[65] Te Toa Takitini
Number 35
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
Hastings, July 1, 1924.
THE BOUND TOA TAKITINI.
Copies of Te Toa Takitini from March, 1923, to February, 1924, have been bound together.
Here one finds the articles by Doctor Te Rangihiroa about the head infections of children, the speech by Elsdon Best to Ngati Porou, stories of Williams Four-eyes, information about the Te Arawa Lakes, Bishop Azariah’s sermon, the opening of the stone church at Te Pakipaki, accounts of the Healing Mission of Mr Hickson, explanations of Maori land taxes by the Hon A T Ngata, articles about dairy farming, Maori schools, oyster shells, confiscated lands, mortgage money for Maori farmers, the ways laws are made, and other important articles by Apirana. Here one also finds the salutation from Captain Mair and other remarkable articles. There are still some copies remaining, but not many. The book is very well bound. Buy this treasure to pass down to your descendants. These articles will not age. The price is 12/-.
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Te Toa Takitini
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
The Subscription for the Paper is 6/6 a year.
Adress letters to ‘Te Toa Takitini,’ Box 300, Hastings.
July 1, 1921.
LAY-READERS’ MEETING.
A meeting of the Licensed Lay-readers of the Archdeaconry of Hawkes Bay at Hukarere School on the evening of Tuesday, 10th June, 1924, and it concluded on the Thursday morning.
As the Bishop was away in the Bay of Plenty, Archdeacon Simkin chaired the meeting.
These are the people who attended.
Waipawa Parish: A Maaka, Taketake Tipene Matua, Hemi Kireka, Hare Reupena Edwards.
Waipatu Parish: Ihakara Robin.
Moteo Parish: Porokoru Mapu, Te Teira Maihi, Kipa Anaru.
Ministers: Archdeacon Simkin, Rev P Hakiwai and Rev P Peneti. Tipi Houkamau of Ngati Porou and Hapata Kaiwhata of Moteo also attended.
The following people had expressed their regret at not being able to attend the meeting because of many problems [? it was too expensive]: Tuiri Tareha, Te Ripehau Epiha, Tame Hone, Hurikino and Te Katene Pukerua.
After dinner, all the Hukarere pupils and the group of lay-readers gathered in the School Chapel. After the main service the pupils withdrew and the ministers and lay-readers remained. The Archdeacon welcomed everyone, and after the hymn, Peneti delivered the sermon. The subject of his sermon were the words of the Nicene Creed: (1) One Church, (2) A Holy Church, (3) An Apostolic Church, (4) The Catholic Church.
At the end of the service the visitors greeted one another and the staff of the school.
On the Wednesday morning there was the Lord’s Supper at 7.30 a.m. with Peneti celebrating and Hakiwai assisting.
At 9.30 a.m. there was Morning Prayer and Archdeacon Simkin gave his first address to the lay-readers. His text was Luke 12.32: ‘Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.’
At 11.15 there was the Litany and the Archdeacon’s second address. His subject was, ‘The Church.’
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At 2 p.m. the meeting dealt with matters raised by the lay-readers. These are some of the matters agreed.
1. That the Maori Church Calendar be printed at the beginning of each year.
2. That a booklet be printed explaining the duties of the lay-readers.
3. That the Church Property Board print the deeds for the lands occupied by Maori Churches to make it clear to Maori that they will incur no expenses if those lands are transferred in part to the Church Trustees.
4. That there is an explanation of the rule concerning the burial of those who have not been baptised, and that a model order of service be prepared for use at the burial of those who do not qualify for burial using the rites of the Church.
5. That the list of lay-readers in the Archdeaconry be revised and that other appropriate people be licensed for this work.
6. That there be issued to the lay-readers new symbols for those who are licensed, that is, badges [?mera], and that the significance of those symbols be explained.
7. That these gatherings of lay-readers be held every year.
At 5 p.m. there was a service and a prayer meeting, Hakiwai gave the sermon. His text was John 15.4: ‘As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.’
