THE MAORI MISSION.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 23, 13 October 1898, Page 24

THE MAORI MISSION.

MAT AT A. BAY OF PLENTY.

The readers of the Tablet have heard enough of the Fathers working in the Maori Mission in this part of the world, so that they are well acquainted with them, hence my daring object to wjite a few lines to make them still better acquainted. My labours amongst the Maoris are in the Bay of Plenty (a terrible misnomer, t .at naaie), my district extends itself over 150 miles in length. In the last four years I have four churches, one in progress, erected, and still more in contemplation, the funds of which have all come from local people, but now I must turn my attention to the convent, which has been standing nearly seven years, and was only half finished and never painted. What the poor Sisters of St. Joseph suffered during that period from cold and wet very few know and

will ever know, but finished it should be, but I cannot do it for want of means. /A. great; many Irish people do read your paper, a good pemle too, as I in the collections made through your paper foW,he '98 celebration and other purposss. Now, here are Irish heroes, as well, who suffer silently, but they suffer. .. The first oonvent we have, and standing so long, it is a disgrace the way it stands. All I would want would be the money to buy the material, as Ido the work myself with the natives. Now. good readers of the Tablet, if ever alma were wanted they are wanted here ; if ever alms went a long way they do here. A £50 would help me to start the work properly. I have been round to* all in the district and have spent week after week on horseback begging and begging for the four churches and a humble presbytery. I dare not go twice to the same people, who have been so generous, Protestants as well as Catholics. Now I beg and implore the readers of the Tablet to give a little towards this great work. Religion is at stake. Will children be drawn to come to an uncomfortable, cold, and ugly looking school if a comfortable, nice and warm godless school is standing a few yards away ? Will children stand the temptation of niceties held out for them daily ? Oh, Catholics, awake and assist the little ones, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Donations may be sent to the Editor of the Tablet, or to Rev. Father A. Holiebhock, Matata.