HOROWHENUA NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9618, 26 March 1917, Page 3

HOROWHENUA NOTES

From Our Own Correspondent. OTAKI,' Saturday. There wag a good assemblage at the Otaki Native Church yesterday afternoon, when the consecration, of the New Zealand ensign, which ia to accompany the Maori motor ambulance (secured through the energies of Nurse Lewis and the generosity of children in this district), took place. The clergymen who took part were the Rev. G. F. Petrie, Rev. G. C. Blathwayt, Rev. Temuera Tokoadtua, and Rev. Metera Aomarere, and special lessons, hymns and prayers were a prominent feature. The Rev. Temuera, in an address in Maori, referred to the flag in a stirring manner, pointing out that the white portion stood for purity, the red for bravery and justice, and the blue for hope aftd abstinence, and compared Che whole with the bright and morning star. He advised all to be strong. in their adherence of the white, the red, and the blue 3s England was, and as the soldiers were who wore fighting to Uphold the grand old flag. He also asked dor a blessing for Nurse Lewis, who hag been assisting in many ways, and prayed for the soldier and all others doing duty in fighting for right and justice. Miss Jane Patihona presided efficiently at the organ, while the Native College boys and school children helped materially with the singing. The collection was handed over to Sister Lewis for her worthy object.