Letter from the Bishop.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume VI, Issue 10, 1 April 1916, Page 130

Letter from the Bishop.

Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty, 1 March 15th, 1916. My dear People, I have just returned from visiting the Native School here, where I have been addressing- the children, and am now writing from the home of the Rev. Haikaraia Pahewa, who is my host. This school is now m the charge of Mr Cato, who was for many years on the staff of Te Aute College. Mr Cato is dojn-sf excellent work, not only m the school, which has considerably increased, but also> among the Maoris generally, where he has been nursing and tending the sick. His care for the Maoris is greatly appreciated by them. But to go back to where I left off last month — Monday, February 21st : We set off for Hick's Bay immediately after lunch. Again I was able to en^ov the magnificent view from the hills commanding Te Araroa Bay and Hick's Bay — what a site for a house ! At Hide's Bay we were the guests of Mr and Mrs Stacey at the School house, where we were lavishly entertained. At 7 p.m. we had Evensong f o r Maoris j« the .Church, when there was an excellent congregation, a , n a a ft e r service we had a welcome, with Poi dances, and afterwards supper. The Maoris here are more than usually hospitable. In my reply to the welcome, I urp-ed the Maoris to transfer their Church land to the Diocese. This is now being accomplished. Tuesday, 22nd : We had Holy Communion m the Church at 7 a.m., when there were about twelve communicants, and then we (Mr Wilson, Rewiti, and I) set out for Horowera, m the direction of the East Cape. This was new territory to me. It was near here that the " Squall " was wrecked, attempting to make the inner channel at night, and it was on the rocks here that the crew landed m their boats. Ugly rocks they are for landing, and it was well that the sea .was calm. We stayed at the School house, where we were the guests of Miss Kana^ a Maori teacher, educated at Hukarere. She is doing excellent work. It is going about the Diocese like this that one realises afresh the

solid work Hukarere School is doing. After dinner we had Evensong (Maori) m the School-room, Rewiti again interpreting. There wfts an excellent congregation. After service I was welcomed, and then followed some hakas and some beautiful poi dances by the girls. Wednesday, 23rd : Prayers, breakfast, alld then I went down to the School and addressed the children. After this we were again m the saddle, making our way along the coast to the East Cape, to Rewiti Kohere's home, where we lunched. After lunch we were off, making our way to Rangitukia, over a mountain track which is not ideal from a traveller's point of view, some of the way having to be cleared with a slasher before we could negotiate it. We got through but it was late as we entered Rangitukia, and the children, who had been waiting for us at the School, giving us up, were returning home. However, I was able to address them m the morning. Thursday, 24th : At 8 a.m. we had Holy Communion m Rangitukia Church (Maori), when there were twenty communicants. After breakfast I visited the School, , one of the largest of our Native Schools. It is here m these Native Schools that one realises the opportunity of the teachers, and their power of influence —an influence which must leave its mark on the rivsing generation, and which is exercised, m most cases, for the highest ends. Mr Wilson and I then set out for Port Awanui, arriving at about 4 p.m., where we were the guests of Mr and Mrs Kirk. W T e were glad of this quiet resting place with the kindly welcome, for we had had a strenuous time. After dinner we had Kvensong m the School-room, at which nearly all the residents were present. In the morning (February 25th), I was able to go through the plans of the new Church for Te Araroa. At 2.30 we saddled up a,nd set out for Waiomatatini, where we were the guests of the Hon. and Mrs Ngata, and had afternoon tea m their newly-finished sitting-room, with its Maori carving and reed work — a delightfully spacious and airy room, and most picturesque. It was here we had service m the evening, for the Ghurch is not lighted. There was a nice congregation. Waiomatatini is m Poi-

hipi Kohere's parish. Staying with Ngata, one realises his tireless energy. He was up and off for Omaio before we breakfasted - Here I had a quiet morning dealing with some of my letters. In the afternoon we called at the School house on Mr and Mrs Dale, and had afternoon tea under the shadow of a loquot tree. Being Saturday, I wias unable to meet the children, but here there is splendid work going on under the care of Mr and Mrs Dale. This I learned on my previous visit. On returning to our host's house, we found several Maoris m the big sitting room, with maps outspread] led by Pine Tamahori, who was looking up the latest places men tioned m the Mesopotamia campaign, which was being, entered into with great interest by the others. This was Saturday. On Sunday, 27th, we had Holy Communion m the Church (Waiomatatini) at 8 a.m., when there were, I think, twelve communicants. At 11 a.m. we had Matins and a Confirmation, when four candidates were presented by Poihipi Kohere. There was an excellent congregation, which entered into the service with close attention. After lunch Mr Kirk came for us m his motor car and drove us to Tiki Tiki for service at 3 p.m. (English), and then drove us 011 to Kaharau for evening service. This was a kindly act which we much appreciated. It meant for us a great saving of time and strength on what was a very hot and tiring day. There were very igood congregations both at Tiki Tiki and at Kaharau. Would that all the Churches m my Diocese were like this ! Here at Kaharau I was the guest of Mr and Mrs T. S. Williams— always a place of rest and refreshment to me. Here I rested on Mondaiy, and wrote letters. Tuesday, 29th : After lunch, Mr K. S. Williams drove me to his home at Matahiia, where we had some tennis, which I much enjoyed after so many hours m the saddle. We played on till dusk. Then after dinner we had a service on the verandah ; all hands turned out. After service, I was introduced to the men, and we chatted on the topics of the day. Dickens' characters seemed to be a favourite subject with one of the hands. Wednesday, March Ist : After lunch, Mr K. S. Williams drove me

