OPENING OF THE MAORI CHURCH AT ARAHURA.

West Coast Times, Issue 1926, 1 December 1871, Page 2

OPENING OF THE MAORI CHURCH AT ARAHURA.

The opening and cousecration of the new Maori church, yesterday, at Aruhura, took place in the presence of a very largo number of visitors from Hokitika. Ihe Right Jlev the Bishop, on his arrival, wa3 received in Maori fashion with a ioud chorus of salutations, and with cries of welcome from the women. He was accompanied by the Yen. Archdeacon Harper, and Mr Greenwood, the ajjent for Native Reserves. His Lordship proceeded to ihe door of the church , Avhcre he was met by the chief men of the tribe, one of whom, Tainui, presented a petition praying that the church might be consecrated, and an address composed and written by himself. The church was entirely filled, the front seats being occupied by a number of ladies and gentlemeD who had come from Hokitika to form a choir. In the space in front of the seats, Maoris were seated— native fashion — on the floor, and others were seated in the same fashion in other parts of the building. The service commenced by the Bishop p:ocecding up the aisle reciting the 24th* Psalm, alternately with the Natives in Maori. Nothing could exceed the hearty and musical regularity with which the Natives responded. Being all provided with Maori prayer-books, and quite conversant with the u?e of them, they were able to take an intelligent part in the service. The singing during the service was excellent, Mr Stephens presiding at the harmonium. After the consecration service, m ine Maories were presented to the Bishop by their Native teacher, Te Koro, for confirmation. They had been well instructed in the meaning of this solemn ceremony, and took their part in it with the greatest reverence aud most intelligent earnestness. Indeed the Maori sets his brother, the white man, a good example of reverent demeanour in church, such as cannot fail toimpiess the spectator. The Bishop addressed 1he # n in a few very earnest sentences, which were rendered into Maori by Mr Greenwood, who also conducted the greater part of the service in Maori. At the coaciusion of the service, a sumptuous feast of good things was provided iv a tent, and partaken of by a number of people who thoroughly appreciated Maori hospitality. Tea, sandwiches, cake, new potatoes, biscuits, fruit, plum pudding, cheese, &c, formed a feast which might tempt the most fastidious. We must give a few words to the church, which well deserves a visit. Jt will hold about sixty persons with eaqe, and is well proportioned in every way. The iuterior of the roof is worth notice, having principal and perling rafters of some size, handsomely chamfered, shewing the boards of the roof in panels, placed diagonally and planed. The tie beams spring from ornamental corbels on the walls, and cross each other

&t a fiiflh pitcii. Tficre ?ire but few of cnemV rat they are fhassJve. The walls Sre lineu with red pirte, with deep cornice and oriiarfienssif moulding", and varnished. The cHicrch is 9 provided with a handsome prayer-desk, lectern, and altar rails. It is carpeted and matted throughout. The windows have sharp-pointed angular heads, the east window being an imitation in . wood of a window of perpendicular style. The whole has been provided by the Maoris at their own expense. Regular services will be held in the church by the native teacher. We give the text of the address written by Taiuui, and presented to the Bishop, wbich many will read with interest: — Arahura, Nov. 30, 1871. This is an address from us, the natives of Wai Pounarnu, to you, on your coming hither to consecrate this Maori church, which has just been finished. Great is our joy, 0 Bishop, at your coming to ratify and give weight to the important work which is this day completed. We are also thankful for the kindness of our Pakeba friends in coming forward to countenance and encourage this work for the salvation of men's souls. Truly, 0 friend, there are two things with which the mind should be occupied, namely, life for the body ancl life for the soul. Behold the building which stands before you. This place was in darkness. The soul sought and there is light. You now see the desire of man to seek after life for the soul. And now, O Friend, return to your place in peace. May the great Shepherd be with you, and the love of our Lord Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. From us the men of Poutini. Ripini Waipapa, Haimoxa Tuangau, Taimona te Paiid, llemi Pakau, and liiata Tainui, who wrote the above.