Angry Weather

Te Ao Hou, June 1963, Page 21

Angry Weather Then the storm came. Tremendous waves broke high over the beach, right up the sand dunes. They left behind a great slimy mess of dark-brown sea-weed, strewn for miles over the dirty-grey sand. The clay road leading up to the church was a quagmire. On May 1 when the ceremonies were due to take place it was quite impossible for any vehicle to negotiate the angry beach or the sullen road. Even the next day, the journey was extremely hazardous—a memorable one for all who dared it. He who dared most was Simon Urlich, a black-bearded giant direct descendant of Hiione, one of the first Maori teachers trained by the Rev. Joseph Matthews, and a greatgrandson of the first Maori priest. It was at

4 a.m. and still pitch-black, bitterly cold and raining heavily when Simon drove his lime-works truck to the end of the beach to pick up the Primate and his company. Following his directions they all piled in or on the truck and set off, trying to ignore the crested waves washing round the wheels. Many of them kept their eyes closed the whole four miles, in prayer no doubt. The consecration of the church was a very impressive ceremony. All the priests were decked in full regalia, and as many people as possible crowded into the church to participate. The altar, the font, the chancel and the sanctuary, the altar book and the service book were blessed each in turn by the Archbishop. Then the Bishop of Auckland, assisted by the late Rev. Paki Tipene, celebrated the Holy Communion. The Archbishop's sermon was translated by the late Bishop Bennett. The Maori Bishop then gave a Maori address which was much appreciated. Deeply moved the congregation filed in procession right round the church, both inside and out.