At 7 p.m. there was a service in English led by the Rev W T Drake. All the hymns were in Maori. The sermon was a farewell address by the Archdeacon which re-inforced the work of the meeting in each person’s heart.
At 8 p.m. the pupils of the school provided a concert for the entertainment of the visitors attending the meeting.
At 7 a.m. on the Thursday the Lord’s Supper was celebrated by P Hakiwai with Peneti assisting. This was the closing service of the meeting.
Everything done at this meeting was greatly appreciated. Thanks were expressed to the Archdeacon for his strength and for his clarity in dealing with all the matters laid before him. Thanks were expressed to Miss Bulstrode and her helpers – the teachers and the pupils of the school, for the attention and the care they gave those who attended. Those at the meeting expressed their delight at how good and beautiful Hukarere School is. It was the first time some of those at the meeting had seen the school. One of the things that especially impressed the whole gathering was the excellence and the sacred atmosphere of the Hukarere Chapel.
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FAMOUS PAKEHA.
R[eweti] T K[ohere]
The most famous Pakeha, in the civilized nations, are not the kings and queens; not the Prime Ministers and members of Parliament; not the fighting men overseas; not the men [e kupapa nei te tini ki a ratou kupu]; not those who possess lands and wealth. These people are well-known in their day; the names of some remain on the lips of people for a long time and are remembered. But the most famous people in the world, whose names will inspire all generations until the end of the world, are the great writers and poets. Many of these people are now dust in the belly of the earth but their words, their thoughts, their teachings are still appealing and will not fade away. They are familiar to kings, to people in the cities, to people at the ends of the earth; they are familiar to those who sail the seas, to those who live lonely lives on the small islands of the oceans, to the elderly, and schools are passionate about them. When they are still children Pakeha are taught their words and ideas. Indeed, this Maori sings out for them, their words lift his heart. They are my friends during watchful nights, during times of physical weariness, and in times of when I am alone. But the person who knows them does not know loneliness.
The finest writers in English are Shakespeare, Milton, Addison, Cowper, Pope, Goldsmith, Longfellow, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Grey, Southey, Browning, Sir Walter Scott, Burns, Shelley, Macaulay, Dickens, Thackeray, and Tennyson. Some of these men were very poor and died in poverty – like Milton, Cowper, Goldsmith and Burns. These men were very poor but they are some of the most famous Englishmen and their writings will be loved [BO1] for ever They will not die.
Goldsmith – Oliver Goldsmith – was the son of a minister. When his father died he was left very poor, his life in the world was very difficult, and he died in a dreadful house in London. When he was in Europe he went everywhere by foot, and in the evening he stood outside the houses playing his flute to pay for food and for a bed. Goldsmith was born in 1728 and died in 1771 at the age of 46.
Goldsmith is known for two famous works, a book called ‘The Vicar of Wakefield’ and a poem [The Deserted Village] about the village in which he grew up which he called:
‘Sweet Auburn! Loveliest village of the plain.’
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His difficulties meant that he was absent in various countries, When he returned Auburn was gone, his parents and his people. All the land had been taken by a rich man; the village and the people had gone. Goldsmith wept for his village, he recited the names of the people and their houses and cultivations, now overgrown. He recalled the places where the children danced, the house where people gathered in the evening to talk, the place where the school was where the master taught, and the place where the house of the minister, his father, stood. Most of Goldsmith,s poem is about his teacher and his father. I have translated the part about his father into Maori though it cannot ascend to the felicities of the English, but is gives the flavour. It is true that Goldsmith’s father was paid £40; no wonder that the child was poor. ‘Te pae ra-uta’ is a phrase my tribe uses to describe people living in the bush, not near a large pa.
The Country Parson
Near yonder copse, where once the garden smil’d,
And still where many a garden flower grows wild;
There, where a few torn shrubs the place disclose,
The village preacher’s modest mansion rose.
