Maori Church Destroyed

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32127, 24 October 1969, Page 12

Maori Church Destroyed

A fire which spread from nearby gorse and scrub last evening destroyed die Anglican Maori Church at Little River.

It is thought the fire started from burning-off near the church situated about half a mile down a side road which branches off the main Christchurch - Akaroa highway.

Mr W. J. Karetai said last evening that the church, of timber, with a shingle, highpitched roof was believed to have been built from local materials. Canon J. W. Stack had opened it in 1870. “This has been a very great loss to the Maoris of Banks Peninsula,” he said.

Mr Karetai, who is chairman of the Peninsula Maori Committee, said that once the fire had spread to the church there was little hope of saving the tinder dry building which was engulfed in flames in seconds, within minutes the roof had collapsed. The building had a number of stained glass windows but vandals damaged them several years ago they were taken out and sent to Christchurch for repair. They had not been put back but were stored with the bell and memorial tablet at Little River. “I took a Maori bible, Maori hymn books and altar cloths from the church for safe-keeping, Mr Karatai said. The church had been used little in the last 20 years as many members of the congregation attended the other Anglican church in Little River.