TRIBUTE TO PIONEER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19905, 26 March 1928, Page 10

TRIBUTE TO PIONEER.

great work for church. THE LATE MR. JAMES KEMP. Quietly, and in the presence of his grandchildren, a brass tablet was recently unveiled and dedicated to the Biemoiy of the late Mr. James Kemp, of Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, in the oldest house in New Zealand, which stands firmly to-day on the lonely island. The Church Missionary Society built the house 108 years ago for Mr. Kemp, a settler who was later to do great work as a layman among the Maoris, teaching them the Gospel and instructing them in the rudiments of agriculture. Although more than a century has passed since its erection, the house has never been occupied by any save the original occupier, the late Mr. Kemp, and his descendants. A devout man, with a great love for his Church, Mr. Kemp was typical of the best of the pioneers, and it was considered only fitting that his name should be preserved for posterity by means of a brass tablet in the little house at Kerikeri, whefe he worshipped for so long and where his children's children worship to-day. The tablet is inscribed:—"To the Glory of God and to the beloved and honoured memory of James Kemp and Charlotte, his wife, who arrived in New Zealand on August 10, 1819, and laboured for the rest of their lives to spread the Gospel among the Maoris. Mrs. Kemp entered into rest, June, 1860, Mr. Kemp in February, 1872. 'Who through faith wrought righteousness,' Heb., ii., 33. Erected by their many descendants, 1927."