934, when many members of the native race beiieted that the end of the world was near at hand. The Maoris expressed their appreciation at a farewell gathering which they held last week to farewell Mr. Heaslip on the eve of his departure for Hikurangi. While the Maoris were passing through a period of excitement m 1934, Mr. Heaslip went among them and passified them, even going to the extent or baptising his own infant son and a Maori boy of the same age together m the native church at Mataitai. The origin of the excitement was said to be due to a man in the settlement having a dream, in which he saw a spirit descending from heaven with a message that the 'end of the wor!£ ~ould come that week. By some of the natives that man's 17-vear-old daughter was believed to be a reincarnation of the Holy Ghost. . For the farewell last week Maoris from a radius of 15 miles around Clevedon assembled in such large numbers that the little Maori church at Mataitai was completely filled. Only five Europeans were present, including Mr. and Mrs. Heaslip. Several presentations were made to the guests, including a magnificently carved kauri Ipu and brush studded with pawa pearl shell, a whariki mat and smaller ones, a kouo basket with two compartments, one for flesh and the other for the kumara. The acting warden at the church, Mr. George Brown, made the presentations. He s'aid the Maori people looked upon Mr. Heaslip as the father of the people, because during his stay in their midst thev bad been filled by his good spiritual work, so that happiness and sunshine reigned in their Maori homes to-day. He likened the parting to that of David and Jonathan. The salutation of their Maori forbears went with him, "Kia ora, tonu koe me tou whare katoa," which meant good luck and long happiness to him and all within his house. , , Messrs. Arthur Robers and Ben speaking in Maori, expressed deep" regret at Mr. Heaslip's departure. Mr. Heaslip, who was visibly affected, said he was pleased to know that any little effort of his had been so appreciated by the Maoris of the Clevedon district. The beautiful gifts would be treasured by Mrs. Heaslip and himselt as long as they lived. . Supper was provided by the Maori women, and a farewell song was sung in Maori.