THE RINGATU CHURCH.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16174, 10 July 1923, Page 5

THE RINGATU CHURCH.

ADDRESS BY MR. NGATA

Tho Hon. A. T. Ngata arrived here by Saturday’s express (states the Rotorua .Chronicle), and proceeded to Wliakatano the next day on his way tio the meeting of native adherents of tho Ringatu Church at Wainui. Wainui is situated on the upper reaches of the Ohiwa harbor midway between Whakatane and Opotiki, and comprises an area of 6CO acres, wheel) the Grown granted to Te Kooti when the Hon. -/V. J. Gadman was Native Minister. Latterly some doubt arose as to whether the gift of this land was a personal one, oi whether it was given to him as head of the Ringatu Church, Legislation passed last year opened the way to the matter being discussed and finally settled, and the meeting at. Wainui above referred to was for that purpose. Mr, Ngata received an enthusiastic welcome, the whole marao of over 500 men and women taking part in the powhiri. Contingents from Wanganui, Taranaki, Ngapnhi, Arawa, Tuhoe, Ngatiporou and Ralmngunu wcTe present. Speeches of welcome were delivered by the Tangata Whenua. Mr. Ngata then addressed the meeting. He traced the history of the Ringatu Church to the present time, referred in detail tio the gift of the 600 acres, explained the effect of the recent legislation whereby 12 trustees were to bo appointed at a meeting such as the one he was addressing—these trustees to have all the powers of an incorporated committee, etc. Ho spoke generally on the needs of tho times and consequently tho urgency of putting their house in order to bo in tho great stream of English civilisation, and assisting other churches and organisations in all progressive movements. After a few questions had been answered, twelve persons vero nominated and unanimously agreed to. The list is to be subrhitted to tbe Native Minister forthwith for approval.