MAORIS AND EMPIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21509, 5 June 1933, Page 11

MAORIS AND EMPIRE

RESPONSE TO INFLUENCE BISHOP BENNETT'S SERMON PROGRESS OF MISSION WORK "It is a very wonderful thing that the small island of Britain should be the heart throb of an Empire such as ours," stated Bishop Bennett, Bishop of Aotearoa, in the course of an address at St. Mary's Cathedral last evening. There was a large congregation, including many Maoris. A portion of the service was given in Maori, and, prior to his address to the congregation as a whole, Bishop Bennett spoke in Maori. The lessons were read in English by the Rev. W. N. Panapa, and in Maori by the Rev. T. T. Poihipi.

Bishop Bennett took as his text, "Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters," and said that the text was peculiarly fitting to the British Empire. The Empire seemed to be as strong as ever, in spite of the difficulties of the times, and lie paid a tribute to the King. All the subjects of the King responded to the influence which came from Britain. "We are all members of this great Empire," he stated. "Its flag floats proudly over the seven seas. The very centre of it is the blood-stained cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. May it be translated to the hearts and minds of all.'; Bishop Bennett went on to describe the activities of the Maori Mission. There had been a feeling among the Maoris in the Auckland diocese that not a great deal of interest was taken by the pakehas. The Maoris were working earnestly for the Church. In the Wellington diocese, self-reliance had advanced noticeably since economic conditions changed, and that was proof that the Maoris realised the importance of the Church to their welfare. The spiritual work in the Auckland diocese was just as good, if not better, than elsewhere, and the interest of tho natives in the north was wonderful. What was being realised was the importance of training the young people. This outlook was instanced in this remark to the speaker by an old Taranaki native, "Never trouble about the dry leaves of the flax bush, but pay attention to the young shoots." All over New Zealand, new members were being received into the Church, and the speaker believed that such factions as Ratanaism would do some good in the long run by the interest they had created. After paying a tribute to Archbishop Averill for his guidance, the bishop said the expressed desire of the Maoris for a diocese of their own did not show any intention to cut away. It was felt that there should bo unity where the work was now divided, and tho Maoris believed that one diocese would mean more useful work for the Church in the future. The cathedral choir sang the cantata, "O God, the King of Glory," the soloists being Miss E. Coleman and Mr. H. Davis. A special hymn was sung by a Maori choir.