THE MAORI BISHOP.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17533, 15 October 1928, Page 5

THE MAORI BISHOP.

HISTORICAL EVENT. DR. BUCK'S GOOD WISHES. "I note that Fred Bennett has been appointed as our spiritual head, and wish him all success in a difficult position from a temporal point Of view," writes Dr. P. 11. Buck (le Bangihiroa), of Honolulu, in a lette.to Sir Apirana Ngata. "Both sides," proceeds Dr. Buck, I "can now unload their shortcomings ! upon him. Judgment, diplomacy, flrmness in big things of policy, with peri haps a courteous giving way in minor j details, will all be demanded of the | position. The appointment is an his- ] torical event in the evolution of our ' culture, and no matter what the re- ! suits it is in keeping with the standard ! that has become naturally associated I with the .Maori division of the PolyI nesian people. It is a visible manifesj tal.ion of the urge that has developed : from within, and demands expression, |in spite of all opposition. I see in you j and others of the race who were asso- ! ciatcd willi you the spirit of your an- ] oestors finding expression in the fields I that remain open since the lists of Tu i have closed down. Kamehameha ot ! Hawaii, Tubou of/ Tonga, Malietoa of | Samoa, and Pomare of Tahiti, fought I their battles and secured so-called j kingship. Thus activities-were a conI tinuation of their ordinary culture thai j culminated in social domination. Not ' all these victories are to be compared j wifh that: of; securing a Maori bishoj) against that most obstinate of all armies, the Anglican Church."