Rongotea

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 234, 3 October 1936, Page 2

Rongotea

From Our Own Correspondent.

At tho annual homo mission rally, held at the Rongotea Methodist Church on Tuesday evening, Sister M. Holland related personal experiences of mission work among the Maoris of the Wanganui river and Katana pas. Speaking with direct sincerity, Sister Holland described the efforts being made to reach the Maori children, the majority of whom were being brought up in homes of one or two rooms, devoid of comfort and frequently contain'ng not even the bare necessities of life. She begged those present to consider their own pleasantly-situated and comfortable homes, and contrast them with tho conditions in which the Maoris lived. Many schools nad been established by tile Methodist deaconesses, who, by living In the villages, endeavoured from day to day, to help the women and children and bring to them not only a knowledge of the Christian faith, but also give them elementary instruction in hygiene and other things. An inspiring address on the Methodist Home and Maori missions was given by Rev. E. Drake, who spoke of the tremendous sacrifices being made by both European and Maori workers which, while rarely spectacular, were absolutely necessary to the future welfare of the country. He said that the Church sometimes almost despaired of gaining satisfactory results from its very slender organisation, but such was the influence wielded by Maori ministers and deaconesses that definite progress was being made year by year. Everywhere tho people were appealing for guidance and assistance In spiritual and moral matters as well as in those affecting their advancement in civilized modes of life. Many of the European circuits deserved a special tribute for the way they so gladly encourage their workers to put forth a helping hand to the less-advanced race within or adjoining their boundaries.

The rally was presided over by Rev. R. E. Fordyce, who conducted the opening devotional exercises, and welcomed the deputation, Replying to the welcome, Mr. Drake expressed pleasure at the larger attendance and said that in no place they had visited had they experienced greater hospitality or a better organised plan for getting in touch with memotrs. unaer the leadership of Mrs. C. S. Hamlin, the choir rendered two special anthems. Indifferent Weatner.

After a brief period of summer, nongotea, in common with most places, is again experiencing a return or cola, uoisterous weather, which is seriously- hindering local gardeners In their planting operations. The improvement in the stretch of road from the bottom of Cemetery Hill to the Kopane School is frequently commented upon by those who have occasion to use the road. Before the advent of the new grader it was probably tho worst piece of main road in the county.