MAORI MINISTER WELCOMED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 8

MAORI MINISTER WELCOMED

Canon Rangiihu, Of Wairoa T

A traditional haka of challenge after a powhiri, or female chant of welcome, greeted Canon Haniora Rangiihu when'he arrived for a reception in his honour, arranged by local Maori committees in St John’s Church Halt Canon Rangiihu who is from the Maori pasorate of Wairoa in the North Island, was accompanied by the Bishop of Christchurch (the Rt Rev. A. K. Warren).

Seven addresses of welcome were made, all but one in Maori. Bishop Warren, who welcomed Canon Rangiihu said he hoped that before too long, there would be a residential Maori priest for Anglicans in the South Island. Canon Rangiihu replied, first in Maori, then in English. He said that he was thrilled that inter-marriage had not destroyed the traditions which were still deep down. Anthropologists maintain that the mixing of blood, language and traditions between races reduced the virility of those races. Although there had been obvious inter-marriage the traditions still remained. After Canon Rangiihu’s address, supper was served before a service in St. John’s Church. The party then returned to the hall where Maori action songs were performed.

Addresses of welcome were made by Mr R. W. Stirling, chairman of the Christchurch tribal committee, Mr G. Brennan, Catholic head of Maori culture, Mr D. Clark, Maori welfare officer, Mr F. G. Briggs, who spoke for pakeha friends and relatives, Mrs M. Bryan, secretary of the Maori Women’s Welfare League, Mr L. Royal, for the W.E.A. and Mrs H. Baker, for the old girls of Te Wai Pounamu. The Rev. D. D Thorpe, vicar of St. John’s also made a brief address of welcome.