[345] TE TOA TAKITINI
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
Number 54
Hastings
1st February, 1926.
CALENDARS
The Church Calendars for 1926 have been printed and copies have been sent to each Minister. Those wanting a copy should ask the Minister of their Parish for one. If there are none then send your request to Te Toa Takitini. The price of one Calendar is 8d.
NGATI POROU HUI.
15th February, 1926.
We are hearing of this important Ngati Porou project, their hui. There are many objectives of this national hui, and among those attending are the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, Sir Maui Pomare, Dr Te Rangihiroa, the Bishop of Waiapu, and other advisers and directors of the country’s important works.
There will be many entertainments to make the stay of those from afar a pleasant experience. There will be a broad range of things dealt with that impact the well-being of the Maori People as a whole.
The day to arrive is 15th of this month.
TE TOA TAKITINI BOOK
It was pointed out in the last edition of the paper that Te Toa Takitini for 1924 had been printed.
Now we have finished bringing together Te Toa Takitini for 1925. Those wanting a copy should let us know soon. The cost is 12/6 a copy.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Published by the Rev F A Bennett and printed by Cliff Press, Queen Street, Hastings, HB.
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Te Toa Takitini
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
The price of the paper is 10/- a year.
Address letters to ‘Te Toa Takitini,’ Box 300, Hastings.
1st February, 1926.
Te Toa Takitini.
THE MAORI BISHOPRIC
By the Editor.
We have heard nothing new about our Maori Bishopric. Up to the present time the people are lying down and thinking. It is good if that is the case in all our parishes. But it would be good if our ministers were frequently stirring up our people lest the matter be allowed to sleep. It will be an important treasure, a sacred treasure, a treasure to pass on to our children and grandchildren after us. Therefore, let us earnestly discuss its depth, its height, and its breadth.
There is one issue causing difficulties for our Bishopric and that is the desire of three of the New Zealand Bishops (the Archbishop, the Bishop of Waiapu and the Bishop of Wellington) that the first Bishop for the Maori People should be a Pakeha. We and your spokesmen have not found an easy way to convince the Bishops of the desire of the Maori People that the first Bishop should be Maori. The Bishops are sticking to their position that the man should be Pakeha; the Maori are sticking to theirs, that he be Maori.
You people can see that the issue is a difficult one. Perhaps the Bishops will not moderate their stand. It would be good if the thinking of the Maori People could be moderated. If the two sides are reluctant to change, what will be the outcome?
If we agree with the Bishops’ contention then will have our own Bishop in the coming months. If we do not agree then perhaps we will let this treasure fall from our hands and we will remain under the authority of our old bishops.
What we have to discuss is, which is better, to remain under the authority of the Pakeha diocese as we do at present, or to live under the authority of the separate Maori Bishopric, but with a Pakeha as Bishop. I believe that far better benefits will come to the Church amongst the Maori People if we seize this treasure now even though a Pakeha is at the head. The Pakeha proverb says, ‘Better half a loaf than none.’ If a Pakeha is installed as our Bishop,
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then his hands, his eyes, his feet will be devoted to the Maori. We will have our separate Maori Synod, we will also have the running of the lands given by our forebears to the Church over the past century, and we will have the funds that Maori have given for various Church purposes, These are treasures that we ought to seize. Leave the post of Bishop to our Pakeha friends for the time being so that our wishes can be fulfilled. By the time the Pakeha retires, perhaps there will have arisen a young Maori from the country’s universities, with degrees from those universities, in fulfilment of the wishes of our bishops. When that time comes the Maori Church will have settled into the organisation of the Bishopric and the job of the Maori Bishop will be easier.
I end here my heartfelt deliberations on this great issue. But take this, people, as a challenge to you to make this the basis of a discussion amongst us about this great treasure which stands before us spiritually at this time. The hope is that it will soon be physically present for the benefit of the Church amongst us Maori. May the heavenly Father guide and enlighten us that what we undertake may conform to what he would have us do.
