The Church On The Hill by Sara Metge ‘The faith which raised the Church at Whatuwhiwhi is surely a pledge and promise of still greater things to come. We thank God and take courage.’ So spoke the Primate of New Zealand. At the northern end of Doubtless Bay is the Rangiawhia Peninsula, where some twenty Maori families have lived in a very close-knit community for many generations. Until the last few years very few pakehas visited there, as the peninsula was accessible only by beach road or by sea. Those who did come returned year after year, as friends coming home. But, on one great occasion a truly august company travelled as far as beautiful, lonely Merita Bay, three miles beyond the end of Tokerau Beach. This was May 2, 1946, when all Saints Church was consecrated by the Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand, who was at that date the Most Rev. Campbell West-Watson. With him were the Bishops of Auckland and Aotearoa, the Chancellor, the Archdeacon and numerous other clergy and laymen interested in the church and its people. For weeks beforehand, everyone had been busy with the preparations for the biggest hui ever held there. The grounds round the newly erected building were cleared and fenced, lawns and gardens were carefully laid out. The marquees were in place, the hangis prepared and lavish food stores accumulated. Even the smallest children were involved, working on their concert items, running messages, and getting in or out of someone's way. All was ready for the great day.

Angry Weather Then the storm came. Tremendous waves broke high over the beach, right up the sand dunes. They left behind a great slimy mess of dark-brown sea-weed, strewn for miles over the dirty-grey sand. The clay road leading up to the church was a quagmire. On May 1 when the ceremonies were due to take place it was quite impossible for any vehicle to negotiate the angry beach or the sullen road. Even the next day, the journey was extremely hazardous—a memorable one for all who dared it. He who dared most was Simon Urlich, a black-bearded giant direct descendant of Hiione, one of the first Maori teachers trained by the Rev. Joseph Matthews, and a greatgrandson of the first Maori priest. It was at