LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume XIX, Issue 2, 1 August 1928, Page 1

LETTER FROM THE BISHOP

July 20th.. 1928 My Dear People, I left off, m my last letter, with our little out-door secvice m the Soldiers' Settlement at Reporoa, m the Southern portion of the Rotorua Parish On May 29th. I held a Confirmation m St. Luke's Parish Ohurch. wihen about thirty candidates were presented. The night was cold and it was pouring with rain, but there was an excellent congregation After service I had th© opportunity of meeting- the candidates and their friends m the Sdhoolroom. where supper had been prepared. Hot tea wag much appreciated, especially on such a night. Ota. the mornine of the 30th the Vestry met at the Vicarage. We dealt with the Duplex System; and I had the opportunity of congratulating the Vestry on what it had achieved by boldly adopting the system m its entirety. And then we launched out on the big subject of a new church. A most interesting talk followed. It was auite evident tihat the (majority of the vestrymen present were m favour of a new church worthy of a place which attracts visitors from all parts. The present church is quite

inadequate to meet a growing population, and the large number of tourists who visit this unique spot. Should tihe Vestry urge the enlargement of th« present building or go m for the big thing — a really fine church? That was the question that confronted us : and we said, unanimously, I think — go for the big thing. We shall see what Rotorua will do. Surely there are many who have found health m Rotorua' s healing waters who will help such a venture? May 31st found me on my way to Tauranga via Te Puke. The road between Te Puke and Tauranga is had. I can't find an adjective to express its badness. Will some layman help? At Tauranga I was welcomed, at the Vicarage, by Mr and Mrs Hall. On Friday, June Ist, I visited the hospital and' saw, among- other patients, my old friend "Scottv," whom I had confirmed some years hefore when he was a patient m the Rotorua Hospital. "Scotty" is an exsoldier, a chair- case ; but no disability can quench the spirit of this happy warrior. There seems nothing he cannot do with hi® hands. He tan s his own leather, and if you want the most lovely ladies' bag or the most comfortable bedroom slippers, go to "Scotty'-' m Tauranga Hospital. Trinity Sundey (June 3rd) was an inspiring day. It was the Patronal Festival. I celebrated at 8 a.m.. when there were 98 communicants: and preached at the 11 a.m. service. The Vicar celebrated, when there were 50 communicants. In the afternoon I addressed the children at Gate Pah; and m the evening held a Confirmation m the Parish Churdh. when the Vicar presented 27 candidates. The church was packed. Such a day is not easily forgotten. On Monday, the 4th, I held a Confirmation tfor adults m the .Parialh Church. On Tuesday evening a very happy social was held at Mrs Southey' s, at Gate Pah, the proceeds to go towards a parish hall, which is soon to he> erected. Sunday, the 10th, I spent exclusively with tihe Maoris at M&ungotapu. There was quite a good congregation at the II a.m. service. This was followed by a long korero after lunch. Many here have joined up with Ratana, but there are signs of their returning to their Mother Church. Monday, the 11th, found us embarking m ft» oil launch for our annual visit to Motiti Island. It was a forbidding day, cold and raining j and we had a rough passage. However,

the wind was on our beam, so we hoisted sail, which steadied the sjhip and shortened the trip. We did it m 2 J hours. I was the guest of Mr and Mrs Clench, at the School House, who welcomed me witjh their never-failing-hospitality ; I toan't picture Motiti Island without Mr and Mrs Clench. We had a service at 7 p.m. m the little Maori church, built by the islanders about six years ago. The service was well attended, m spite of leakings to Ratana, and 'after the service a korero and supper m the Big House, whicjh lasted till nearly mid-night. The next morning we had Holy Communion at 7 a.m. with 17 communicants; then a hasty breakfast and to our boat; but all efforts to board her were fruitless. There was nothing tor it hut to walk over to the lee side of the island, .while the launch sailed round and picked us up. This considerably lengthened' a comfortless trip over a rough, sunless sea. On Thursday, the 14th, I left, m my car, for Te Puke, where I was the guest of Mr and Mrs Wilkie. the Vicar meeting me on my arrival. On Friday I confirmed 20 candidates m the Parish Church. The church was full. Rain fell all Saturday and continued on Sunday, which thinned our congregations. I celebrated at 8 a.m. m the Parish Church, and at 11 m the Maori Church at Te Matai. Rewi interpreted. We had lunch m the pah and then a long korero with -the Maoris, all of whom were very interested m the Maori Suffragan Bishopric. At 7 p-m* : Evensong- m the Parish Church. On Monday, the 18th, I opened the new parish, hall. This is built alongside the church and is a great asset to the parish. A very happy social evening was spent and a considerable sum was raised towards, the hall. Bach person was asked to bring a penny for each year of their life. Some brought it literally m pennies, and there was a birthday cake which the Bishop cut. On (Tuesday, the 19th, Mr Foril very kindly fetched me m his car and drove me to his house m Maketu. We (had Evensong m the Maori Church at 7 p.m., with quite a good congregation, chiefly Maoris; and then back with Mr Ford for the night. I am grateful to him for driving me, for, though used to all sorts of roads, this was the limit for mud. On Wednesday, the 20th, Mr Ford drove me back to Te Puke, where I picked up my baggage and said good bye to my kind hostess Mrs Wilkie, and then on to Ohinepanea, where 'X

was the guest of Mr and Mrs MacDougall, who each year give me a kind welcome; and my host, each year, renews a contest at golf. He has -a private course, so the public cannot see my bad play? This ended my tour m t(he Te Puke district. I wa s most pleased with any visit. The finances are getting on to a sound basis, and there was the sense of the "family life which was quite noticeable. It is just this fellowship m the Church t|hat is so much needed, and no doubt the building of the parish hall will both foster and develop© this. I would like to say here how much we are indebted to the Rev. J. R. Anderson for hie help m talcing the services when the need arises. I must conclude my Bay of Plenty tour m my next letter I am, Yours very sincerely and affectionately, Wm. WALMSLEY WAIAPU. The sad new s has just reached me of the sudden death of Mr Ford of Maketu. He was looking so .well and cheery when I stayed with. him. ft is particularly sad, his wife being on a visit to England.