SIXTY YEARS OLD.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 66, 19 March 1910, Page 5

SIXTY YEARS OLD.

THE OTAKI MAORI CHURCH. HISTORIC BUILDING RESTORED. -. As a monument of the wave of Christianity that carried away the Maoris some sixty years ago, the OUki Maori Church still stands. It is a relic of the early missionary enthusiasm, of the work of the Rev. Octavius Hadfield and the forerunners of the Goopel through the land. It was built by the Maoris themselves out of timber that, in many cases, had to be brought long distances. The walls are built of huge slabs of tjotara, about three feet in breadth and 19 feet high. The ridge-piece of the roof is one great totara tree, 80 feet long, supported by three massive totara columns. The height of the roof is 40 feet from the ground. The building was commenced in 1849. and opened in 1851. For many years the church was the scene of the labours of Bishop Hadfield, who ruled over an enthusiastic band of Maori Christians. In recent years the church has shown the ravages of time in the gradual decay of its foundations. Timbers rusting in the sand rolled away, and in a high wind the whole structure rocked dangerously. It> was thought that the church was doomed, but Mr. Henry Hadfield, son of the late bishop, and others took steps to raise a restoration fund. Mr. F. de J. Clere, diocesan architect, was commissioned to design the necessary alterations and repairs, and now, as the result of his labours, the church stands good for many more yenrs' warfare with lime. All the decayed timber in the walls and flooring has been removed, and a solid foundation of- reinforced concrete underlaid. The pillars themselves have been 'strengthened with iron bands, and the roof braced with struts. The whole building has been thoroughly overhauled and restored. To-morrow there will be interesting anniversary services, both in the morning and afternoon. Natives are assembling from all parts for the day. Bishop Williams, late of Waiapu, and the Rev. A. O. Williams, superintendent of the Maori Mission, will conduct a service In the morrring, and in the afternoon a feast will be held according "to Maori custom. Bishop Wallis regrets t/it owing to a prior engagement he will be unable to attend.