Marsden Centenary.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume V, Issue 8, 1 February 1915, Page 95

Marsden Centenary.

TOWN H.AI4v MEETING.

A HISTORIC GATHERING. Much enthusiasm was shown at the AucKland Town xian on December 15th by a pUDUc meeeing caked m connection with the commemoration ot the introduction ol Christianity into JNew on Lhristmas Day, ISI4, by the Rev. bamuei Marsaen. The Mayor, Mr C. J . Parr, presided over a gathering of considerably over 1,000. Dr. Thomas, of S. Mary's Cathedral, presided at the organ. The Mayor recalled a visit he had paid to the Bay of islands two years ago, when his party had visited the historical spot where Marsden had landed one hundred years ago. One could picture the scene oi long ago, and imagine Marsden, who had just arrived from, the Parramata with only half-a-dozen whites, and the hundreds ol natives around, many of whom had never seen a white man before. It w«s a great honour that their Church had been the first to raise the banner of Christianity m New Zealand. He referred eulogistically to the pioneer qualities of Samuel Marsden. The people of New Zealand would do all they could to make the pilgrimage of next Christmas Day all that it should be. ;• The Bishop took the opportunity of welcoming, on behalf of the Church m New Zealand, those descendants of Marsden who were on the platform. He had received a letter from a grandson of Marsden, from Australia, who announced hisinability to attend the meeting, but expressed his intention of being present at the centenary at the Bay of Islands. On 1 account of the war the centenary programme had had to be curtailed, but those unable to go north were able by the present meeting to voice their feelings. Augustine, continued the Bishop, was revered for , introducing Christianity to Britain, and they were present to honour Marsden for introducing Christianity and civilisation to New Zealand. Marsden worked strenuously m New South Wales. His senior resigned from Botany Bay, and when Marsden had to accept responsibility he was met with abuse of authority and misrepresentation. He never forgot he was a clergyman and a

magistrate, and he refused to be dragged down by the ideals about him. He declined to treat the convicts as outside the pale of humanity. It needed a tremendous courage, but he lived to see the lot of the convicts improved. Many had committed only nominal offences, and it was not surprising that they rebelled against society. The Bishop read a poem written on Marsden m 1809, after his second visit to New South Wales. Marsden was both the Gregory and Augustine of New Zealand. He recalled the nobleness of the Maori, and resolved to bring the race into the fold of Christ. " He inspired the mission, succoured Ruatara, once a great chieftain, m his need, and the Maori amply returned the obligation. Marsden, proceeded the Bishop, purchased the little brig " Active," probably the first mission ship to sail the seas, and the missionary and party sighted land on December 15th, 1814. He went to Whangaroa, risking his own life to end a feud, the " Boyd " massacre having taken place. King, Hall, and Tendall accompanied him. He did end the feud, and proceeded to the Bay of Islands to find Ruatara, who made preparations for the inaugural service. " Behold, I bring you glad " tidings of great joy," was the text of the sermon. Surely the people had special cause for thanksgiving." The men. brought over by Marsden began the colonisation of New Zealand. Before leaving, the Governor had told him to explore the country to see if it were suitable for a permanent settlement. They should thank God. he did not find it suitable, as that would have meant a convict settlement. It rested with Marsden whether, there was to be a convict settlement here or not. Marsden brought over Henry Williams, and returned finally m 1837. His visit was a triumphant procession. Returning to Australia, he ended his days. They were present to » thank God for Marsden' s perseverance m .the establishment of Christianity and civilised life. The ' Rev. F. A. Bennett reminded the audience that that evening was the hundredth anniversary of the sighting of land m New Zealand by Marsden. After the massacre a cannibalistic feast had taken place. A century later, Maoris were taking up arms against the enemies of the British Dominions, What would

Marsden say if he could see the sons of the old chiefs, celebrating the blessings of Christianity from his time up to the present ? The Maori soldiers had been m camp at Rotorua for a. few days, and they were addressed by an old, chief, who said that when the Germans had run short of food, they had eaten grass. He told the natives never to do that. If \ short of provisions, he suggested, humorously, they could follow m the footsteps of their noble ancestors. Did anyone think, Mr Bennett proceeded, that the religion of the Maori was only skin deep, that ii was merely superficial, and' that it could be thrown off like old garments ? Let them take the incidents of history and learn the reply to the whole question. In the early wars, orders were 'found on a deceased chief, who had instructed his followers to give food and drink to the enemy, if he needed it. An address was given by- Mr Te Kiwi Amohau, m Maori, Mr Bennett translating. It would have been excellent, said Mr Amohau, had the celebrations been a joint one between Maoris and Pakehas. The Maori race had enjoyed the light of the Gospel since Marsden came. He made reference to the cannibalism of the past, and informed the audience that his father had told him that human flesh was superior to all other ildnds. — " Auckland Church Gazette."