“ A BELOVED PASTOR”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 12080, 20 October 1933, Page 7

“ A BELOVED PASTOR”

LATE REV. PINE TAMAHORI. STERLING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER, SYNOD’S HIGH EULOGY. Glowing tributes to the splendid work done for the Diocese of Waiapu by the late Rev. Pine Tamahori were paid by members of Synod at Napier on Monday afternoon. On t]ie motion of Canon Pahewa the following resolution was adopted unanimously : “That this Synod place on record its appreciation of the service rendered by the late Pine. Tamahori to the Diocese in his 24 years’ faithful service among the Maori people and also as an outstanding leader of his Ngatiporou tribe ; and further that a letter of ‘arolia’ be sent to ]iis family and pastorate.” Canon Pahewa said that the loss of the deceased was a great one, not only to the Maori people, but also to the whole Church. He was imbued with the true Christian spirit and far and near, wherever lie ]iad worked, old and young had loved Pine Tamahori. He had been a great citizen and had assisted the Government greatly in dealing with Maori affairs. A very touching conclusion to Canon Pahewa’s tribute was the singing of the late Mr.-Tamahori’s favorite hymn in Maori by all the Maori brethren in Synod. The motion was seconded by the Yen. Archdeacon Butterfield.

Bishop Bennett said that he was recently in Mr. Tamaliori’s parish, and it was difficult for anyone to express the sorrow felt there in the loss of ■such a wonderful man. He seemed to lie one who lived in the presence of God, and had a wonderfully .simplefaith. He was both a priest and a leader. He always strove to solve the difficulties of his people. He was a true friend of the sporting community and took an active interest in the games of his young people. When he realised that he was very seriously ill, he made provision by seeking out the man who would succeed him. with counsels for the care of his tribe, his Church and the welfare of all. His work was the emblem of a high and sterling Christian character. The Yen. Archdeacon Chatter!on said he had never had a more trustworthy and conscientious assistant. He had had a good deal to do with his training, and the news of his passing had come as a great shock. He addejl his tribute to the nobility of Mr. Tamahori’s character.

The Rev. J. J. Anderson said it was very difficult to convey to Synod the great sorrow Mr. Tamahori’s passing had caused. His faithfulness to duty was the outstanding trait of his character. Ilis passing was deeply lamented by all the white people on the Coast. He was a Christian sportsman, a beloved pastor. The Rev. M. Uruini spoke of a 24years’ friendship with Mr. Tamahori, under whom he studied as a candidate for the ministry. His college work and life were greatly influenced •by bis deeply spiritual character. His example had always been an inspiration for all that was good, noble and honorable. The speaker had the honor to succeed Mr. Tamahori in Tokomaru Bay, and for nearly five years they had worked together. He was privileged to see his complete life, and he had found tilt he was a man of very high principles. His name became a household word among his people because of his unfailing courtesy and bis ability. “One crowded hour of glorious life was worth an age without a name,” and Pine Tamahori had lived a glorious life. In conclusion, the speaker expresed his deepest sympathy to the bereaved widow f .and family. He felt that such an example would ever lead our Maori brethren to fulfil the trust he .so honoured towards his people. His Lordship the Bishop spoke of Mr. Tamahori’s deep and earnest spirituality. But he was also possessed of great powers of statesmanship. He was one whose passing had left a voiy deep blank here. “God has called him to other work,” said the Bishop, “and we cannot feel otherwise than that he is now serving in a higher sphere.” The motion was carried, Synod standing in silence.