RONGOTEA

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 261, 2 October 1936, Page 10

RONGOTEA

(From Our Own Correspondent.) IIONGOTEA, Oct. 1. Personal experiences of mission work among the Maoris of the Wanganui River and Katana pa’s wore related by Sister M. Holland at the annual home mission rally of the liongotea Methodist Church, on Tuesday evening. The speaker, with sincere directness, told of tho special efforts being made to roach the Maori children, who in the majority of cases were brought up in homes, consisting of one or two rooms, lacking in comfort, very often devoid of bare necessities, and appealed to her hearers to contrast tho conditions she outlined with their own comfortable homes and pleasant surroundings. Tho Methodist deaconess had established many Sunday schools, and by living at the villages endeavoured from day to day to assist the children and women and bring to them not only a knowledge of the Christian faith but also elementary instruction in hygiene and other essential matters. Sister Holland made a deep impression on her hearers. Rev. E. Drake also gave an inspiring address on the Methodist homo and Maori missions and the great sacrifices that aro being made by the European and .Maori workers which, while rarely spectacular, were absolutely essential to the future welfare of the Dominion. “We sometimes almost despair of securing satisfactory results from our skeleton organisation,” be said, “yet. such wonderful influence is wielded by our devoted Maori ministers and deaconesses that definite progress is undoubtedly being made year by year. At every turn the people are crying out for help and guidance in spiritual and moral questions, as well as in matters affecting their advancement in civilised modes of life. A tribute is due to many of tho European circuits who gladly encourage their workers to reach out a helping hand to tho less advanced race within or adjacent to their boundary.” Rev. R. E. Fordyce presided, and conducted tho opening devotional exercises, and wclcornod the deputation. In replying -to tho welcome, Mr Drake expressed his pleasure at tho largo attendance and stated that in no place they had visited had they experienced greater hospitality or a better organised plan for getting in touch with members. The choir rondered two special anthems under the leadership of Airs (J. S. Hamlin. The concluding euchre and dance, held by the liongotea Basketball Club, was very successful and well attended. All* A. Hancox acted us M.C. The euchre prizes were won by:—Ladies, Airs Slattery; men. Mr Kennedy; consolation prizes, Airs White and Mr Emery. Framed picture, Mr C. Donovan- lucky spot dance, Airs Mclntosh and Air Donovan; lucky Gay Gordons, Airs AlcIntosh and partner; Alonte Carlo, Aliss Nicholson and partner; lucky door number, Aliss Wheeler.