A man he was to all the country dear,
And passing rich with forty pounds a year;
Remote from towns he ran his godly race,
Nor e’re had chang’d, nor wished to change his place;
Unpractis’d he to fawn, or seek for power,
By doctrines fashion’d to the varying hour;
Far other aims his heart had learned to prize,
More skill’d to raise the wretched than to rise.
His house was known to all the vagrant train,
He chid their wanderings, but reliev’d their pain;
The long remember’d beggar was his guest,
Whose beard descending swept his aged breast;
The ruin’d spendthrift, now no longer proud,
Claim’d kindred there, and had his claims allow’d;
The broken soldier, kindly bade to stay,
Sat by his fire, and talked the night away;
Wept o’er his wounds, or tales of sorrow done,
Shoulder’d his crutch, and showed how fields were won.
Pleased with his guests, the good man learned to glow,
And quite forgot their vices in their woe;
Careless their merits, or their faults to scan,
His pity gave ere charity began.
Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride,
And e’en his failings lean’d to Virtue’s side;
But in his duty prompt at every call,
He watch’d and wept, he pray’d and felt, for all
And, as a bird each fond endearment tries
To tempt its new-fledg’d offspring to the skies,
He tried each art, reprov’d each dull delay,
Allur’d to brighter worlds, and led the way.
At church with meek and unaffected grace,
His looks adorn’d the venerable place;
Truth from his lips prevail’d with double sway,
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And fools, who came to scoff, remain’d to pray.
The service pass’d, around the pious man,
With steady zeal, each honest rustic ran;
Even children follow’d with endearing wile,
And pluck’d his gown, to share the good man’s smile.
His ready smile a parent’s warmth express’d,
Their welfare pleas’d him, and their cares distress’d;
To them his heart, his love, his griefs were given,
But all his serious thoughts had rest in Heaven.
As some tall cliff, that lifts its awful form,
Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm,
Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head.
There are two important similes in this passage. First, there is the bird singing to its fledglings to get them to leave the nest and to fly into space; similarly, the country parson coaxes people to leave behind the things of the world and to fly heavenwards. Secondly, there is the lofty mountain with storms raging lower down while its peak is calm; similarly, although the country parson’s breast bears the troubles of the world, the blessing of God continually shines upon his head. Read these writings to enlarge your thinking and to reward the writing efforts of your pet. Let’s share in this!
THE BISHOP OF WAIAPU
To the Editor.
On 5th June The Bishop of Waiapu came to Matata, the western part of the Parish of Whakatane. At 7 in the evening the Bishop conducted the service of Confirmation in St Augustine’s Church. Six people were confirmed, fivce Pakeha and one Maori. That Maori had been licensed as a lay-reader by the Bishop. Now all you friends in every place should know that this is Hami Apiata, your intimate friend from long ago and right up to the present. Isn’t this something for everyone? So come! Your friend has taken a stand as a soldier for the Lord.
Soldiers of the Church
Rise up!
Here is his banner –
The Cross.
[Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Maori Prayer Book 174]
You friends may say to me that our friend Hami has gone out on a limb [alone] and that in doing this all his friends were Pakeha. Your friend was not alone. Whether he was with Pakeha or whoever, it was all the same to him for he is of the lineage of Tamatea. His proverb is:
He kotahi na Tamatea e horu te moana.
? A single descendant of Tamatea will make the sea roar.
The most important saying is this: ‘Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatter.’ [Matthew 12.30]
On the 6th the Bishop arrived at Whakatane. On the 8th at 11 o’clock the Bishop attended the service for Pentecost Sunday in the Maori Church at Pahou.
