UNVEILING CEREMONY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 15, 19 January 1914, Page 8

UNVEILING CEREMONY

AT THE OTAKI MAORI CHURCH. J(BY TBLEOIUPH— SrECMI, TO THE POST.) OTAKI, This Day. An 'interesting and impressive service was held at Otaki yesterday (Sunday), when a brass memorial tablet, boaring an inscription, which translated, means "A memorial to Samuel Williams, Archdeacon ; he was minister to the Maori tribes of this coa-st from the year 1847 to 1854 ; he was also the director of the building of this Church ; born on 17th January, 1822, died on 14th March, 1907," was unveiled. There was a large congregation, including several very old Native residents of this coast. Practically the whole of the service was in Maor.i. Canon M'Murray, of Auckland, supported by the Revs. Wilfred Williams, M.A., Tamo Katene (a recently-ordained minister, now stationed at the Bay of Islands), Temuera Tokiatua (local minister), C. G. Blathway (principal of the Native College), and Messrs. Rawiri, Rota Tahiwi, and_ Gibson (lay readers). After referring briefly to the very early days of Christianity, Canon M'Murray eaid -svherij the first sermon was preached at the Bay of Islands he was present, and knew at once that he stood on holy ground. At the same time there was a naval officer fighting the King's battles^ — his name was Henry Williams. Williams, though ho knew nothing of what Samuel Marsden was doing for Christianity, was preparing himself to take up duties. In 1815 Williams became a member of the Church, and. in 1823 came to New Zealand, bringing his wife and little son Samuel with him. The little fellow, who was then only 18' months old, grew up' amongst tho Maoris, learned the Native language and the customs, and engaged in the 6ame habit* ac the Maoris themselves. He, therefore, understood the Maoris, and loved them, and impressed him (the speaker) as possessing the qualities of a rangitira, as well as those of an English gentleman. When he (Williams) was 25 years old, he arrived at Otaki to take up Church work ; sixty years later he visited Otaki for the last time, and when ho was here his mission was to further and look after the interests of Otaki. "He asked me (the speaker) to meet him here, and I did so." It was only a small matter for him, but for Mr. Williams it was not iso. easy, and as 'ho was an old man lie risked his life. He discussed what waebest to do with the 500 acres of land given years ago, and insisted on tho present Maori College being built. He objected to its being built elsewhere. The college cost £5500, and would not have been built in Otaki had not Mr. Williams risked hie life to have it built. He was then 85 years old. "You Maoris," said Canon M'Murray, "have reason to honour and love the name of Samuel Williams, who loved you, and who risked his life to benefit you He also gave for the support jpf missions in India, Africa, and Australia, as well as in New Zealand. I got a wire telling me of his death when I was in Cairo (Egypt)^ and two large wings were built in honour of lug generosity. His unfailing love for both the Church and the Maori people was great, and his love for the Native race and Christ should make all ready to follow him." The lessons were read by Messrs. Tahiwi and Gibson, the sermon was taken by the Rev. Temuera, the Rev. Wilfrid Williams read the Communion Service, while the Rev. Katene officiated generally. The music was supplied by the Misses Cook (organ and violin), while a choir added interest to the proceedings.