THE MAORI BISHOP.
To the Editor.
I am grateful for the firm stance taken by the spokesmen for the people who declare that the bishop for the Maori People should be a Maori Bishop, so that it will truly be, as it says, Maori Bishopric. Maori have desired for many long years to have their own separate mana, and at last the Church is providing this. But if the bishops want us to have a Pakeha bishop we will not have achieved that separateness. The Bishops don’t think there is a Maori capable of being a bishop which is belittling. If the word ‘belittling’ is inappropriate, what is the right word? Having our own Bishopric fulfils the important aspect of our having our separate mana. If we don’t have that, what good is it? We should be left to our old ways to get our own Maori Bishop. I wonder at the bishops’ ways of thinking; they are following their pakeha thinking and not considering the Maori side. The Maori is right to say:
Na wai hoki te homai na wai hoki te pupuri atu.
Te rangona hoki te reka o to kai.
Who gives and who holds on?
The savouriness of your food was not tasted. [cf. Nga Pepeha 2414]
If no Maori is found for the post of Bishop for us, then wait until a suitable Maori is born. Let us not give it to a Pakeha lest we lose interest in this very beautiful matter. I have said enough.
Maori Motuhake [A Separate Maori]
THE WORK OF THE TEN WHO MAKE UP THE STANDING COMMITTEE WHO MET AT KAIKOHE ON 28TH December, 1925.
Those who attended: Ministers, Rev Canon W H Keretene, Rev K T Harawira, Rev H Taurau, Rev W Matene. Laymen. Hoori Tane, Heke Te Rangi, Eru Pou, Wi Parihi.
The meeting opened with prayer. The minutes were read. There was no correspondence.
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The Chairman’s Speech.
In the name of Jesus Christ I welcome you to this meeting of our committee Although we ‘ve staggered along over the past three years, what of it? As I see it, a lot of good has come from it. We have become better informed about the work of our minister friends.
But what makes me sad is the state of we Maori, how rapidly we are becoming weak, apparently without reason. From the time this committee was set up some areas have been asleep and some are certainly heading that way.
There is one important matter under consideration now, that of a Bishop for the Maori section of the Church. All the appropriate legislation has gone through; all that remains is the choice of a person for the office of Bishop.
But at the sitting of General Synod in Wellington it was the desire of the four bishops that they should present three names while the Maori members indicated that one of the three names be that of a Maori. The Bishops also wanted the first Bishop to be a Pakeha who would set up the administration of the Bishopric. When that Pakeha ended his term then a Maori would be appointed as Bishop.
However, some of the Maori thought differently and wanted a Maori as the first. As a result the matter was deferred until another time so that the Maori tribes could give more thought to this important matter, the difficulties and how things should be done. I too, people, on looking at this office saw some difficulties at this time. Besides the Pakeha involvement, some tribes were not content. So, this is a matter that we must look into carefully and discuss until the General Synod meets in Auckland. Then perhaps there will be found a satisfactory word for us. May the Holy Spirit direct us to the right solution.
The money in the hands of this committee at the moment is more than one hundred pounds. Three hundred and twenty-one pounds, seven shillings and eightpence (£371.7.8) has been sent to the main office in Auckland.
Some of the areas have contributed mothing to this amount. This is so because of the indifference of the ministers.
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If they made an effort the money would be forthcoming.
Therefore, I ask you to see that all the money owed reaches Auckland before the General Synod in the coming March. The Account Forms have been sent out and you will have them to fill in. That meeting is on 12th, 134th, and 14th March.
May God strengthen us to achieve these things in goodness and peace.
The Money
£ s d
Waimate 1 2 0
Whangarei 1 2 6
Kaikohe 1 2 0
Mangakahia 1 2 0
Otiria 1 2 6
Hokianga 1 2 0
Timi Maka 2 16 0
Rohepotae 4 0 0
13 9 0
Expended:
Marae £4 0 0
Layman 12 0
4 12 0
Remainder 8 17 0
The Business.