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The Bishop celebrated the Lord’s Supper. Because of the strong winds and the rain most of the Church people were not aboe to attend. But those who heard the Bishop’s sermon were were grateful. The words of his sermon went deep into the hearts of the congregation. The Bishop’s closing words were: ‘My Maori Church is very sick because of a lack of ministers. I need eight Maori ministers for my diocese. Where are you hiding the able young men amongst you? It is for you to fill these places and the vacant places elsewhere in the coming days. If you do not give consideration to this matter, the Church will die, die completely. Would you be agreeable if I obtained some Chinese as ministers for the Maori Church?’ At the end of the service with the Maori to Bishop went to the Pakeha. At two o’clock on the Monday afternoon the Maori and Pakeha gathered at the Mission House. The Bishop came and conducted the service of consecration of the Mission House. Miss Clayton was anointed as the woman to run that Mission. The Bishop explained the nature of the Mission: ‘This Mission is a place where the Church can gather to learn, and to seek ways of increasing the works of the Faith amongst you and your children.
On the 12th the Bishop arrived at Ruatoki at the Mission House of Miss Hare and her children, where he was to stay. Miss Hare is the woman who runs this Mission. She cares for sixteen children from the ages of 3½ to 11. Most of the children are orphans, having no parents. Miss Hare is their only carer; the Pakeha Church provides their food. The Maori Church helps a little but is not greatly involved. All these children are Maori and belong to the Maori Church. All sixteen are girls. They are being brought up as upright women, thoughtful, good, obedient, kind to people, and clear about the teachings of the Faith. The Bishop praised those children, their knowledge, and the swiftness with which they learned the things they were presented with. With good fortune, in days to come the Maori People will perhaps discover from among these children a mother of the second learned Apirana. If we are not fortunate enough to produce the second Apirana from amongst this generation then perhaps one of these children will be the mother of a Maori Bishop. The village in which these children live is very cold. Therefore friends are being asked not to waste old clothes but to pass them on to Miss Hare at Ruatoki to keep our orphans warm.
On Saturday 14th in the morning
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the Bishop officiated at an adult baptism service in the Ruatoki Church. After the baptisms the minister officiate at the weddings of eight people, four men and four women, all older people.
On the 15th at 11 a.m. the Bishop celebrated the Lord’s Supper for Trinity Sunday in the church. The Church people of Ruatoki greatly appreciated the Bishop’s sermon. The Bishop said important things to the Ruatoki Church, words of guidance, and urged them to pray as promised for the young men of Ruatoki at the Theological College in Auckland.
At two o’clock in the afternoon the Bishop held a service of laying-on of hands for those who were unwell. Afterwards there was a confirmation service. The eight wh0 were confirmed were all those who had been married. They were people who had recently joined the Church. Greetings to all you new members. May you all receive many blessings and may you follow the Bishop’s instructions. We greet Rotu Rangi, Hori Aterea, Wiremu Tereina, and Paora Ranginui, and thank you and the whole Church. You have devoted yourselves to leading the Church so that the young people have come to an understanding of its teaching.
That understanding has led to three vocations;
Wharetini Rangi from Ruatoki went to the Theological College in Auckland in March.
Ramahaki Rangiaho from Ruatoki went to the Theological College in Auckland in June.
Wiremu te Moana of Ruatoki is waiting to go to Theological College in Auckland. If there is no room for him this year he will go next year.
Ruatoki, you have avoided the Bishop and his Chinese ministers.
June 19, 1924.
E M Eruini
THE PAGE FOR THE TE ARAWA LAKES BOARD
This is to inform you that the Te Arawa Lakes Board is taking a page of Te Toa Takitini each month to make known its activities and the reports of the Board meetings. It has been agreed that they will pay £12/10/0 a year for the page. Thank you, Te Arawa Board, for the help you are giving your child. He will remember how his ancestor, Whakaoterangi, stored things and he will guard well the gift that you have given him. But remember, chiefs and all, that he has many tattoos to incise [?in order to have sufficient bread. (taro – bread or in a short time)]As the proverb has it:
He taro ka tu te piko o te whakairo.
An instant and the ornamentation is carved. [cf Nga Pepeha 797]
Best wishes to all the parents of our child.
