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TE TOA TAKITINI
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
Number 59
Hastings
1st July, 1926.
THE NEW ZEALAND CENSUS, 1926.
Province Pakeha Maori
Auckland 424,925 44,906
Hawkes Bay 65,569 4,683
Taranaki 67,653 3,538
Wellington 273,601 7.095
Marlborough 18,658 503
Nelson 50,545 169
Westland 15,025 120
Canterbury 213,745 1,066
Otago 149,579 331
Southland 65,173 370
_____ _____
Total for NZ 1,344,384 62,781ll
This information if from this year’s census. The wonderful thing for Maori is the continuing increase in our numbers. Maori are doing well. Besides our Pakeha friends we are seen to very healthy [toto kaha – strong-blooded]. Along with this we see an increase of many thousands in other parts of the world.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Published by Rev F A Bennett and printed at Cliff Press, Queen Street, Hastings, HB.
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MAORI BISHOPRIC BILL.
(Some parts have been abbreviated by the Editor.)
The Editor has translated into Maori the Bill setting up the Bishopric for the Maori People. The English version of the Bill relating to aspects of the election of the first Bishop is also being printed so that the members of Synod and Church amongst the Maori have the same understanding of its provisions.
The Sections of the Bill.
1. A bishopric is being set up to be known as Aotearoa.
2. The rules and regulations contained in this Act apply to that Bishopric. If there is any dispute about the interpretation of the laws then the Standing Commission is to be asked to adjudicate.
3. The boundaries of that Bishopric are in the attached First Schedule.
4. The jurisdiction of the Bishop of that Bishopric extends to all Maori in each Diocese if consent is given in writing by the respective Bishop. This applies also to Pakeha of the Diocese working in the Maori Church.
The Bishop giving that permission or his successor may withdraw that permission. If a Maori is registered in the Churchwarden’s Book of a Pakeha Parish according to Section 11 or Section 13 of Canon V, Title B, that Bishop’s jurisdiction does not extend to that person.
5. Until a change is made by the General Synod the constitution of the Synod for the naming of the Bishop shall be as follows:
(a) When the time comes for a Synod of that Bishopric to meet, the ministers shall elect five ministers as their representatives and the laymen shall elect five laymen.
(b) After the Bishop is elected the representatives shall meet with the Bishops of the Province. But there shall be no fewer than half the Bishops in New Zealand at the time present at that meeting and no fewer than three of the lay representatives and three of the ministers to form a quorum.
(c) The Archbishop, or in his absence the Bishop chairing the meeting, shall set before the meeting in writing the names of no more than three people recommended by the Hui.
(d) The representatives shall tell the Archbishop the name of the person they would like to be Bishop of that Bishopric.
(e) The subsequent duties of the Archbishop are set out in the Act as Title A, Canon1.
Before the election of that Bishop, the Synod of that Bishopric shall consist of the Maori Ministers who attended the Hui at Rotorua on 23rd & 24th June, 1925, from the Dioceses of Auckland, Waiapu and Wellington, together with three laymen each from those Dioceses chosen by their Bishops.
That Synod will be called and chaired by the Archbishop’s Commissary. The business of that Synod will follow the pattern set by the Representatives elected by the Synod. However when the first Bishop is elected the choice is to be approved by the whole Synod and not just by the Representatives. The quorum for that meeting shall not be fewer than half the ministers and half the lay representatives.
If the position of one of the members of that Synod prior to the election of the first Bishop is vacant then the Bishop of the Diocese whose member is away shall appoint a substitute.
6. When a Representative, as designated above, cannot be present then the Standing Committee of his Diocese may replace him.
[The section relating to the election of the first Bishop for Aotearoa ends here. There are 27 Sections of this Bill. The remainder will eventually be translated into Maori.]
AN UNVEILING AT TANGOIO.
On Sunday, 11th July, 1926, the memorial stones to Erena Ratima and Hiki Waikato will be unveiled. This is an invitation to family to come to Tangoio on that day. Our Church of England minister will take the service. Welcome, welcome, welcome.
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A BILL.