Moved by K T Harawira, seconded by Heke Te Rangi: That a tribal hui be held to discuss the Maori Bishopric. Agreed.
Moved by H Taurau, seconded by H Tane: That this committee appoint a minister to go to the Parish of Whangape during the month of January to look into the difficulties of that Parish that I have observed. Agreed. Canon Keretene was appointed to go and ascertain what those people want and set things right.
Moved by Eru Pou, seconded by Wi Parihi: That a minister be placed in the Parish of Kaikohe as soon as possible.
The Chairman said that a permanent minister has been appointed for you. But the Rev Paki Matene is here at present awaiting the arrival of that new minister.
Tribal Hui.
There was much discussion at the meeting of this matter of the Maori Bishop. Everything that took place in Wellington was explained and the difficulties involved were appreciated. But the final decision of the meeting was to wait for the decisions of the Auckland meeting.
Moved by H Taurau, seconded by H Tane: That this committee thanks the local people for their wonderful hospitality to the members. Agreed unanimously.
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A WAIAPU SCHOLARSHIP.
Piripi Rairi was a man who took a close interest in what the tribe was doing, including the work of the Church. He was also concerned for the Ngati Porou schoolchildren.
When he was struck down by illness and was aware that he was going to die, he made his will. In it he set apart five hundred pounds (£500) for a scholarship for the children of Ngati Porou. For the minister of the Parish of Waiapu he allocated £100 towards his stipend. A total of £600 was gifted in his will. This will was made at Tokomaru Bay by the lawyers, Nolan and Skeet. The Trustees appointed for this scholarship are Taare Korimete and Rahera Rairi.
On 30th November, 1924, he died at his home at Ohinewaiapu, Rangitukia.
In March, 1925, Judge Herora Kaa and his Assessor, Wiri Keepa, granted probate.
He is the first Maori to provide a scholarship in Ngati Porou.
Thank you, Koro, for your noble thought which will be a memorial stone for you for generations to come.
Panikena Kaa.
WAIPATU PARISH.
Te Toa Takitini congratulates the remnant of this parish for the effort they put into achieving their share in the Minister’s Stipend Fund and the cause of spreading the Gospel. These two objectives were reached for the year ending 31st December, 1925.
As to the Minister’s Stipend Fund, they had no trouble finding the remainder. This Fund covers all these villages – Te Hauke, Pakipaki, Te Waipatu, Waimarama, and Kohupatiki. In addition to the fund there remained £15 to be contributed by each village - £12 for the minister’s stipend and £3 for the spread of the Gospel in Bishop Azariah’s diocese in India. All this money has been found. Congratulations to the remnant of the Parish of Te Waipatu.
HUI AT TE PUKE.
The Editor.
Greetings, you who stand above the Great Forest of Tane. I ask you to carry the few words that follow.
Land Claimed on the Basis of Conquest. On 25th December, 1925, a hui was held at Te Manoeka, Te Puke, for those on the East Coast from Ohiwa to Ngakuri-a-Whare.
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The chiefs and spokesmen with an interest in this issue gathered. The Chairman of the hui was Te Whetu Paerata of Tuhoe.
The Matters Agreed.
1. The Member for Te Tai Rawhiti is to arrange for a suitable lawyer to set out this case.
2. A committee was set up to undertake this matter.
3. A fund of £800 will be forthcoming.
4. The proposals for discussion will be set out by the committee.
Hoani Retimana,
Secretary of the Hui.
Te Manoeka, Te Puke.
28th December, 1925.
A RINGATU BISHOP.
To Te Toa Takitini.
Greetings. The Army of Tumatauenga, the Progeny of Tiki, deliver the speech of the brave, g#ive voice to the old women and the old men who have departed to the afterlife. Enough.
