KAITI CHURCH

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12797, 28 February 1936, Page 5

KAITI CHURCH

ADDITIONS TO POHO-O-RAWIRI. TO BE CONSECRATED NEXT FRIDAY. ‘ ‘ ’ I rom the introduction of Christianity into New Zealand by the Rev. Samuel Marsden in 1814, thei Maori has had.a deep reverence for a church building. This can be seen in the numerous places throughout New Zealand, where the sacred edifice forms an indispensable part of the pa. In district- like Poverty Bay where the East Coast is one of the strongholds of the Native race, there are several Maori • churches, both north and south of Gisborne, bbut of late years there has-been none In the town, itself. This need was recognised many years ago, and in the distant past funds were set aside for such a purpose. The originators of the scheme, however, gradually died, and the coming of the Great War, and, in turn, the economic depression, diverted thoughts temporarily from the nmbitvon of the other Maoris. At that time the Kaiti pa. Te-Poho-o-Rawiri, the headquarters of the Ngnti-Oneone tribe, was at the corner of Hirini street and Crawford road. In 1930 the Harbor Board desired that land for the purposes of extension of its works, and the pa was' removed to its present site and rebuilt on a more imposing scale. Meetings were held as customary in the new building, which was a model pa but for one essential, a church. As the. result of discussions, the project of bygone days was recalled and it was deeded to proceed with the erection of the building. With that casual system customary to the Maori, no one seemed to know where the original funds were, but on inquiry, it was found that Dr. H. L. Williams, Bishop of Wainpu, was tl'.c trustee, having that responsibility thrust upon him long before he was appointed to the Bishopric. The Bishop heartily approved the project, and. with the help of the laic Airs K. Hei, the matter was brought to a head and the ambition of the NgatiOneone tribe was on the way to fulfilment.

About a year ago Mrs Hoi got in touch with Messrs. West, Son and Hornibrook, architects, and designs were drawn for the church. Before the work could he started, however, Mrs Hei died. This was indeed a bloiv, for she v.as the head of the movement. Then the matter appeared to he again lapsing into obscurity. The younger generation of the tribe, however, then took a hand and the project was renewed with enthusiasm. The plans were sent to the Bishop of Waiapu for approval, and on their return tenders were called, the successful tenderer being Mr L. Martin at £1267, the leadlight work being entrusted to Messrs Smith and ‘Smith. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Williams last month, and, on Friday next, March 6, the church will be consecrated and dedicated by the Bishop of Aotearoa and Rev. F. Bennett. The service will take place at 10 a.m.. after which the first communion service in the church will be held, and those present will then be the guests of the Ngati-One-one tribe at luncheon. During the service at the church a. memorial tablet to the bit?. Airs K. Hei will he unveiled. Amongst the visitors will be members attending the Maori Synod, which will open at Alanutuke on the previous day— March 5. From present indications, it is expected that the attendance at Te Poho-o-Rawiri on Friday next will be in the vicinity of 1000. PICTURESQUE HILLSIDE STTF.. The church is situated on the hillside to the right of the meetinghouse and overlooks Haiti. The building is 58ft. long, and 22ft. wide. A porch 6ft. long and Bft. wide leads to the interior, which is -42 ft. long hv 22ft. wide, with pews to accommodate about 100 persons. At the end is the chancel, 12ft. in length by 10ft. Perhaps the most feature of the church -will he a. magnificent leadlight window at the. end of the chancel, a large figure of Christ, with the inscription “Gome unto. Ale all ye that labor and are heavily laden and I will give you rest.” The building is or the Gothic style of architecture, and is constructed of reinforced concrete designed on the best carthi-quake-rcsisting principles. It will bo finished inside and out in buff-colored plaster, .and will have a tile roof. AVlien opened it will he complete with baptismal font and an organ. The committee has received valuable help in the interior decorations by Canon A, F. Hall and the Rev. T. M. Moresby. Tor the present the church will not bear the stamp of Maori craftsmanship but this will be remedied in the near future, as the pulpit is to be embellished with typical rced-work. on somewhat similar lines to those so prominent in the meeting-house.

HISTORIC BELL. An -interesting memento cc the past is “Whomia-nui,” the hell to -summon worshippers to service. It was east, in London in 1863 by G. Hears and Co. and was purchased for the mission station at Waei enga-a-hik.a. There in 1864 it commenced its duty in a manner similar to now, calling to Natives to coine to church. For four years tho bell sounded regularly arid then came to an abrupt end. Koreopa, tho Hau Hail, chief, commenced his murderous campaign, and, as his followers set out to descend on Poverty Bay,, the mission qhnrters were abandoned in 1868. a.The, bell, however, ’was. considered too precious to he left/ to the marauders and it was removed to the pa in Rawiri street, then re-erected near the entrance to the present pa, and -now—seventytwo years later after being landed in Poverty. Bay, : finds a new restingplace;'serving the purpose for . which it was originally intended, outside the Maori church.