THE MAORI MISSIONS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3, 18 January 1900, Page 20

THE MAORI MISSIONS.

CHURCH-OPENING FESTIVITIES AT TE PUNA.

(From our Matata correspondent.)

The first day of the year 1900 was a memorable day for the natives of Te Puna. For the last two years these Maoris have laboured in the bush and at home to gather material for their new church, and they have succeeded so well that by the end of the year their work could be considered completed, even with regard to its minor details. Invitations had been sent to the surrounding tribes and were cordially received and responded to. Hence a great many Maoris, to the number of 500, were gathered to join in the festivities. This number was largely increased by Europeans from Tauranga and its environs, who were agreeably surprised at the proofs of skill and zeal of the Maoris evidenced in the construction of their new church. The church is a modest building with a pretty tower. The outside measurement is 50 x 20feet. It will comfortably accommodate 123 people, seats to the number of 20 having been provided. The interior is a real picture, lined throughout with rewarewa timber, a timber so beautifully variegated and mottled that it would be difficult to find a finer material. The sanctuary is dome-Bhaped, male of red satinette. The altar is of carved kauri, and the whole presents an attractive appearance. On the day of the opening the Papal flag, the Union Jack, and the French flag could be seen side by side (there are a great many French half-castes in Te Puna). The Very Rev. Father A. Lightheart, the Superior of the Maori Mission, assisted by the Rev. Fathers Holierhoek and Smiers, began the ceremonies of the blessing of the new building at 10 o'clock a.m. Preceded by the cross-bearer (Mr. F. Borell) and two acolytes, Father Lighthean; performed the blessing outside the building. The church doors were then opened, and the multitude soon filled the building to its utmost capacity, and the blessing of the interior was proceeded with. A mista cantata was sung by the Rev. Father W. J. Smiers (Whangarei). Afterwards the Very Rev. Father Lightheart gave a very eloquent and touching sermon in the Maori language, illustrating the meaning of the great ceremonies of the day. After the service all were invited to partake of the refreshments liberally provided by the Maoris. I think it would take a great deal of labour and thought for any European cook to improve on the eatables or to provide and distribute them with greater expedition. In the afternoon a second service was held — viz., the erection of the Stations of the Cros3. This was acaompanied by an instructive sermon of the Rev Father Holierhoek, in which the rev. gentleman with great clearness explained to the Maoris the meaning of the devotion cilled the Way of the Cross. This was followed by Benediction, given by the Rev. Father Kreymborg, assisted by the Rev. Father Holierhoek as deacon. The music was very creditably rendered by the Maori girl*, under the conductorship of the Rev. Father W. Van Dyk. They sang the 'O Salutaris,' the ' Adeste Ficieles,' and 'Tantum Ergo.' This devotion over, the visitors returned to the large nieeting-hou<*e erected for the occasion. Here it was agreed that another collection should take place to reduce the debt to a minimum. A plate was placed on a box outside the large building, and stirring speeches were given to encourage the people to generosity. The visitors took it up with an alacrity usually absent when the unpleasant work of collecting is uoing on, in fact some Maoris, especially Ngatiawa, contributed their donations with great good humour. The day's collection realised nearly £I.">, leaving only a small debt on the building, which costs nearly £100 for material alone. Later on an entertainment with the magic lantern was given by the Rev. Father Holierhoek, and greatly appreciated by the congregation. Next morning preparations were made for returning to their respective homes, and judging by the behaviour of the dispersing Maoris it was easy to see that they had enjoyed themselves. It would be short of my duty if I did not give the greatest credit to Frank Borell and John Bidois. Their energy and perseverance in the work can only be explained by their great love for their work. From beginning to end there was no dawdling or taihoa during the erection of this handsome building, which is a credit to all.