DEDICATION OF MAORI CHURCH.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 27, Issue 4, 1 April 1937, Page 4

DEDICATION OF MAORI CHURCH.

On Sunday, March sth, a large number of representatives of the Maori race from Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa and parts of the West Coast, met together at Poutu, a village between Shannon and Foxton, to take part m the opening ceremony of a small Church at Moutoa. There are , several jiriterestin^ features about this building. In the first place, the timber from which this building was originally constructed grew on the banks of the Manawatu river, and was felled nearly a century ago. As there were no roads m those days, the totara logs were floated down the river, , part of the timber going to Otaki to build up "Rangiatea," which still stands, and part to build "Turongo" at Moutoa. Being built upon a small' hill with somewhat sandy foundation, Turongo fell into decay. The present building is said to be the third on the same site. For several years past the local people, with their clergy, have discussed the question of re-erecting "Turongo," but the younger generation have been afraid to touch the old timber because of the feeling of tapu. However, two or three of the elders decided to gather up the sound totara and re-erect a new but smaller building from the old timber. They

worked away at this labour of love ior about 18 months or more, doing everything themselves. Those of us who have seen the Church know the amount of self-sacrifice entailed m the erection of the building. The previous buildings were just bare walls. But "the glory of this latter house .shall be greater than the former," for the interior of this one is very nicely -decorated with the "tukutuku" work ■on the walls, and the altar and rails are carved with the characteristic Maori carving. As far as I know, the only large amount they received to assist them m their noble work was a donation of £25 from the H. ■arid W. Williams Memorial Fund. The service began at 11 a.m. by the singing of a hymn outside; then .a prayer, followed by a psalm and •dedication prayers. The Bishop of Aotearoa was assisted by Canon W. G. Williams, Revs. P. H. Leonard, P. Temuera and H. Rangiihu, of Hawke's Bay. There was not even standing room m the Church. The sermon was based on the words of our Saviour, "My Father's House." This was followed by the Communion service, when there were over 80 communicants. The offertory came to •over £5, but as the Maoris had paid all expenses m the building of the -Church before it was dedicated, the offertory was given to the Maori Mission Fund. of the Wellington Diocese. The service was most reverent and devotional, and a great deal of credit should go to the Maori choir of 30 voices from Hawke's Bay, which added very much to the wonderful atmosphere of the proceedings. The choir had to leave at 2.30, as they were advertised to give a sacred concert at the Sound Shell at Napier after the evening services. They travelled 300 miles altogether, paying their own expenses. This was their contribution and assistance to their friends and relatives on the day when their common ancestor, "Turongo," was -dedicated. After the dedication, a splendid dinner was served m that spirit of generous hospitality for which the Maoris are famed. The afternoon was devoted to a conference on 'Church ' work amongst the Maori people, the Aotearoa Church Board,

and the noticeable increase m drunkenness / and its, attendant evils, since the Government's easy-money scheme have come into being. What was intended to be a blessing has, unfortunately, become a curse with many of the young men. After a short open-air service, the Bishop gave a final address, and with the Benediction this happy and historic day was closed. — F. A. Aotearoa.