This is a short article for you to pass on for our beloved friends throughout the country to see. On 12th December there was a gathering of the Ringatu Church at Te Poroporo, Whakatane. The Ringatu bishop, the Right Reverend F H Tumutara, attended. Fifty people were baptised at that hui and two ministers were ordained – Rev Whata and Rev Hoani. As I remember, then those ministers put on white robes.
W Samuel,
Secretary to the Ringatu Bishop.
Te Poroporo, Whakatane,
13th December, 1925.
[Greetings to you, the Ringatu Church. It is good to hear of what you are doing. But do not forget the words of Te Kooti who said that if you abandon this practice of yours then you should return to the Missionary Church. Therefore, since you have taken the titles of the Bishops and the ministers, along with the white robes, perhaps the words of salutation are appropriate and, ‘Tatou, tatou – We are now one!’ When you send in reports in the future remember to include ‘a small basket’ for the printers. Their hungry people are Pakeha!’]
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ALCOHOL.
Its bad effects and its addictiveness. Who is at fault? The person or the alcohol?
By Doctor M E Stanley (A lady doctor). Translated into Maori by H Poananga, LLB.
(The first part is on page 327 of the November edition of the paper.)
Even if a person only drinks a little, his body still has less strength to ward off diseases. It has been observed recently in countries in Europe that many people who drink have got pneumonia and 52 out of every 100 have died from it. Among those who do not drink only 18 in every 100 have died.
Many people who drink heavily and their children have gone down with tuberculosis. In 1919 America introduced prohibition and during that time the number of people suffering serious illness decreased there. It was the same in Denmark. At the meeting in Europe attended by world experts seeking ways of preventing tuberculosis, this motion was passed: ‘It has been established that the consumption of alcohol and tuberculosis go hand in hand. Therefore, we must battle against them both.’
When someone goes to get personal insurance, the one who does not drink has to pay less for his insurance because it is known that his body is stronger when it comes to preventing disease.
Why is it said that the children of those who drink heavily are more likely to get tuberculosis? If the parents’ bodies are weak then those of the children will be also. It has been found that if alcohol is given to cats, dogs and monkeys, then the young become sick; they don’t grow much, and the body is emaciated and weak. The offspring of the animals that are not give this drink are well and their bodies are healthy. It is the same with the children of humans. Many children of those who drink heavily are soon afflicted with tuberculosis, fever, and infantile paralysis, their vision is impaired and their minds are confused. That is, the sins of the father are visited upon the children to the third or fourth generation, It is right that children should not be impacted by this drink.
The first effect of alcohol is the weakening of the mind. The brain is the first field of battle. The pulse speeds up and the blood moves quickly to the brain, and at this point it mistakenly thinks that this is good food. Before long the brain is weakened by the poison in the blood. Afterwards the brain has no power over the muscles and other parts of the body, the eyes are weakened and the ears do not hear.
Why is it said that the brain has no strength? Let us look at the quivering of the hands and the legs. If we give
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twelve men a glass of whisky or beer, and their work requires that their hands do not shake, we will find that they make many mistakes in their work. However, they do not realise that their work is faulty.
Alcohol is responsible for many accidents. In a large town in Scotland the hotels are closed at 12 noon on Saturdays and do not open until 8 o’clock on Monday morning. It was found that the majority of car accidents and other accidents occurred during the times the hotels were open and there were 40% fewer when they were closed. People’s thinking was confused, their hands shook as they gripped the steering wheel, and they did not know the right way. As a result there was an accident. The brain is the source of one’s thoughts. If the brain is confused, people have no power to do things and the hands have no power to grasp the reins of the bridle. If there is no accident it is only because it is a good horse.
Most of people’s wrongdoings are the outcome of drinking alcohol If there is no alcohol there is little wrongdoing. When right-thinking is inhibited then there is violence to people and other wicked acts. Many girls are drinking are are unaware of what is being done to them. This is because their thinking is weakened and they have conflicted thoughts.
