Maori Mission at Taupo.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 22, 29 May 1902, Page 3

Maori Mission at Taupo.

An Urgent Appeal.

We have received a letter from the Rev. Father Bruning, of Tokaanu, Taupo, in which he brings under the notice of the Catholics of New Zealand the great and preying need that exi-sts for a convent school in the poor Maori mission entrusted to his charge During the time that the Fathers of St. Jo-eph's Missionary Society have been laboring in the Auckland diocese Goi has blessed their work, and now, thanks to His goodne-H, the missionaries count many Catholics among the Maoris. Unfortunately their euccess has excited a go-d deal of jealousy, and many of the Catholic Children attending the Government schools have their faith undermined. ' To counteract this (writes Father Bruning) our Provincial— the Very Rev. Father Lightheart— has entrusted to me a very weighty commission, viz , the erection of a convent schod in the district. With the aid of the good Sisters we may confidently hope to provide the children of Catholic natives with a sound religious education in addition to secular instruction. But beyond giving me his moral s-upport in this matter my Supeiior is i.na'ble tn assist me. Neither jan I expect any pecuniary aid from my poor Maorin, who, one and all, eke out a precaiioas existence, living from hand mouth all the year rou.id. A h.--avy ta«k m, therefore, impo-ed upon me. Not knowing how to carry it out -uecetsfully for want or means, I venture to lay my case before the Cuthohcs of this Colony, relying with confidence on the chanty of the clertry and laity ' B In conclusion, Father Bruning rejomrnen<h this very necessary undertaking to the generosity of the Catholics of the Colony, with the hope they will aaairtt and encourage him with a donation, however small. He hopes that his brethren in the Faith will not let his appeal pass by unheeded, as the work is most urgent and pressing.