MAORI CHURCH AT AKAROA

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22717, 23 May 1939, Page 4

MAORI CHURCH AT AKAROA

I.TNII STARTED FOR

RESTORATION

COMMITTEE TO CARRY OUT

INNOVATIONS

A fund was recently started to restore the church at lire Maori Kaik, Akaroa, which has not been used for many years and which lias fallen into disrepair. An estimate of the restoration work is £9l) to £IOO. and already more than .£SO has been ottered towards this object. A meeting of the committee which has the matter in hand was held at the Kaik on Sunda). The following were added to the committee; —Messrs A. R. Haylock, 1. Masefield. L. J. Vangioni, C. B. Thacker, F. Davis, Jos. Hayward, E. Hav. Archdeacon A. J. Petrie, the Rev. Father O'Meeghan, and the Rev. W. R, Bartle. Mr Vangioni was appointed treasurer of the fund._ It was decided to hold a public meeting at an early date to make arrangements for a canvass for the amount required. Mr A. R. Haylock offered to give all the posts required for the fencing, and the Maoris promised to do all"the necessary work outside the building. The Little River Maori Committee wrote offering to give £3O towards the restoration fund. Mr Vangioni reported that the total sum offered was £SO 15s.

An inspection of the church disclosed that the building was leaking badly, but the seats and pulpit of the church were in a good state of preservation. FAREWELL PRESENTATION AT OXFORD A public farewell social was given to Mr R, F. Henderson, who, after nearly 50 years’ residence in the Oxford 'district, has removed to Christchurch. Mr P. Fisher, chairman of the Oxford County Council, presided, and called , upon Mr L, Watson, who had been associated with Mr Henderson in many ways, to make a presentation.

Mr Watson referred to the many public societies Mr Henderson had belonged to. besides being a member and chairman of the County Council. For the people of the district he presented him with a wallet of notes. He also presented Miss Nancy Henderson with a box of chocolates.