CENTENARY CELEBRATION

Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1929, Page 5

CENTENARY CELEBRATION

CHURCH OF ENGLAND MISSION. (liy Telegraph—Per Press Association.) TAURANOA, Dec. 2. Friday last marked the centenary of the arrival i.n New Zealand at the Bay of 'lslands of Alfred Nesbit Brown, a young Church of England missionary with his wife. He remained there a few years and then founded the mission station at Map-t----in ata in 183i5, but that had to be abandoned owing to native unrest. He then came to Tiuirnngii in .January, 1833, to take charge of the mission station already founded by himself in the previous year and then till thci time of his death in ISB4. He remained here passing through many troublesome times, particularly the eventual years, culminating in the Battle of Gate Pa on April 28th, 1864, and the Ranga, six wideks later. He was created the first Archdeacon of Tauranga in 18-14. The centenary was marked yesterday by the memorial service held here at The Elms, now the home of Misses Maxwell, on the site of the old mission chapel, the old mission bell being rung again for the first time in many years. The service was conducted by Archdeacon Cbattefton, of Rotorua, assited by Rev. Hall, Vicar of Tnurangft, and Rev. Tnmahahi, Rev. Wikiawha and Rev. Tikao. A large number were present, including Several old residents, who attended the mission chapel before any other church existed here. A boisterous wind and sea prevented the attendance 'of a. Maori choir from across the harbour but a number of natives were present and wore addressed by Rev. Tikao. The hell was tolled by Mr C. J. flunks, an old Tauranga boy, now a resident of Auckland, and the Maori Chief, Rooh.au Piahata. A brief and inspiring address was give,n by Archdeacon Chatterton.