If the brain is poisoned the result is madness. It has been observed that as a result of heavy drinking most people end up in a mental asylum. It has been discovered that their offspring also have troubled thoughts. One wise doctor, Doctor Ballantyne, says, ‘The thinking of children is disordered because their parents have been taking poison, i.e. alcohol.’ Dr Brunton says, ‘If a man drinks, he is happy for a short time, but h is normal thinking is deranged.’ But the derangement of his thinking is a huge price to pay for that short time of pleasure. The derangement of his thinking gives rise to wrongdoing, to many illnesses, and to mental illnesses; this is the background to the deaths of men, women and children.’
We see that if a person drinks there is a diminution in growth, in food consumption and in thinking. He staggers as he goes, he stumbles in his speech, he is unable to shoot or to drive a car, and he is unable to do the work he needs to do for his family and his tribe. Therefore, we must ask this question, ‘What good is alcohol?’ Dr Mayo, an American doctor answers, ‘Alcohol is no use at all- as a food or as a medicine. Its only use if for lighting fires.’ Yes, it is of no use at all. Indeed, it afflicts the body, the family, the offspring, and the work even that needs doing.
The problem is the alcoholic drinks, not the person? The hope is that setting up a
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separate village for drunkards so as to minimize the wrongdoings, the mad actions and the sicknesses that afflict children. But it would be better to prohibit the sale of alcohol to people.
Were the sale of alcohol prohibited would someone be inclined to follow his inclinations? There are many things that we are forbidden to do by the law and people are familiar with those things. Were the sale of alcohol to be prevented it would be seen as right not to break the law because that helps one’s brother who lacks the strength to overcome temptation.
TE AUTE COLLEGE.
Seven Te Aute students enter for the Matriculation examination. The following passed:
Te Angahiki R Kaa, PP
E Nepia, Comp
W Ngata, MS
A Winter, MS
Wiremu Erueti, PPA
The son of Tuati Meha, Hohepa Meha, also passed, PPA. He goes to school in Waipawa.
Explanation of the letters:
PP Passed some of the subjects but not all.
Comp. Passed subjects left over from last year.
MS Passed Matriculation and gained the qualification to attend law school.
A Gained the qualification to study Accountancy.
Congratulations to the staff of Te Aute. The teaching at Te Aute is making strong progress. The Matriculation examination is now more difficult. Therefore, we greatly appreciate work of the Te Aute teachers and the honour they have brought to our college. Congratulations also to the pupils who have passed. Be strong, and let your ambition be [papaku – sic]. Don’t focus on going home. Your feet have stumbled upon this step of the ladder of learning. Go on to seek the beautiful fruit of learning so that you can advance your Maori People. Remember our heavenly Father who is there to help and guide you.
Senior Free Place.
The following are the students who passed the Senior Free Place:
John Te Herekiekie Grace
John Green Tuhawaiki Manahi
Pita Tupunakore Kaua Jack Pomana
Hulton Keogh Hata Ruru
William McIver John Walker
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WAIMARAMA
A concert was held by the people of Waimarama on the night of Friday, 22nd January, to raise money to improve the grounds of their church. The remnant of this village want to erect a stone wall along the roadside, to make a cement path to the church, and to plant native and exotic trees beside the church. Ngahina Turanga and Ripeka Poki are the Secretaries and Ture Gillies and Poki Mohi are the Treasurers.
They provided a wonderful and hospitable occasion.
They raised that night, £37/1/-.
The amount the committee needs to complete the work on their church may come to £65 to £70. Thank you, Waimarama committee, for your concern for the gift of your ancestors.
Morehu Turoa expressed gratitude for the help being given to the committee’s work by Pakeha friends.
Te Toa Takitini appreciates your efforts, and expresses the hope that the blessings of God may rest upon you for showing such love to his holy place.
Your work is a good example to every parish. When the house of God is in a good state then we can turn our attention to our own homes.
FEATHERS FOR TE TOA TAKITINI.
