HISTORIC HOKIANGA

Northern Advocate, 18 March 1927, Page 4

HISTORIC HOKIANGA

OENTENAEY OF METHODISM. MONUMENTS UNVEILED. One hundred years have passed away since the establishment of the Methodist Church in New Zealand. A century ago the Eev. John Hobbs, first missionary at Mangungu, was' befriended during his flight from the mission station at Whangaroa by Patuone, a Hokianga chief, who was advancing with a large war party to join in the fight against Hongi. On the historic spot at Mangungu direct descendants of John Hobbs and Patuone met at the foot oP the monument unveiled there on Wednesday to the memory of their famous forebears and of early mission workers generally. Beside those from the Hokianga pas,

Maoris from the Waikato and Taranaki joined in the .preparation .of a great luii arranged in honour of the visitors. Included in the European pilgrims were four grandchildren of the Eev, John Hobbs, these being Mr R. C. Kirk, of Petone, Mrs F, Overton (nee Kirk) of Taihapo, Miss E. C. Kirk, of Mount A’lbert and Mis F. Whirter (nee Gittos) of Auckland. They represented the families of the Ecvs. William Kirk and William Gittos, also former missionaries at Mangungu, each of whom married a daughter of the Eev. John H*bbs. , Standing on a commanding position on the famous look-out point of the Ngapnhi tribes, the onument can bo seen from all parts of the inlets of Hokianga Harbour. The unveiling ceremony .was conducted by Dr, H. Eanston, president of the Methodist Conference. The Eev. E. Tahupotiki Had,don, senior Maori superintendent, unveiled the first Methodist church boll used iu New .TSaland, This was set in a concrete block. The main monuiment is of granite and is in the form mf a. Celtic cross, set’in a huge cairn of heavy I ■' stones.

An ’addressfirst to the Maoris and then ltd the Europeans by the Rev.. ,T. A. Joughin, the only survivor, of the early missionaries was read by .the Rev. A. C. Lawry, The unveiling of the monument followed, and then a dedicatory address was given by the Rev. A, C. Lawry, sou. of the Rev H. H. Lawry, one of the .missionaries at Mangungu. • • After the ceremony a Large baud of pilgrims and Maoris met to partake of a largo feast prepared in honour of the occasion. Address were given by Mr Kirk and Hohia Patuone, a direct descendant of the early chief. Feasting and discussion lasted long into the night.