NEW CHURCH AT HOKIANGA

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXII, Issue XVIII, 6 May 1899, Page 597

NEW CHURCH AT HOKIANGA

On Sunday. April 2, a large crowd of settlers and Maoris assembled at Purakau, Hokianga, to witness the opening and consecration of the new Roman Catholic Church which has just been built by two Maoris named Pukepoto and Taonu. This church is built on the same spot where the oldest Catholic church in New Zealand was erected. The old one was built by Bishop Pompallier. who came here in 1836. Hokianga claims the honour of being the first place in New Zealand where mass was first said in a church. The new church is a nice-sized place, but on Sunuday not over half the people could find room. Visitors camfi from all parts of the river. The s.s. Ho« reke was hired for the occasion, and had a large boat in tow bringing a lot of passengers from Kohukohu and Rawene. The ceremony commenced at 11 o’clock, and was conducted by the Very Rev. Father Alightheart, assisted by the Rev. Fathers J. Becker, R. Bressers, and E. Schoonof. After the service was over the people were asked to a hui (feast) given by the Maoris. There was abundance of clean, well-cooked food, including pastry and a good collection of fruit. It was one of the best huis I have seen, and did credit to all concerned. A white baby was christened on the following Sunday. It belonged to Mr and Mrs T. Enwright, of Kohukohu, Mr G. M. Bernard standing godfather, and Miss M. Enwright was its godmother.