MAORI PRESBYTERIANISM

Taranaki Daily News, 9 June 1931, Page 7

MAORI PRESBYTERIANISM

SUCCESS OF MISSION EVIDENT. GROWTH OF TURAKINA COLLEGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Work among the Maoris was discussed to-day by the Presbyterian General Assembly, the Rev. J. Hay presenting the report of the Maori Missions Committee. The report told of evidence of the success of the mission being manifest in the fact that year by year Maoris came in increasing numbers, seeking baptism for - themselves and their children, while the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was now celebrated regularly in several mission stations. Turakina College had experienced the most successful year in its career, 45 girls being in residence throughout the year. Miss Kinross, the principal of the college, addressed the assembly and deprecated any idea that education was intended to make Maori girls into imitation Europeans. That was not desirable. There was no disgrace in going back to the mat if it meant simply eating food in Maori fashion and following Maori customs which were without harm. The Maoris were a great people, deserving of all the help and support that the Church could giye in developing the splendid qualities of their character. The Rev. J. A. Asher seconded the report, which was unanimously adopted.