The Rev. Nirai Runga.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume I, Issue 1, 1 July 1910, Page 13

The Rev. Nirai Runga.

On Sunday, June 12th, there entered into rest at Moteo the Eev. Nirai Eunga, one of the Native Clergy of the Heretaunga district, who retired from active work three years ago, though he had been for some time previously m indifferent health. After a course at the Maori Theological College at Gisborne, he and Manahi Te Aro were admitted to Deacon's Orders by Bishop Stuart at Omahu on St. Luke's Day, 1881 ; the Rev. H. Wainohu being at the same time ordained to the priesthood. After their ordination the Rev. N. Runga was placed at Moteo, and the Rev. M. Te Aro at Waipatu. The latter died at his post m August, 1883, so that from that time till 1898 the Rev. N. Runga was the only Maori clergyman m the Heretaunga district. His sphere of work, besides Moteo, Omahu, Waiohiki, and Wharerangi, included Petane, Tangoio and Te Haroto on the road to Taupo. His widow, who, survives him, came from Te Haroto, and the funeral was delayed till Jthe 19th to allow of her relatives attending it. The Bishop had previously arranged to be at Moteo on this Sunday, and he was joined there by Bishop Williams, the Rev. A. F. Williams, and the Rev. W. T. Fraser, who is now m charge of the Moteo district. Morning prayer was held m the large meeting-house, as the Church was too small to accommodate the congregation. The Bishop preached from John xiv. 1-3, his sermon being interpreted by the Rev. W. T. Fraser. After this there was a celebration of the Holy Communion m the Church, Bishop Williams being the celebrant. The funeral was taken by Bishop Williams at two o'clock, who also preached at evensong from John xi. 25-26. The Bishop had intended to visit Waiohiki m the afternoon, but the Waiohiki people had all come to Moteo for the funeral.