Good Templarism.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10392, 9 May 1927, Page 9 (Supplement)

Good Templarism.

ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN POVERTY BAY. VISIT OF BARON DE THIERRY IN ’75. “As Good Templarism is for the benefit of all mankind, and not for a favored few,” commented the Poverty Bay “Standard” in March, 1875, “the executive o the Order in New Zealand have always wished to extend its benefits to- the Maoris. For this purpose a commission was given to Baron de Thierry empowering him to form lodges amongst the Natives of the North Island. His success in Auckland and other places made him anxious to try the experiment here. He had conversations with various ministers and chiefs and the result was that last Sunday afternoon a runanga was held just outside the Maori church, Turansanui, to hear the opinion of the Natives on the matter. ■ Several of the officers, with the Lodge Deputy of the Pioneer Lodge, Poverty Bay, were present to

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show the Natives the movement had their approval and co-operation. Baron de Tnierry gave a long and interesting account of the objects and benefits of the Order and the Rev. W. H. Root, on behalf or the Gisborne Lodge, expressed liis cordial wishes for the prosperity of Good Templarism amongst them. Several came forward and signified their desire to join the society and Tuesday evening was appointed ior the initiation. ”(>n that evening a crowd of about 100 assembled round the schoolhouse, kindly lent for the occasion by Mr. Lysnar. From this crowd were selected those only who had given in their names on the Sunday and these together with the pakehas, were initiated. Brother Best, YY.C.T., read' the English ritual and de Thierry translated for the benefit of the Maoris. Another batch had been prepared, hut it was too late to proceed. The pleasing and hopeful feature in this movement Is the'number of Native ministers who have joined It, being nearlv all. between Turangnnul and the East Cape. Some may sav the Maoris will never keep their obligation. Time will prove tins; doubtless many will go back, but we believe not'all. If we-are to be deterred from attempting to' do good by predicted and possible failure we may stop- at once, for no good work was ever begun without some croakers predicting certain failure. As a fact out of 00 Maoris initiated in other districts only two have violated their obligation, a far smaller proportion than among the pakeha lodges.”