Bishop Of Aotearoa Laid To Rest

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23365, 22 September 1950, Page 3

Bishop Of Aotearoa Laid To Rest

(P.A.I ROTORUA. Sept. 22. They bore him across the Ohinemutu marno yesterday and buried him under the sanctuary of the Church of St. Faith, that unique edifice that was raised chiefly by his enterprise. So Frederick Augustus Bennett. Bishop of Aotearoa. came home to rest among Iris own people. Before ihe casket was carried to its resting place, his widow, family, friends and a great concourse estimated at 2000 gathered on the marae of Tafna to do him honour and to say farewell. The official party, headed by the Prime Minister. Mr. S. G. Holland, the Minister of Maori Affairs. Mr. E. B. Corbett, and the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. P. Fraser, were challenged and the mourning party of Maori women, dressed in black and wearing greenery on their heads, sang a lament as the visitors were escorted to their places. . ~. , The elergv. headed by Archbishop West-Watson. were seated on the steps of the meeting house flanking the casket. . Addresses were delivered by Mr. Holland, Mr. Corbett. Mr. Fraser. Archbishop West-Watson. the Bishop the Waiapu. the Rt. Rev. N. A. Lesser, and an address in English and Maoii by the Rev. W. N. Panapa, of Taupo.

The clergy led the procession across the marae to the church where the body was left alone with the widow and members of the family, after which it was committed to the grave under the sanctuary by Bishop Lesser.