MAORIS IN CHURCHES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30269, 23 October 1963, Page 15

MAORIS IN CHURCHES

Missioner On S.I. Tour

The Maori should find out about the inner workings of the church and get to know what the church does, the Maori missioner in the South Island (the Rev. T. H. Kaa) told the Christchurch Diocesan Synod last night. The Maori was not a heathen, and knew quite a lot about Christianity and worship, said Mr Kaa.

He had recently been over the whole of the South Island and was’ absolutely amazed at the number of Maoris in the island. Maoris were pouring into all the cities. There were about 3000 Maoris i>n the city area of Christchurch, and 2000 in the city's environs. It was estimated that half of these were Anglicans. but he had not seen many, Mr Kaa said. Few Maoris were seen in pakeha churches and very few were confirmed, he said There were more Maoris in the professions and entering the trades, but still only 10 per cent were going right through school as they did a few years ago. he said.

A Maori missionary council for the South Island could be set up, said Mr Kaa. The good candidates available should be taken into the ministry, he said.