HOME MISSIONS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16606, 9 December 1924, Page 12

HOME MISSIONS.

SERVICES AT METHODIST CHURCH

Last evening a meeting was held in the Bright Street Methodist Church in connection with the visit of the General Superintendent of Methodist Home Missions, the Rev. A. J. Seamer, who v.as accompanied by a party of talented Maori singers and orators. Mr. Seamer was briefly introduced by the Rev. G. Frost, who made mention of the responsibility resting upon Europeans in the matter of uplifting the Maori race. The object of the tour through the Dominion was explained by Mr. Sewnier, who pointed out that this was threefold, namely : The organisation of tho Maori mission; the creation of additional interest in Maori and Home mission work; and the development of a spirit of fellowship between the Maori and the pakeha. The relations between the two races were not. as they should be, as neither understood the other. Tim speaker then dealt in detail with the early days of tho Methodist Church in New Zealand, tracing its history back to the time of the Rev. Samuel Marsden and outlining the numerous difficulties which had to be overcome by the pioneers in the Christian faith. lie alwi pointed out that, ever siiicei the Maori war, tho mis sionaries' work had been handicapped by the tragedy and the faithlessness of their own race. The real tragedy of Ihe Maori mission has hot»n thai For (very missionary of flic Cress there has been a score of missionaries of evil, diagging the Maori down wards. Tho Rev. Ernern le Tnhi dealt with Die great, question of lb,, deslinv of the Maori people. It was bis opinion that sooner or laler the Maori people would merge into the greater race, the Eiiropr/aii rare, Ihe moi".' advanced race in New Zealand. The Maori had made wonderful progress since the advent of the European in these islands. Ai first they found the new mode of life hard to copy, bn(. I hey had made amazing progress in thai direction. They bad, however, hem reglected in some directions by the (iovcT?im n rit, which had failed to send them lecturers and instructors to enlighten) them on industrial matters and on subjects dealing with the uplift of the Maori people. With all his disadvantages til" Maori had made wonderful progress in New Zealand, and the European bad a duty to the original people of New Zealand, to raise the tone of the Maori.

The speaker also pointed out that, there was need for greater co-operation between the two races. They co-operated in the realms of sport, and trrav (should cooperate in the spiritual uplifting of the Maori race.

Te-Ahn-o-te-Rangi Pihama made mention of the wonderful success that had attended the work of Ratana, through

whose influence many Maoris had been turned from superstition. He also outlined the interest the Maori look in Christianity. The speaker referred at length l,', fhe'valuabk' work of the drnsomwses r.numgsl the Maori children, and appealed fur morn volunteers for the work. Young men also were wanted, and he nslied memhers nf both s-'-xes to give the matter eiirncot consideration. If man could not go because of business, perhaps they could assist by way of finance, for the payment of deaconesses and missionaries. Thei Rev. Mr. Seamer referred to tne manner in which the. Maori race was declining, and pointed out that some steps should be taken lo see that the beautiful old Maori customs did not die out. At. the conclusion of the interesting address a heart-, vote of thanks was accorded \,i tic visitors on the motion of Mr. |i\ 11. For>.;o, and the. meeting concluded with the singing of the Doxology.