PORANGAHAU.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 1, 1 July 1913, Page 11

PORANGAHAU.

The Mission party arrived at Porangahau on May 17th, and the Mission was carried on from the 18th to the 25th. Preparations had been made at this place during 1912, but owing to various reasons we were unable to hold the Mission. Porangahau. has always been> a, strong, centre of " Ringatuism " of various kinds, and has therefore been very difficult to work. After Te Kooti, he was invited, with his followers, to. visit the Maoris at this place, and two of the leading Maoris were appointed as priests, with the result that the great majority of the people became adherents of his system of " karakia." Our Church people have been very few indeed m numbers for, at least, the last 25 years, but they have always been staunch and faithful. They built, and have maintained, their Church, and we have always had a lav reader there. There were thus two distinct parties to be reached by the Mission, and from the first it was realised that this Mission would be a difficult one. We wished to help and .strengthen our own people, a nd also to touch the Ringatu party and bring, them back into the Church. Except on the two Sundays, the services were held m the meetinghouse, this being the common property of all parties, but, although outwardly friendly towards us personally, many of the outsiders would not come near the Mission services (except on the Sundays), and there was a strong undercurrent of opposition to the spirit of the Mission. Many of the people, both men and women, are heavy drinkers, and the messages were too straight for them. We were, however, much encouraged by the results of the Mission as a whole. Our own people attended regularly, and were very much helped.

Some cattie from near Wanstead, and stayed all the week. Several one-time Mormons and Ringatu came forward and asked for baptism, or readmission to the Church of their Fathers, and .others brought their children (baptised by the Mormons) to be properly baptised. About thirty, including, our Communicants, made a public confession of faith m Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and it was very touching to see children of the Ringatu party standing up of their own accord and declaring their belief m Jesus as their Saviour. I think this act of their children and grandchildren touched the Ringatu people more than anything else m the Mission, and one cannot help thinking that the little ones, with their simple undoubting faith, may be the means of bringing m the older. people later on. Fifteen adults signed the pledge to abstain altogether from intoxicating liquors. One of our old lay readers here has removed to Dannevirke, where he will still continue to help m the work, but as a result of this Mission five new men have been appointed for this district. Confirmation classes will be arranged, and it is hoped there will be a good number to present to the Bishop later m the year. About twenty expressed their desire for Confirmation. On Sunday, the 25 th, there was a celebration of the Holy Communion for those who are already confirmed, and Thanksgiving Services were held morning and afternoon m the Church, which was quite filled with " all sorts and conditions of men" and women — glad and sad, sober and drunken ! It was quite pathetic to see those who had kept away, and had missed the blessings of the Mission, crowding m on the last day of all, apparently longing to be saved from the drink curse, and yet unable to decide to give it up. The thank offering for the support of the Tuhoe Mission at Ruatoki amounted to £14= 12s. At the afternoon service two girls amd a boy (Mormon-Ringatu) were baptised, one at her own request and the others at that of their guardian. In the evening the final service and adldresses were given m the meeting-house. Nearly everyone, including the Ringatu, was present, and many spoke afterwards of the great help the Mission

has been to them. We hope, and expect, great things for the Maoris of Porangahau. Owing to the great kindness of Mr. J. Tipene, our lay reader, Mr. Bennett, anid his Mission party were able to travel to and from Waipukurau by motor car free of expense. A. F. WIEJJAMS.