MAORI BISHOP.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17612, 17 January 1929, Page 10

MAORI BISHOP.

EAST COAST VISIT. SERVICES EN ROUTE. One of the most impressive services held in Tokomaru Bay for many years was conducted by the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett. It had been the intention to hold the service in St. Mary’s Maori Church, but so great was the attendance of the public that it was decided to adjourn to the marae outside, the organ being lifted by willing hands, and transferred to the open air. There Mrs H. H. Fairlie presided at the Instrument, the service being conducted by the Bishop, assisted by the Rev. W. Moana, of Tokomaru Bay, and the Rev. W. Hauwaho, of Tolaga Bay. Selecting as his text an excerpt from the Acts of the Apostles, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me do?” Bishop Bennett preached an eloquent sermon, repeating his words in Maori and English for the benefit of the mixed congregation. Rapt attention marked the demeanour of the worshippers, who followed the sermon with absorbed interest.

The next morning the Bishop celebrated communion at St. Mary’s Maori Church, and in the evening preached at All Saints’, where the Rev. W. Moana again assisted His Lordship. Speaking again in both languages, the Bishop commented on the fact that the Maori church, now launched on its own career but not independent of the aid of the mother church, would need the support of the pakeha, morally, and in other ways. The Europeans had taken the utmost interest in the progress of the Maori church to the present time, and he prayed that their interest and sympathy would not be withdrawn now that their protege was showing an inclination to stand on its own feet. The Maori race could not hope for solid progress, he pointed out, without the help and understanding sympathy of their white brethren.

Waipiro Bay was the scene of another combined service .and again the attendance was sufficient to tax the accommodation in the church of the township. Everywhere it is evident that His Lordship’s consecration a s Bishop of Aotearoa has revived interest among members of the church, and intensified that of the regular workers. Moreover, the personality of the Bishop, combined with his eloquence, has made a strong appeal to the pakeha audiences he has addressed, and it is the general opinion that no better choice could have been made by the senior officers of the Anglican Church for the post of first Maori Bishop,