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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 80, 15 December 1887, Page 4

A correspondent writes from Te Kopuru:—For some days past the Maoris have been gathering in large numbers and camping a short distance behind the Kopuru. They came from all quaarters—-Matakohe, Arapohue, Kaipara Heads, Hokianga, and Kaibu Valley,—until it was estimated that fully 800 were gathered togethered. The reason was a grand confirmation service, which was held in the Kopuru Hall on Sunday morning at ten. Bishop Cowie conducted the service, assisted by a native clergyman, the Rev. Wiki, of Hokianga. Twenty-seven females and twenty-two males were confirmed, all natives. The gathering has made quite a stir in trade, and the store has been doing a roaring business, Grog in every shape has been mmspiouous by its absence. The Maori ministers are all preaching total abstinence.