BISHOP CROSSLEY IN THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14690, 26 May 1911, Page 8

BISHOP CROSSLEY IN THE NORTH.

WELCOMED BY MAORIS. LARGE GATHERING AT TE KAO. [BY TEI/EGRAPn.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] Pabtcnga, Thursday. The Maori village of To Kao, the chief settlement of the Aupouri tribe in the Far North of tho Dominion, was the scene of a large nativo gathering on Wednesday, tho occasion being the Bishop of Auckland's visit to consecrato a new Anglican Church, and preside at a meeting of tho ■Northern Maori Synod. The Aupouri, Itarawa, Ngapuhi, Ngatiwhatua, and Waikato tribes were all represented. The visitors had been arriving since Monday, and for their sleeping and dining accommodation three large marquees had been erected. Great credit is duo to the natives for the orderly way in which everything was carried out. There was much feasting, and tons of kumaras and many oxen and pigs were consumed. The Bishop, accompanied by the Revs. Hawkins and McWilliams, arrived at 10 o'clock, and was welcomed in true Maori style. Tho hakas and poi dances were particularly fine, and impressed the visitors greatly. At the conclusion of the haka an address of welcome to the Bishop was read, both in English and Maori, and in reply His Lordship expressed his great pleasure at having so soon had an opportunity of meeting such a large gathering of Maori people. Ho also thanked them for the hearty manner in which they had welcomed him among them, remarking that the novel scones ho had just witnessed would ever live in his memory.

An adjournment was then made to the church, where the dedication ceremony was performed. It was followed by a confirmation service, for which there were upwards of 40 candidates. The prayer was repeated by tho Bishop in the Maori language, greatly to the surprise and pleasure of both the candidates and their friends. At. the conclusion, His Lordship " delivered a very eloquent address

to the newly confirmed, exhorting them to be steadfast in their daily avocation, constant in prayer, and regular in their attendance* at Holy Communion. Most of the afternoon and evening was occupied by Synod business, at the conclusion of which tho marquees were again visited, and singing and speeches wero continued until nearly midnight. On Thursday

morning Holy Communion was celebrated at seven o'clock, 150 being present. The Bishop and his party wero farewelled by a largo and enthusiastic crowd. They left by buggy for Houhora, en route for Auckland.