GARDEN PARTY AT AORANGI.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 285, 30 October 1933, Page 10

GARDEN PARTY AT AORANGI.

(From Our Own Correspondent.) AORANGI, Oct. 27. The beautiful grounds of Mr and Mrs Mason Duric were througed with people eager to help the Maori Mission Funds. A large gathering of residents and Fcilding people entered into games and competitions, as well as patronising the numerous stalls. The proceedings were opened by the Rt. Rev. Frederick Bennett, Bishop of Aotcaroa, who • was supported by the Rev. P. H. Leonard (Marton), tho Rev. W. G. Williams, superintendent of tho Maori Mission, the Rev. P. ICokiri (Wanganui), and tho Rev. P. Tcmuera (Otaki). Included among the visitors was the Mayoress of Feilding (Mrs C. E. Taylor). The Bishop, in thanking Mr and Mrs Durie, said there were very few places in New Zealand where garden parties were held in aid of the Maori Mission. To his mind it was very pleasing that tho pakcha was co-opcrating with tho Maori in a work pleasing in the sight of God, and it was encouraging to notice the way in which the white people were making an effort to raise funds, to spread the gospel among the Maoris. The Arongai people were sotting a good example lo other districts throughout New Zealand. He had heard of the work in the past and the Maoris were very grateful for the co-operation of tho pakcha. The Bishop referred to tho Maori church organisation and said it appeared hard to raise funds for mission work in Wellington Province. To-day the Mission was looking for a lead from the Province for help. In this connection, Mr and Mrs Mason Durie had made great efforts to assist and with their pastor had rendered very material aid. The aim was to make the Maori Mission work, as far as possible, self-supporting, and he was pleased to report that it was making headway. Speaking generally, about onc-thircl of the funds required to carry on the work were raised by Maori people and two-thirds by the pakcha. That, lie considered, was a wonderful help to receive from tin pakcha and ho honestly hoped that the day was near when more districts would bo self supporting. The Bishop had lately attended a Synod meeting at Waipu where he learned that seven of the Maori districts wore self-supporting. The re ; mainder had to be helped. The ideal ah wore working for was to make every district self supporting. It was not simply a matter of puting one’s hand in one s pocket to give money—God expected moie than that in the work of spreading the gospel among the Maoris, lherc wore other ways in which the Mission woik could bo furthered, for wo all had our little talents,, which only required stimulating to realise a fine result. Just as those tiny insects of the Pacific wore responsible for minute contributions which helped to make vast coral reefs and islands, so a combination of small efforts on behalf of the Mission would produce a surprising result, - That work would be pleasing to God. Concluding, the Bishop congratulated the people of Aorangi upon their cnthusiasm and sympathetic help in the direction of spreading God s work among tho Maoris. (Applause). ' , . The lawns wore laid out for both tennis and croquet competitions, while stalls had been erected for the selling of sweets, soft drinks, ice cream, etc. Early in the afternoon patrons wore treated to a delightfully executed minuet by sweetcostumcd girls of the district. Tho performers crossed tho lawn to tiro strains o»f melodic us music and their effort won the admiration of the onlookers. The performers were—Misses Beryl and. Ngaire Jefferies, Ellen and Nma Hansen W. Wales Dell Adsott, Jean Burr, and Nan Shorta'll, while little Joy Williamson with little Petal- Shortall supplied a charming addition to a pleasing number . The outing was cnioyed by all, being in such splendid surroundings.