MAORI CHURCH AT OTAKOU

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13545, 19 March 1906, Page 4 (Supplement)

MAORI CHURCH AT OTAKOU

Wednesday. 7th inst., was pretty generally observed as a holiday at t!iu Maori Kaik. Maoris , and Euro-pe-alls rcfidoul thereabouts camo from far and near to witness Ilio dedication of a now altar in the Maori Church (Anglican), to take part in a, confirmation service, and lo participate in ilio festivities of a wedding. The little church, which nestles very prettily in a sheltered valley near iho jetty, was crowded. There must have been about 120 people present— men, women, and children of all ages, including, not. a few infants in arms. The Most Rev. the Primate (Bishop Nevill) reached, the Kaik about noon, making the journey from Port Chalmers in the Union Company's oil launch, which was placed at his disposal for the occasion, and was met. at the Kaik by Mr Iloani Parata, stmlont in charge. The Primate was accompanied by the Rev. G. Fynes-Clin-ton, of Kurow. The Rev. Mr Ward, vicar of the parish, was also to have been present, but was detained by another engagement and forwarded an apology for his absence, as also did Mr T. Parata, M.H.R,

The church, which was creeled over 40 years ago and is still in very good condition, has lately been extensively repaired, internally and externally, and in addition a now altar lias been placed in position. This altar was dedicated by tho Primate. It was his first duly after the people had assembled in, the church, and then followed the confirmation service, at which 10, girls and two boys were confirmed. The names of the candidates are:—Sylvy Ann Burns. Iwa Burns. Lydia Christina ' Karctni, Victoria Karelai, Annio Julian, Harriet Eliza Taiaroa, Mckura Taiaroa, Wary Ann Howard, Annio Elizabeth Ellison, Ella P.ichdale, Stewart Edmonu Karotai, and Octavius I'fai-wood Burns.

The marriage ceremony came next. The contracting parties were John Spencer, a resident of Otakou, and Martha Tahumu Edmonds, a young lady who was baptised and confirmed by tho Bishop. The Primate had now the pleasure of performing another servico for the young lady. The important ceremony having been duly carried.. out, tho happy couple left llm church,' being merrily polled with sugar and rice, and led the way lo tho hall, where the wedding breakfast had boon prepared. Every seat round the long tables was taken'up, and more would have been occupied if they had been available. The bride and bridegroom were seated at tho head of the festive board. The repast was on a most, bountiful scale, and merited the remark of tho Primate that Dunedin itself could not have supplied a bettor spread. It was a credit to all who had had anything to do with it. After the toast of "The King" bad been honoured, the health of tlio "bride and bridegroom was proposed in felicitous terms by the Primate, ami responded to by Mr Thomas Edmonds (father of tho brido and an old resident of the district) and Mr Parata, both of whom (hanked the Primate for the icood wishes he bad expressed for the welfare of Mr and Mrs Spencer. Mr Edmonds's remarks were interpreted by Mr Parata, Mr 1). Ellison, in a brief speech, also wished the newly-wedded couple a long life and happiness, and at. the samo time, extended a welcome to the Primate. The people, bo said, were glad to sec him. They did not see enough of him, and they hojxjd he would come among them again.--(Applausc) The Primnee, replying to the invitation, said that, he was about to go Homo for a trip, but on his return ho would try to come again to the district to meet the people.—(Applause.) Ho had boon at the Kailc before, but never had ho seen such a fine" gathering as there was that day. He also said lie was gratified to find thero were young men*, of the Maori race and half-castes who had formed themselves into a society with the object of advancing the interests of the Native'people. He trusted their efforts would result in much benefit to those whom it was sought to help.—(Applause.)