Dedication of Carving

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 40

The Rev. H. A. Darvill, during the presentation of the matapihi. Dedication of Carving In a short interdenominational service on Sunday 11 August at the Headquarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Westbrook House, Willis Street, Wellington, a very special and unusual gift was presented and dedicated. It was a carved window frame, which fronts a display case containing the priceless collection of early Maori Scriptures and manuscripts in the possession of the Bible Society. The Rev. A. E. Lonsdale, Area Secretary of the Bible Society, welcomed the guests and introduced Rev. Canon Hohepa Taepa who chaired the rest of the service. Prayers were said by the Rev. T. Tioke of the Presbyterian Church and Lessons were read by the Rev. E. Potaka-Dewes of the Anglican Church and Mr A. N. Button, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Bible Society. Maori visitors then sang the hymn “Tama Ngakau', Canon Taepa remarking quietly as he pointed to the photograph of the 1952 revisionary committee, ‘This is the hymn that these men would have chosen had they been here today.’ Rev. Te Pura Panapa, who had recently come to Otaki's Rangiatea Pastorate, then interpreted the carving, and the Rev. H. A. Darvill presented the gift on behalf of the Maori Section of the National Council of Churches, of which he is Chairman. Rev. Darvill said the carving had a special significance for him of the true nature and meaning of integration—it was made from native timbers, but with Western tools; was in an ancient form, but placed in a modern 20th century building and was a beautiful example of traditional Maori art, but included modern glass and fittings. He said that ‘true integration requires the preservation of the identities of both cultures.’ The Rev. E. H. Moody, General Secretary of the Bible Society accepted the gift and said that it would add greatly to the beauty and function of the entrance hall. He continued, ‘Inside the display case are historic Scriptures going back to the earliest years of the Christian Mission in New Zealand. They represent the results of dedicated scholarship that made possible the bringing together of the Maori language and Western methods of writing, to express the ancient truths of the Bible. The carving translates these same truths in the graphic form of Maori art, that has for centuries expressed the profound thoughts of this Polynesian people. ‘Much as the Bible Society appreciates the gift which today we dedicate, even more meaningful is the motive that has prompted it. For more than a hundred years, the Bible Society, as the servant of the whole Church of Jesus Christ, has sought to share the Church's most treasured

heritage with the Maori people. During this Centenary year, we have looked back with thankfulness for all that the Bible and its message has meant to the people of New Zealand. We thank God for its unifying influence, for the way in which it has helped to bring two great races together to form a united people, for the understanding and concern it has fostered, and for outstanding Christian leaders whose lives have been enriched by its teaching.’ Following the dedication, the hymn ‘The Church's One Foundation’ was sung, and Canon Taepa pronounced the Benediction. Visitors were then entertained to afternoon tea, and were able look more closely at the carving and the contents of the display case.