RATANAISM.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16175, 11 July 1923, Page 10

RATANAISM.

"SIGNS OF MAORIS* SPIRITUAL AWAKENING."

The relation of "ltatanaism" towards -Maori mission work was tho basis of a discussion at the Anglican Synod at Wellington (says the M.Z. Times), which arose from a motion moved by the Rev. W. G. Williams. Though, as one speaker declared, he fouhd.it difficult to "swalloiw whole" tho faith-healer's methods two years ago, the census of opinion was to the effect that Ratana's influence had been in the character of a spiritual revival among the natives, it had also stopped the tendency to drift back to tohtuigaism. Tho subject was introduced by tho Rev. Mr. Williams, who moved: "That in view of tho many signs of spiritual awakening amongst the Maoris, and the necessity for providing-increased salaries for native clergy in the near future, this Synod commends tho work of the Maori mission to the* generous support of the diocese as constituting the first call upon the missionary enterprise of the church." The mover said there was a great sign of a religious revival among the natives, which, was most encouraging to, those engaged in mission work. One of the difficulties, however, to bo contended with was duo to the fact that the old village system was passing away. Accordingly, the work was in a stage of transition, owing to the natives being so .scattered, and living more in the European style. He declared that) the influence of Katanaism had done much to stop the undoubted drift of recent years towards tohungaism. If Rataua had accomplished nothing else, they had to be thankful for that fact. Tl|e mission work, however, was hampered by an inadequate staff, though they had received every encouragement of late from the native police. "Wo have got to recognise now," ho said, "that we are entering into a new era with our 7 native staff, anil that adequate salaries must lie paid to them, commensurate with the education they have received and the sort of life they are about to follow."

The motion was seconded by Mr. Kingi Tahiwi, of Otaki, who paid a high tribute to the work of the pioneer bank of clergy, who had converted the natives of the Wellington diocese from tohungaism after their arrival on these shores in 1829.

In order to combat present-day iiiiluoiK.es, ho declared, and to make up lost weigh, it was essential'that the native clergy should receive at) least a living wage. A Maori minister must have the dignity, according to the native mind, to be able to- do his work thoroughly. The speech of this native member of the Synod was received with applause. Mr. J. W. Henderson moved that th* last two lines should be deleted. Surely, it. was not intended, he said, that the whole of the missionary effort of the diocese should be for the Maori mission? Ho believed all tho words after "diocese" should bo deleted. If the clause was carried, it would mean that the Maori mission had first cull on all missionary enterprise. This contention was strenuously opposed by the "Rev. Mr. Williams, who was of opinion that the natives should have first call on tho missionary endeavor of the diocese.

The Chancellor (Mr. T. F. Martin) did not consider that the words would have any binding effect, so Mr. Hendor son withdrew his amendment with the Bishop's leave. The Rev. W. F. Stent confessed that though he had found it hard to "swallow Ratana's methods whole" two years ago, he was satisfied that there had beer* a revival in faith amongst the natives. Maori mission work should receive more encouragement from European parishes. The motion was carried unanimously.