m his gig to Kaharau, where I picked up my heavier baggage, and then, m his car, as far as the cross,' roads (one appreciated a car after the saddle), and then Mr Wilson, •Pine Tamahori and I rode to Repo Irua, where we were guests at Mr Peni Hayes. He was a way from home, but we were entertained by his married daughter, . and well looked after. We had service m the meeting house at .7 p.m., which was followed by a welcome. In my reply I spoke chiefly of the need of training the children m the: faith of Christ by word and by example. The future oE the race rests with the children. Monday, 2nd : I addressed the children m the School. Mr and Mrs Maclean are here, but are leaving shortly to take up work under the Board. Mr Maclean served m the Boer war, and his own training is manifest in 1 the excellent discipline of the School. We then left for Tuparoa ((no motor car this time !). It was a bridle path over the hills. We reached Tuparoa at about twelve. There had been signs of rain, but it had cleared off by mid-day. Here we got the usuai warm welcome from Mr and Mrs I^udbrook, with whom we stayed. After lunch we had tennis on the Club Court, and had some excellent games. I,ast year we had a cricket match, but so many men ■are at the front (all honour to them !) that cricket was this year impossible. It is splendid the way that the East Coast — indeed the whole of this part of the Diocese — has responded to the call of the Empire. In the evening we had Evensong (English) m the Church, at 7.30 p.m., when there was a good congregation. This is another o£ our Churches which is beautifully kept. Tuesday, 2rd : We had Holy Communion (English) m the Church, at 7.30 a.m., at which there were nine communicants. After breakfast we got a mail, and eagerly read our papers. In the afternoon we, Mr W T ilson and I, had tea with Mrs Anderson, and then on to the Maori meeting house, where I was welcomed. Here again I spoke of the need of (training the children, and I held before them the opportunity afforded by Te Aute College, Hukarere School, and Waerenga-a-hika College. I had tea with the Maoris m their meeting house, and the*

had service at 7 m the Church, which was well attended. After service I returned to my host and hdstess, and there we had music, and then we discussed the "National Reserve " and its opportunities ! Saturday, 4th : Holy Communion (Maori) at 7.30. a.m., when there were fourteen communicants. I was able, to spend the morning writing, and' after lunch we set oti. on horseback for Wharepong>a. On ■arriving we called at the School house, on Mr and Mrs Woodley, who had made preparations t 0 put me up. However, the natives would not be denied, so I stayed with the Reedy 's (Mrs R,eedy is a chief tainess of standing), and had my meals with the Maoris at the meeting house. We had tea together at 6 p.m., Evensong at 7. The service was well attended, and the Church clean and tidy. After service we returned to the meeting house, where I received the usual welcome, and after this, supper. Nothing could exceed the hospitality of the Maoris of Whareponga. Sunday, sth : It had been raining slightly on Saturday evening, but Sunday was heralded m with pouring rain, which debarred nuaniy from coming from a distance. We commenced the day with Holy Coanmiunion at 8 a.m.. There were fcmrteen communicants. At 1 1 a.m. we had Matins and Confirmation. Pine Tamahori presented six candidates, and Mr Wilson also had a candidate. I was glad of this opportunity of confirming English and Maori together. Most of the Maori candidates came from Jerusalem. They must have had a very wet joturney. I was very much struck with the serious attention of the candidates. It was raining hard when we left, after lunch, for Waipiro Bay, and it was raining and blowing hard m the evening, so that there was a small congregation at Evensong (English). Monday, 6th : I had now to make my way north again, Potaka being my destination, via Te Araroa. Mr A. B. Williams had very kindly offered to drive me m his motor car as far as Te Araroa, but Sunday's rain' made it impossible on unmetalled roads. We waited for the mail, and. at 11 a.m. we (Pine and I) were m the saddle. It was still showery, but we made a good journey to Tupa-

