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New Zealand Mail, Issue 850, 15 June 1888, Page 2

An interesting ceremony took place at the Salvation Army Barracks on Sunday after, noon, • which was witnessed by about 2000 people, when a "Native contingent, or mission to the Maoris, were presented by Colonel Taylor with colors. Amongst those on the platform were Mr. Buxton, M.H.R., and several prominent citizens, Colonel and Mrs Taylor, Major Lovelock, and others addressed the meeting. Captain and Mrs Holdaway are the pioneer officers who proceed to Wanganui to-day to open up their work in the Upper Wanganui district, gradually to work their way through the King Country. Three Maori converts, dressed in native costume with handsome flax mats, also made addresses and sang some of the Salvation hymns in the Native language, one of the converts, ‘Lieutenant De Blois, a half-caste, accompanying the. hymi s on the harmonium. A substantial collection was made in aid of the Maori mission. It is intended that the Maori converts will also shortly proceed to the Wanganui district. A confirmation service was held at St, Mark’s Church on Sunday morning by the Bishop of Wellington. Thirty-nine candidates in all presented themselves, viz., 2girls and 17 young men. There was a very large congregation present, and an impressive sermon was preached by the Bishop on the subject of confirmation. The ReV R-. Coffey; incumbent of St. Mark’s Church, officiated at'the usual morning service.