Intituled a Statute to provide for organisation of Church Work amongst the Members of the Maori Race and the episcopal supervision , thereof.
WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the further organisation of Church Work among the members of the Maori Race and the episcopal supervision thereof.
Be it therefore by the Bishops, Clergy and Laity of the Province in General Synod assembled enacted as follows:
1. That a Diocese is hereby created to he styled the Diocese of Aotearoa hereinafter referred to as the said Diocese.
2. That in respect of the said Diocese the provisions and regulations set forth in this Canon shall apply, anything in the other Canons of the General Synod to the contrary notwithstanding. Provided that any question which may arise in regard to the application of any Canon to the said Diocese shall be determined by the Standing Commission.
3. That the boundaries of the said Diocese shall be those set forth in the first schedule hereto.
4. That the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the said Diocese shall with the consent in writing of any other Diocesan Bishop, extend to, and include all members of the Maori Race domiciled in the Diocese of such other Bishop and such Europeans as may be exclusively licensed for church work amongst the members of the Maori Race in such other Diocese. Provided that such consent shall be effective until revoked by the Bishop conferring the same or by his successor. Provided further that any Maori who is or may hereafter be registered in the Churchwarden’s book of any European Parish or Parochial District as provided in Clause 11 or Clause 13 of Canon V. Title B. shall while so registered cease to be under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the said Diocese.
5. That until other provision shall have been made by General Synod in this behalf the Synod of the said Diocese shall proceed to the Nomination of a Bishop in the manner following: —
(a) There shall be elected at each ordinary Session of the Synod of the said Diocese a Delegation consisting of five Clergy elected by the Clerical members of the Synod and five laymen elected by the Lay members thereof. '
(b) The Delegation so elected shall before the nomination of the Bishop confer with the Bishops for the time being of the Province. Provided that the presence of not less than half
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the number of Bishops then present in New Zealand, and not less than three of the Clerical and three of the Lay members of the Delegation, shall be necessary for the holding of such Conference.
(c) The Archbishop, or in his absence, the Bishop presiding at such Conference, shall submit in writing to the Delegation the names of not more than three persons approved by the Conference.
(d) The Delegation shall then nominate to the Archbishop one of the persons whose names have been so submitted to be the Bishop of the said Diocese.
(e) The Archbishop shall then follow the procedure laid down in Title A, Canon I. Provided that until the first Bishop shall have been appointed the Synod of the said Diocese shall consist of the Maori Clergy appointed by the Dioceses of Auckland, Waiapu and Wellington, to attend the Conference held at Rotorua on June 23rd and -.24111, 1925, together with three lay representatives from the Diocese of Auckland, three from the Diocese of Waiapu, and two from the Diocese of Wellington to be appointed by the Bishop of the respective Dioceses. Such Synod shall be convened and presided over at a special Session by a Commissary appointed by the Primate and shall proceed in the manner hereinbefore laid down for a Delegation elected by Synod, the Synod itself acting instead of a Delegation for the nomination of the first Bishop. The quorum of such special Session to be not less than half of each order. Provided that in the case of a vacancy in the Members of such Synod prior to the election of the first Bishop the vacancy shall be filled by the Bishop of the Diocese from which the member whose seat has become vacant was appointed.
6. That if at any time a vacancy shall occur in the Delegation to be appointed as hereinbefore provided, the vacancy shall be filled by the Standing Committee of the said Diocese.
[Note: There are 27 clauses to the bill, but the above only are quoted as having reference to the nomination and election of the Bishop.—Editor. ]
WHO AND FOR WHAT IS THE BISHOP FOR AOTEAROA?
P H Tomoana.
Those of us who follow the work of the Missionary Church have a question on our minds and we read the wishes of some of us which have been sent for publication in Te Toa. From the articles in our many papers, Pakeha and Maori, it is very clear that we are still divided
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with some of us saying that he should be Maori and some that he should be Pakeha with a Maori eventually taking the office. Increasingly among the people, some of us were hopeful, given similar explanations by some of our guides, but now we have been astounded by the Primate, Archbishop Averill, saying that he does not give much thought to providing his bishop because, as he sees it, there is not among his young men one suitable for the post of bishop. Therefore it is right that I say, ‘Those who reported on the discussions of the hui to set up a Maori Bishop got it wrong. Given the spreading abroad of such stories, my heartfelt hopes have gone awry as perhaps have those of those longing to help with means of growing the work of the Church among the remnant of ‘Ebb tide and flowing tide.’
