TE KAHA

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 30, Issue 4, 1 June 1939, Page 6

TE KAHA

For the past twenty years the Rev: Canon Pahewa has appealed to the Waiapu Synod for the establishment of a lady worker, to help him with the work amongst the young people m his scattered pastorate, which extends from Opotiki to the East Cape. For forty years this faithful pastor has ministered to the people m this, extended area, and he has always made the teaching 'of the children a prominent part of his work. At last, his prayer has been answered, and Nurse Bartrum has moved from Ruatoki to Te Kaha to take up the work m this district. She is a real pioneer, and is never happier than when travelling on horseback to visit the Maori families m some little frequented part of the country. However, with modern roads and new concrete bridges: over the rivers, the route from Opotiki round the East Cape will soon be one' of the most popular for holiday tourists, and Miss Bartrum will now be able to do her work more quickly m the car which she has bought. At present she is living m a two-roomed cottage, without any conveniences,, rented from its Maori owner, arid her car will have to be sheltered under a tarpaulin; but it is hoped that later on it may be possible to provide her with accommodation of a less pioneering type. The Rev. Manu Bennett, who is working as a deacon under the direction of the Vicar of Opotiki, has made a good beginning m the district and is getting the young people's work well organised, especially at the Torere end, where twenty-five young people meet weekly for Bible study arid Confirmation class, and where they are raising funds for the renovation of the church. W. G. WILLIAMS, Superintendent.