MAORI METHODISTS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1929, Page 8

MAORI METHODISTS

The 107th anniversary of the start of the work of the Methodist Church among the Maoris is being celebrated in Wellington''this week. Few people outside the Church are aware of the extent of the Methodists’ work among the Maoris: Movements now on foot mean the expenditure of £7600 a: year on educational, medical, social and general work. ‘" A mission hospital has been in commission for some years in the King Country, and has done great service l in breaking down the opposition of the Maoris in that area . to modern medical treatment. The Paerata College provides an agricultural as well as a general course of study, and an additional college is being opened in September in the King Country for the training of Maori girls in housekeeping, cooking, dressmaking, nursing, etc. If reasonable assistance can be secured from the Maori ipurposes fund, it is proposed to erect a technical college for Maori girls in Taranaki at a cost of £20,060. District nurses are now employed by the Methodist, mission in the Te Kuiti and Ivawhia districts. The day school at the Ratana pa- has been conducted by the Methodist mission for the lasttwo years. Some 5600 Maori children «j’e being helped by the mission. . B.v the end of this year -it is to have twenty-six ministers and home missioned of Maori blood on its staff and nine districts under the organisation of the deaconess teaching and nursing staff.