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THE TE ARAWA COMMITTEES.
The Te Arawa Board has set up some sub-committees to manage the various tasks and to report to the full Board.
1. Marae and Pensions.
Morehu te Kirikau (Minister for Marae and Pensions)
Tiakiawa Tahuriorangi
Taimona Matuha
Rev W A Te Waaka
Raureti Mokonuiarangi
They have been allocated £2,200 for this year.
2. Farming and Housing for Workers.
Wiremu Ereatara (Minister for Lands)
H Macpherson
Heketoro Hikairo
Aperahama Wiari
Te Uara
This sub-committee has been allocated £1,500 for this year.
3. Schools and Hospitals
H Tai Mitchell (Minister for Schools)
Raureti Mokonuiarangi
Morehu Kirikau
Kepa Ehau
Wirihana Tamati
£1000 has been set aside for this sub-committee this year.
4. Maori Crafts
Kepa Ehau is the Minister.
Waaka Te Rohu
Aperahama Wiari
Mika Aporo
Peeti Hareti
Heketoro Hikairo
Morehu te Kirikau.
£750 has been allocated for the purposes of this sub-committee.
£750 each year will be added to the capital held by the Board. The £1000 allocated for the soldiers has been returned by the soldier members of the Board who have asked for it to be added to the amount under the heading of ‘Farming.’
We received a request from the Managers of Queen Victoria School in Auckland for help. It was agreed that £50 be given to help the school this year.
The Board has asked that there be laid before them a report on the memorial stone to Te Arawa soldiers and on the expenses of the Lakes Case.
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THE TE ARAWA LAKES BOARD.
The meeting of the Board was held in Rotorua on 11th June. Many matters were dealt with; they were as follows:
1. There was a request that £2000 be set aside each year for matters relating to some of the Te Arawa hapu. It was decided to delay this for six months.
2. The Board sent congratulations to Sir James Gunson on the honour conferred on him by the King.
3. The Board agree that the Minister for Marae and Pensions and the committee visit the Te Arawa marae to see the state of them and to meet the elders who may qualify for a pension.
4. The Board agrees to the Minister for Lands and Workers’ Dwellings and his committee going to inspect some Crown Land at Te Whaiti, Urewera, to the reports from the committees find if it is suitable for the settlement of young men on farms.
At this point it was moved that the Board adjourn to enable the committees to sit and discuss matter relating to those committees.
On 14th June the committee reports were submitted to be approved by the Board.
The Committee for Marae and Pensions. Te Morehu te Kirikau is the Minister and Raureti Mokonuiarangi, the Secretary.
a. A request for a pension from a blind person. Agreed.
b. A request from the Marae at Otukawa, Te Puke, for help to build a dining hall. £100 was allocated.
c. A request for help for the new Meeting House at Matawera, near Rotorua. £100 was allocated.
d. For the provision of water for Mourea and Waiatuhi. £100 was allocated.
e. A request for money for the dining hall at Tia Te Puke. £37 was allocated.
f. For water at Maketu. £10 was allocated.
g. A request for help with the painting of Te Aomarama Hall. £25 was allocated.
The Committee for Education and Hospitals. Taiporutu Te Mapu is the Minister and Wirihana Tamati, the Secretary.
a. A request for help for a child being educated at College. £55 a year for 3 years allocated.
b. A request for a child receiving technical training. This was delayed pending further enquiries.
c. A request for help from the Catholic Church which is building the new Convent in Rotorua at a cost of £4000. The request will be met but will be complied with when the building is completed.
d. Te Arawa at Matata and Otamarakau have asked for help on behalf of the Convent at Matata in purchasing medicines. £40 a year was allocated.
The Committee for Lands and Workers’ Dwellings. Wiremu Ereatara is the Minister and H Macpherson, Secretary.
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Many requests for help have been received by this Committee but, because of the paucity of information provided, the Committee has decided to print some Application Forms to be sent to the applicants to complete and return for consideration at the next meeting.
a. A request for help to complete a dwelling house. £10 was allocated.
b. A request for help with extending a house. £100 was allocated.
