Rehearsal time at the Wairoa Hui Topu last May: This party rehearsing for the cultural competitions is composed of the Maranga group (from Auckland) and the Tai Tokerau group (from Northland). They are in the famous Kahungunu meeting-house. Ans Westra Photo • At the quarterly synod of the Ministers of the Ratana Church (Nga Pou o te Haahi Ratana), held last July at Ratana Pa, there was unanimous acceptance of the fact that the Hon. Sir Eruera Tirikatene—who was chosen in 1928 by the late Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana as one of his four personal representatives in both Church and political matters (Nga Koata e Wha)—is, today, the foremost authority on the Ratana Movement in all its aspects. Sir Eruera gave the assembly a summarised history of the movement, and emphasised that there was a need to return to first principles by recognising and incorporating the Biblical teachings that Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana himself considered so important. Sir Eruera also pointed to the necessity of conducting Church services and business in both the Maori and the English languages so that the younger generation of Maori who could not understand the Maori language could gain a full appreciation of everything. One or two elders who at first did not wish to have the English language used withdrew their opposition upon solid and enthusiastic support for Sir Eruera by the younger members present. Altogether, some 200 Ministers attended the Synod, which was considered to be the most progressive and encouraging held since the death of the founder, T. W. Ratana