What he has got right is that we should remain silent and leave it for the Invisible One to fulfil the hope that has miscarried. He it is who will give me and perhaps others the measure of strength to add ‘to Caesar the things of Caesar and to God the things of God,’ [Mark 12.17], and to leave the tears and inward sighs and closed eyes as an external sign of the spiritual work within.
I know that we were born under the curse of Adam and Eve, my ears participate in the fleshly side and the spiritual side and I hear at one and the same time the voice from Calvary which brings to the surface the way of every hope. Therefore, Te Toa, take and spread my summary thoughts to the remnant whose hearts crouch at the front of the house, on the marae, in the doorway, in similar entrances, and say: ‘Tomoana says, “There is a Maori person suitable for the role of bishop and he is …..”’ The time may be short or things may be delayed and there are many explanations. But if we are to show respect to our Pakeha elders who tossed the people into darkness, guided them into the undergrowth and anxiety, and the thorny bushes in those times, then remember your brother, your father, who has the flax basket of the house of learning of your fathers, here and there, namely …………’
[Best wishes, PHT. We have set an example in previous letters of omitting names. Therefore, don’t be upset that we have not printed the names. – The Editor]
CHURCH EXHIBITION
On 23rd August the Church Exhibition opens at the Auckland Town Hall. It will run for one week. Bennett has been put in charge of running the Maori activities. Some people from Whanganui and Rotorua have been brought in to perform Maori items to help the Church in Auckland.
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THE BISHOP OF WAIAPU BIDS FAREWELL TO TE ARAWA
The Maori Bishop is Foreshadowed
Rotorua
2nd May
A salutation to the Maori Church before he is relegated to the Pakeha section, because the time is near when there will be a separate bishop for the whole Maori section.
These are his words spoken at Morning Prayer:
‘After me, hold on to and be loyal to the Church of England. When your Bishop is appointed for you be strong, be diligent in doing the things to help your Bishop. By so doing you will extinguish the flaming arrows that burn throughout the world.’
At 2 p.m. the Church and the Bishop gathered in the house of our ancestor, Tunohopu. Te Kiwi Amohau, Te Naera te Houkotuku, Keepa Patahuri, Poni Wahiao and Arama Karaka stood to greet the Bishop according to Maori custom and to take up the words from his sermon.
(1) We are happy that you are here in our ancestral house, Tunohopu. He was a peacemaker and he says to us, his descendants, gathered here: ‘If things go wrong make them better in this fashion,
Whiria te kaha tuamakatia, e motu honoa.
“If a rope is twisted of five or six strands, if it is severed it can be spliced up again.”’
(2) You also have stood under his descendant, Te Muera (Pou Haki), who left this word for all Te Arawa: ‘Each tribe has its own custom, mine, that of Te Arawa, is that we will be loyal to the Queen of England for ever.’
That is, ‘Each tribe will do what you say. I am one who has turned and I am the stone that breaks the country.’ Therefore the Church in this area will not forget these words and will not fall away from the Church of England.
Afterwards,
Wiremu Ereatara sang this waiata:
‘What is this? It is the
sabbath day.
It is the new year for which I wait.
When will Eru Nuku return?
I have abandoned the book of
My brothers at Te Wharekura
And will return to Whiro, and I will do bad things to you.’
When he finished, Paora te Muera translated the waiata into English and explained its meaning, which is, that from 1831 to 1840, the Church started a Catechism School here in Rotorua every Sabbath. On every occasion a Pakeha stood to teach. Each new year we waited expecting Eruera Kahawai to return to speak to us. Therefore I
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abandoned the book (The Book of Common Prayer) and reverted to the devil and to wrongdoing. Bishop, with reference to this waiata, for many years we have had Pakeha bishops, and you are now telling us that a Maori Bishop make his appearance. Perhaps this will be the Eruera Kahawai we have been waiting for. As I look forward I envisage that. when the Maori Bishop we are waiting for is in place, then all those who have returned to the devil or have been scattered to other observances, will seek out today’s practices.