The Committee for Various Matters and Maori Crafts. Kepa Ehau is the Minister, but because he is unwell, the Rev Waaka te Rohu is Acting-Minister and Raniera Kingi, Secretary.
a. The Memorial Stone to the Te Arawa Soldiers. It was agreed to ask the supervisor of the project to come to Rotorua to attend the next meeting of the Board.
b. The Boarding House. The Committee inspected a house in the town costing £3,300 with three and a half acres of land. The Committee agreed to purchase those sections and the house. The Board’s decision was deferred until its next meeting.
Bills amounting to almost £200 were passed for payment by the Secretary.
At this point the third meeting of the Te Arawa Board concluded.
Taiporutu Te Mapu,
Chairman
CONGRATULATIONS TO TE ARAWA.
A letter of congratulations to Te Arawa on their project from Dr Wi Repa has been received by the Editor. It is in English. What this wise man has to say is good and clear and penetrating. We have asked the Doctor to put it into Maori for publication in the August edition. His main praise is for the proposals about education. What he affirms is appropriate for the Maori People as a whole and worthy of being considered by every hapu.
Thank you, Dr Wi Repa, for your praise for that tribe of our people that is seeking at depth to find ways in which to elevate our children and grandchildren.
TUHOE HUI
Hon A T Ngata, MP. The Honourable A T Ngata has informed us that he is not free to attend the Tuhoe Hui. Parliament is in session and he will not be able to travel far from Wellington in the near future. Because the Government and the Opposition have an almost equal share of the votes it is not possible to know what surprising outcomes there may be on important matters.
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DEATH OF TE HURINUI APANUI
Te Hurinui Apanui, the remaining chiefly elder of Whakatane, died at the end of May. He was a man who retained the chiefly mana of his ancestors and was greatly loved by his people, whether Pakeha or Maori. On the day of his burial nearly 2000 people came to his grave at Whakatane. This was a sign of the great respect that people had for him. Both Pakeha and Maori had the same affection for their chief. Pakeha honoured him for the authority with which he spoke and for his integrity in all he did. Go, Koro, to your rest. Leave your Pakeha and Maori People to salute your character and may your grandchildren follow the good example you have set for them.
TIAKI REWIRI HAS DIED
There was great sadness on the arrival of the news that this highly respected man, Tiaki Rewiri, had died. He died on 22nd June. He was the leading man when it came to supporting major projects within Whakatane, whether they related to matters to do with physical well-being or matters to do with the Faith. The letters that he wrote from time to time to Te Toa Takitini reveal his character, his perceptiveness, and the relevance of his values and his speeches. He was not afraid of anyone. He directed his anger against all wrongdoing. Tiaki Rewiri wa a pillar of the faith of the Church in Whakatane. Farewell, noble friend, the one devoted to guiding the people into the ways of righteousness. Farewell, mainstay of the Church. Cross from darkness to light, from death to life. Who will take up your cloak after you? Te Toa Takitini grieves for the remnant of Mataatua. Two great totara have fallen at the same time. The land groans. All you who remain, be strong, be stout-hearted. May God lighten all your darkness.
THE TE AUTE COLLEGE EXAMS.
On 14th December the Bishop of Waiapu presented medals, certificates and prizes to the pupils of Te Aute College. These are the pupils who passed the exams.
Dux (Top Pupil of the College) Gold Medal – Waaka Morete.
Runner-up – Silver Medal – Ruka Rangi.
Divinity (The Scriptures) – Classes 5 & 6: Autiti Wikiriwhi, Class 4: J Kerehi. Class 4: W Ngata. Class 3: Mohi Arapata.
Prizes for reading the Scriptures in Services: (1) D Waretini, (2) Mohi Arapata.
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Progress (For most improvement in learning). James Leach.
