ANGLICAN DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Waka Maori, Volume 12, Issue 21, 17 October 1876, Page 256

ANGLICAN DIOCESAN SYNOD.

Tuesday, 10th October, 1876. The Synod met last evening at the usual hour. Lieutenant-Colonel Gorton moved-That this Synod has heard, with very great pleasure and deep approval, the reports read by the Eevs. A. Knell and J. McWilliam showing such marked progress of Christianity among the Native members of their districts, and requests the President to cause copies of this resolution to be distributed among the Native members of the Church in this Diocese. The resolution met with general approval and was unanimously agreed to. REPORT OF MAORI CHURCH WORK IN THE WAIRARAPA. I believe that every possible endeavour should be used which will hasten the locating of a Maori Deacon here, for these reasons : 1. The Maoris themselves, i.e., every one who has spoken to me on this subject, have expressed a very decided wish for the ministrations of a clergyman of their own race; professing, at the same time, their anxiety that they may henceforth live as Christians should live. That they are in earnest in this their desire I conclude from the considerations following—(a.) Many of their number have again resorted to the good custom of having family prayers and daily Scripture readings in their homes. (This was told me by a settler who has every opportunity of seeing such a thing when practised.) (5.) Many frequently, and with seeming earnestness, have expressed a wish to have their children baptized. Some have been able to bring their children for baptism; others, as yet, have-not come, probably on account of my inability to make such appointments as would be convenient to them. (c.) Many have a desire that their young people should be married henceforth with the Christian rites and ceremonies. This, as you doubtless are aware, has been for a long time disregarded. (d.) In some places they observe Sunday with Religious Christian Services as far as they can do so. "With all indeed, there is a tendency to keep that day holy. This was not the case a few years ago. Should they not be encouraged P (e.) When they bury their dead they do so by using the Burial Service as contained in the Book of Common Prayer, instead of following a custom, which obtained amongst them, of mixing up that service with rites and ceremonies alien to Christian Burial.

(f) And, they are willing, so far as 1 can learn, to do as much as lies in their power to raise a stipend for the maintenance of their minister ; and to provide a residence and piece of land for the use of himself and his family. 2. That, whereas they now wander about so restlessly and unsettled, both in faith and habits, they would be induced to settle down to their work and duties if they had the sober and industrious example of their Minister in their midst to copy. And whereas their faith is wavering and fitful, their Minister would, I surely believe be the means, under Grod, of establishing them in the Faith. 3. And this so desired a consummation would be a blessing, not only to them, but, as I believe, to the whole community of the Wairarapa. Eor, instead of seeing them wandering hither and thither, about the townships, we should see them, when here, intent on their legitimate business transactions, and not engaged in sin, as may be seen now. 4. I may add, that I do think that Christian men and women throughout the whole Diocese should do what they can to aid in this work, in addition to the assistance which they afford when they give at the Maori Offertory. 5. At the meeting which it is proposed to hold on the ISth of October to talk this matter over with the Natives, it would be a good thing if all those who have an interest in lands leased to Europeans could be induced to give an order on the holders of such lands for the amount which they were willing to contribute annually towards their Minister's stipend. This would secure their contributions regularly; and would serve to direct the thoughts of the landholders towards this matter, and might possibly lead them to support the cause likewise. Trusting that I have not said too much, or written with assumption on the matter which engages much of my thoughts,— I remain, your very faithful servant, A. Knell.