roa, where Mrs Tamahori made us tea (of course we had watermelon). Then on we went, Pine setting the pace on his dark brown charger. It was rather necessary to push on, as we had about forty-four miles to cover all told. We reached Tiki Tiki about three. Here we found Poihipi Kohere, who was to accompany me on as far as Potaka. Launch at the accommodation house, a farewell to Pine, and we were off again. It was heavy going after Tiki Tiki. Eventually we reached Te Araroa at about seven, quite ready for the hospitable home of Mr and Mrs Downey. We arrived m oil skins and sou-westers, and were much mud bespattered. Rewiti Kohere joined us later. Fortunately the rivers had not had time to get up. March 7th : Poihipi was now free to return home and Rewiti came on with me to Potaka. We were m the saddle at about 10.15. We stopped at Hick's Bay, where we had a cup of tea at the Schoolhouse with Mr and Mrs Stacey — and water-melon — and then on again, reaching Potaka at about 4 p.m. The Waikohu- river, which we crossed over eighty times, was fairly full, so that travelling was slow. At Potaka, Hakaraia Pahe wa was awaiting us. We were now m his district. We were not sorry to get m. It had been rather strenuous going. In the evening *we had a Confirmation m the chief's house, when Hakaraia presented five candidates. Several natives from the neighbourhood had come m to the service. Here a Church bell had been acquired since my last visit — which is, I take it, the precursor of a Church ! Wednesday, Bth : We had Holy Conimuiron at 7 a.m., when the newly - confirmed received, with others. After breakfast we rode out to Lotten Point to call o n the Woods, where we had lunch. Such a delightful house, and such a view ! We then rode back, picked up our pack-horse at Potaka, and pressed on to Whangaparaoa, which we reached at 4.30 p.m.'and got a warm welcome from the chief, Manihera. After tea we had a Confirmation m the School-room when Hakaraia presented eight candidates. It was a nice service. After service there was the usual welcome. Thursday, 9th: We had Holy

Communion m the School-room at 6.30 a.m., when there were fifteen Communicants. After breakfast, Maiiihera took us fishing m a motor launch. A strong southerly was blowing, and our catch was not big. On returning, the tide was rather too low, and we got aground trying to cross the bar. However, by skilful management, the launch was backed off and turned into deeper water. Hakaraia and I were then landed m the dingy, and the launch was brought mat high tide. After lunch I rode out to the Kemps, and dined with them, and rode m to Cape Runaway for a service (English'). We had service m the billiard-room of the accommodation house, and a very bright service we had, both European and Maori attending. After a good night's rest at the Kemp's, we were saddled up at 8.45, and were making for Materaaua. We called on Mr Holt on our way up the. valley, but he was out. We arrived at Materaaua at a>:out twelve, and received a warm welcome from Mr and Mrs Wood. After lunch we set out on horseback for the spot where Jones was killed last year. It will be remembered that he was mustering a paddock, he and Mr Wood having only just separated, when the earthquake set free tons of rocks and earth and timber, and buried him m it. We rode as far as we could, and then climbed the rest. It took us an hour to reach the spot after leaving our horses. A few friends of the deceased had assembled for the service. We commenced by singing " For Ever with the Iyord," and then, after dedicating the earth where we believed him to be buried, I read the burial service. It was an impressive service, with the fallen rocjks and timber lying all around, telling of God's might and man's impotence ; and then when the evening shadows were gathering, we came away, leaving him to rest on, m the silence of the hills, till the eternal dawn. We returned to our host and hostess, where we stayed the night. Saturday, nth : We were up at 4.10 a.m. and m the saddle by five, making our way to Mr and Mrs Tredsays. It was hard riding along the river bed. We arrived at 7.45, and had a Celebration of the ; Holy Communion m the house. After breakfast we were off again,

making for Raukokore, where we were due for Sunday. It was very tempting to cross the river lower down, which would have saved us a three hours' ride. However, we let prudence have her say, as we had heard that the crossing lower down was dangerous, and we rode back the way we had come, past Mr Holt's. We lunched at Cave Runaway, had a cup of tea at Mr Walker's, and reached Raukokore as the sun was setting gloriously into the sea between White Island, which was sending out a volume of steam, and the headland. It was a Ibeautiful sight. We were the guests of Mr arid Mrs Sterling. After tea we met the leading Maoris who came up to the house. I spoke of the re-roofing of the Church, and the transfer of the Church land to the Diocese. Both matters were taken up with enthusiasm. Mrs Sterling then and there promised to hand over the land, and before I came away, about ,£ls had been collected m cash for the re-roofing of the Church. Sunday, 12th, at 11 a.m., we had Matins and Holy Communion, when there were thirty-two communicants, and at 3 p.m. I held a Confirmation, when Hakaraia presented thirteen candidates. I had tea and spent the night with Mr Neilson, a trout fisherman, and therefore a kindred-spirit. At 7.30 p.m. we had Evensong (English) m the Church, when there was a good congregation. .Monday, 13th : We were away again, heading for Te Kaha. We lunched at Mr Fairweather's on the way. This is a delightful little homte, commanding a glorious view. After lunch I played a game of croquet and felt refreshed. Eventually we reached Te Kaha at about 5 p.m. It has been a very hot day, and we were glad to get to our destination. I must close this abruptly m order to catch the mail. To-mor-row I, am leaving for Ruatoki. I am, Yours sincerely m Christ, WM. WAIyMSIvEY WAIAPTJ.