Proficiency Prizes. Class 6: Walker Morete 1, Luke Rangi 2, Pene Whaipooti 3. Class 5: Norris Turley 1, John Redmond 2, Autiti Wikiriwhi 3. For Latin – N Turley. Class 4R: J Waaka 1, H Huata 2, D Mulligan 3, Class 4: Wiremu Erueti 1, Kepa Nuku 2, William Ngata 3. Class 3: Moses Arapata 1, Kahora Rangawhenua 2, Selwyn Te Paa 3.
Prefects: Peter Ihaia 1, Sam Ruawai 2.
Farming: J Leach 1, H Huata 2, Horowai Mordete 3, W Potaka 4.
Mathematics (Special): K Nuku’
The Headteacher thanked the following people for the prizes they have given to the College: The Trustees, Arani Wiremu, Hinepaketia Wiremu, Revd Neild and Nurse Barrow.
TEACHINS FROM THE HOUSES OF LEARNING AND THE SCRIPTURES.
Wiremu Te Moana, Ruatoki.
C. The Third Question: Where are we going afterwards?
Now, although we have answered the above question, that is, we will all appear before God to bring before him all that we have done in this world and receive our recompense, the manner of salvation is not clear to us [i te ra]. Therefore it will become clear to us if we begin with the teachings of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. See! Perhaps our ancestors in ancient times had no knowledge of this thing, the Gospel. But what they did know about was Tawhaki’s ascent into heaven, though his purpose was not very clear. However, the thing that was known in the teachings of the Houses of Learning was that the source of the spiritual children of God in this world was the spirit and water; because everything comes from God, everything comes from the spirit, everything is from the female and male, everything is from fire and water.
So we did not know where we came from – from the blood in our bodies. Now, our ancestors said that if we have not undergone the tohi rite we will not return to God, and to the Whatukura and Mareikura [male and female spiritual beings] in heaven, because we have not agreed to be cleansed in the holy water of heaven, the tohi water of Puhaorangi, of Ohomairangi, of Hinekauorohia, which would have enabled you to stand without defect before the myriads of heaven.
Secondly, if the blood disappears from your body and your blood vessels are filled with fire (perpetual fire) and the spirit, then you will achieve divinity and return to the presence of the father of all spirits. Enough of that, the basic principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are faith, repentance,
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baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying-on of hands for the giving of the Holy Spirit. What is the Gospel? It is the power of God. (Romans 1.16-17) ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to save all who believe, the Jews first and also the Greeks. In it is seen the righteousness of God from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”’
What is faith? Hebrews 1.1. ‘Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.’ What is the benefit of faith to the believer? Hebrews 11.6. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.’ Can someone live by faith alone? No indeed. The Apostle James says: ‘Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.’ [James 2.17] How is it that doing works verifies faith? It is like a person whose spirit has departed leaving him a dead body. Why is this so? If a person is saved by faith alone, then the devil could saved because they believe that God is righteous. James 2.19. ‘You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe – and shudder.’
How great should be a person’s faith? Very great? No. The Saviour said, ‘If you have faith the size of a mustard [cabbage] seed you will say to this mountain, “Go over there!” And it will go. There is nothing you will not be able to do.’ [Matthew 17.20] Does a person not have to believe many right things in order to be saved? No, only one. Ephesians 4.5. ‘There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.’
Why are we told to repent? The second principle of the Gospel, says the Lord, is ‘Unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Luke 13.5. ‘Bear fruit worthy of repentance.’ Matthew 3.8.
Ezekiel 33.16. ‘None of the sins they have committed shall be remembered against them; they have done what is lawful and right, they shall surely live.’ Joel 2.12-13. ‘Yet even now’ says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.’ Acts 2.38. ‘
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Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”’
What is baptism? It is the third aspect of the Gospel. It is an instruction from Christ who said to his disciples: Mark 16.15-16. ‘Go into all the whole world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned,’ Now our Lord knew that it was right that he should be baptized and he went to John the Baptist and was baptized by him. Matthew 3.13-15. ‘Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, saying, “Let it be so now; for it proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.”’
