A NEW MAORI RELIGION.

Otago Witness, Issue 1158, 7 February 1874, Page 22

A NEW MAORI RELIGION.

( Wawjanui Herald. )

We -understand that a new religion- is fast gaining ground amongst the natives of this district. Its founder and propagator, Matia, is a native of Kaiwaike, who, after astonishing the inhabitants of his own village, proceeded to Kai Iwj, preaching and prophesying to the natives who had assembled there. The last prayer meeting was held yesterday at Wangaehu. The language of the ceremonial is partly unintelligible to the natives. One pleasing feature in the new religion is its striking resemblance to many of the religions of the old world, and Europeans are to be converted by " the power of truth," instead of driven into the sea, aa formerly. Matia appears to be a man of intelligent observation, and amongst one of many schemes for converting his European neighbours, whose division into numerous sects he sincerely regrets, is to be the introduction «f banners, aprons, and processions — an idea he seems to have imbibed since a recent excursion trip to his native pa — as he informs his Eurupean friends that it is to be lf all the same as the Kura Tempora [Good Templars]." We are much pleased with these signs of the times, and wish Matia every success, recognising his sincere wish to instruct us in religious thought. Matia, after converting the European portion of the community of these isles, intends purchasing a schooner by penny subscriptions, for the purpose of extending the benefits of the new gospel to other lands.