Sam Emery, Rotoiti 1 0 0
Huta Paaka, Motueka 1 0 0
Tarati Black, Dargaville 10 0
Hoani Retimana, Te Puke 10 0
Pahemata Hauraki, Towai 16 0
Mrs A Nehua, Okaihau 10 0
Hoori Reweti, Pokapu 1 0 0
Kawau Kereopa, Mataora Bay 12 0
Hohepa Kaire, Te Ahuahu 13 0
Wiki Tupe, Waiharara 6 6
Peta Nepia, Nuhaka 10 0
Amoamo Aporotanga, Opotiki 1 0 0
H Apimereke Aperahama, Te Puke 10 0
Rev A F Wiremu 1 0 0
Rukuai Paneta, Hiruharama 10 0
Ihaka Whaanga, Nuhaka 10 0
F Smith, Puha 1 0 0
Mita H Rongotangiawa, Matapihi 10 0
H K Waititi, Waiomatatini 1 0 0
Teihi Peka, Opoutama 10 0
Timu Kerehi, Wairoa 6 6
Mrs Harata Ngatoto, Peria 10 0
Mrs Ngatai Retireti Tapsell 10 0
Rihitote Mataia, Paeroa 10 0
Per Rev Poihipi Kohere:
Hirai Ngahue 10 0
Waiheke Puha 10 0
Rupuha Konia 10 0
Maka Paweherua 1 0 0
Mohi Te Atahikoia 14 6
Sister Annie, Ruatahuna 10 0
Rev J S Laughton, Ruatahuna 10 0
Panapa Tuari, Waipatu 10 0
Rangi Riripotaka, Pakowhai 1 3 0
Rev M Tumatahi, Taupo 1 10 6
Waimarama Puhara, Pakipaki 1 0 0
(To be continued.)
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A PERSON’S PLEASURES.
R[eweti] T K[ohere]
Pleasure is something, perhaps the thing, that a person most desires. Just as people are not the same, so their pleasures are not the same. When someone is a child he gets pleasure from playing children’s games. As the child gets older he seeks out games that are suitable for his age. When he grows up he seeks pleasures that suit him. A man’s pleasures reveal what he is like, whether he is good or bad. It is right that young people should engage in recreation and play. There is something wrong with young people who do not do pleasurable things and play.
There are three aspects of pleasure: pleasures that satisfy the body, the mind and the
spirit. Running, jumping, performing haka, and sports are things that satisfy the body; reading books, writing, talking, listening to wise speakers, and pleasing discussions are things that satisfy the mind; faith, speaking to God, observing good events, sweet songs, and playing music are things that satisfy the spirit. ‘At that hour Jesus rejoiced in the spirit.’ [Luke 10.21] ‘When they saw the star they rejoiced greatly.’ [Matthew 2.10] A pleasure – a very great pleasure that comes from faith.
People’s pleasures are not the same. The pleasures of some people are not pleasurable for others but are seen as bad and make them sad. So, getting drunk is a pleasure for some sorts of people while for others it is disgusting. Drunkenness is a pleasure of the flesh like laziness, indolence and gluttony. One can see what a person is like from their pleasures. Some people take pleasure in everything, wherever they are, even if they are alone. The reason for their pleasure is their work, their home, their children – their hearts are the source of joy and pleasure. Such people extract the goodness of the world. Every day is a pleasure to them. Sunrise and sunset are pleasing to them; they hear sweet songs in the running water and in the singing of the birds in the bush and the sky. They see great beauty in the mountains, the hills, the forests, the clouds, and the rolling country covered by green grass. These are their pictures, pictures spread out before them day after day. They look at them and there springs up from their hearts wonder and praise to the Creator of such things. Their hearts are the source of joy and pleasure which cannot be diminished. They sing along with the shepherd-king who sang: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, and the blue sky declares his handiwork. One day tells its tale to another ….’ [Psalm 19.1]
(To be continued.)
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