(To be continued.)
MAORI PARISHES CONTRIBUTIONS FOR MISSIONS
Donations up to 31st March, 1924
Parish Melanesia India Japan New Zealand China & Others
£ s d £ s d £ s d £ s d £ s d
Hikurangi 9 0 9
Kawakawa 1 10 0
Moteo 1 10 0 6 0 0
Rotorua 8 5 1 10 0 0 1 12 10 10 0 5 0 0
Ruatoki 10 0 1 15 0 10 0
Taupo 1 0 0
Te Kaha 5 0 0
Te Puke 4 4 0
Waiapu 3 10 0 4 17 0 10 0 0
Waipatu 6 5 0 22 4 8 10 16 6 4 2 2 1 0 0
Wairoa 5 0 0
Waipawa 15 0 0 5 0 0
Whaka-
rewarewa 1 17 0 2 10 0 1 2 5 2 5 0
Whakatane 1 0 0
Whangara 2 0 0
Porangahau
Sunday
Schools 10 0
Owhataiti 2 0 0
Te Aute 10 0 0 1 1 0
Hukarere 4 8 0 40 0 0
Any money that arrived later will be included next month.
A KIEKIE CLOAK FOR THE CHILD
Nikora Peeti, Makirikiri 6 6 Henare Pereto, Te Araroa 1 0 0
Ngakuru Pene Haare, Mitimiti 13 0 Inia Ranginui, Kakahi 6 6
Toki Wharetapu, Ruatoki North 6 6 E G Loten, Te Aute 12 6
Ihimera Rangihapainga Paruki, Reweti T Kohere,
Kahika, Te Puke 6 6 Te Araroa 1 0 0
Z Mitchell, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 6 6 Pene Hema, Frasertown 6 0
Hemi Kainamu, Mohaka 6 6 Ngatai -----, Mangamuka 6 6
Paora Hapi, Nuhaka 6 0 Pera Hetana, Maropiu 6 6
Miss Bulstrode, Porangahau 10 0 Pene Hema, Frasertown 6 6
Per Rev Kohere: Hirai Te Ngahue, Te Otimi. Maketu 6 0
Te Araroa 6 6 Henare Tumango,
Waiheke Puha, Te Araroa 6 6 Wanganui 1 7 6
Tu Mahue, Te Araroa 6 6 Matiu Te Aranui,
Mohi Ngatai, Te Araroa 6 6 Whangarei 6 6
Kaipara Te Aranui,
Kaukapakapa 6 6
CALENDAR
July
6 Third Sunday after Trinity G
1 Samuel 2.1-27, Acts 13.1-26
1 Samuel 3, Acts 1.18-end
13 Fourth Sunday after Trinity G
1 Samuel 12, Acts 17.16-end
1 Samuel 13, Matthew 6.1-19
20 Fifth Sunday after Trinity G
1 Samuel 15.1-24, Acts 21.17-37
1 Samuel 16, Matthew 10.1-24
25 Friday - James, Apostle R
27 Sixth Sunday after Trinity G
2 Samuel 1, Acts 26
2 Samuel 12.1-24, Matthew 13.53 - 14,13
August
3 Seventh Sunday after Trinity G
1 Chronicles 21, Romans 3
1 Chronicles 22, Matthew 18.1-21
10 Eighth Sunday after Trinity G
1 Chronicles 29, Romans 9.1-19
2 Chronicles 1, Matthew 22.1-15
17 Ninth Sunday after Trinity G
1 Kings 10.1-25, Romans 14 & 15.1-8
1 Kings 11.1-15, Matthew 25.31-end
24 Bartholomew, Apostle R
Tenth Sunday after Trinity
Genesis 28.10-18, 1 Corinthians 4.18 & 5
Deuteronomy 18.15-end, Matthew 28