When the Bishop stood to respond he said much in appreciation of the tributes. But particularly he spoke for the Church and about the Bishop for the Maori section because he realised that it was not just an issue for the present but something that Te Arawa had carried from the distant past up to the present day.
Wiremu Ereatara.
A PAKEHA MAORI BISHOP.
To the Editor.
My friend, greetings to you and all your people who undertake this difficult work, Best wishes, all of you. I’d like you to thrust into the right armpit of Te Toa Takitini the following words concerning our Bishop.
My wife and I had children. Our children dd not arrive fully formed. Rather they had first to be suckled and then they were fed with a spoon. After that their food was mashed. Eventually they were able to grasp their own food,
There is a story about a girl. She carried her basket of eggs on her head, This girl was desperate to be paid for her eggs. When she was offered payment it was not enough for her and she shook her head. Her basket of eggs fell and they were all broken. The girl was sorry about her eggs. Her hopes were dashed. Had she waited until she got home she could have carefully put down her basket of eggs and achieved what she wanted.
Therefore, tribes and languages, I suggest you be wise. What is wrong with a Pakeha Maori being the first to have this important and sacred treasure, before us?
Best wishes to the whole Church amongst the Maori People.
From your servant,
Henare Keremeneta.
Pipiriki, 14th June, 1926.
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A SEPARATE BISHOP
To the Editor.
I have seen your articles about a separate Bishop to work in the Church amongst the Maori People. To my way of thinking this matter has been resolved. My thoughts return to the words spoken by Christ to his disciples: ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel, baptising in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ [cf Matthew 28.19] ‘Love one another.’ [John 13.34] ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ [Matthew 19.19] ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.’ [Romans 12.20] ‘I have given freely to you and you must freely give.’ [cf Matthew 10.8] ‘Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,’ [Matthew 5.16]
It is one hundred years since the faith arrived here in Aotearoa and at last we find that the Maori People are hungry and thirsty for a distinct Bishop of their own. It is right that the Pakeha Bishops are sympathetic to the prayers of the Maori People, Christ gave the Gospel to his disciples to pass on to each generation and people and language throughout the world.
By agreeing to the request of the Maori People that they should have their own separate Bishop, the Pakeha Bishops are fulfilling the commandment of Christ: ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news,’ [Mark 16.15]
Yours sincerely,
Te Wheoro Poni.
Ohinemutu,
17th June, 1926.
A GREETING.
To Te Toa Takitini.
Greetings to you, the feathered decoration of Aotearoa, the beautiful flower of each marae. Best wishes to you. My lad, I send these words of praise for the way you shine your light on each marae and the way you stir the dull hearts of every gathering.
I send greetings to the many marae of Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu with all the blessings of the Almighty.
My brothers, hark back to the dark days when our ‘feathered decoration’ with sad song raised its voice in warning concerning a separate bishopric for us Maori. Our ancestors had a proverb:
Whiria te kaka, tuamakatia: e motu honoa, e motu honoa.
‘Plait the net with five or six strands and if it is torn it can be spliced again.’
[See above, p.425]
You who are far off, return so that the severed rope is joined.
Best wishes to the people of each marae.
M Ratema
Taupo,
15th June, 1926.
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THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST SYNOD OF AOTEAROA.
It is right that Te Toa Takitini confirms the names of those appointed as members of the first Synod of the Maori Bishopric. This the list of names and Post Office addresses of each of them.
Diocese of Auckland
Clergy
Rev Canon W H Keretene, Kamo, Whangarei.
Rev Kahi Harawira, Waimate North, Bay of Islands.
Rev Hori Raiti, Huntly, Waikato.
Rev W N Panapa L Th, Kaikohe, Bay of Islands.
Laity
Hemi Te Paa, Tokatoka, Northern Wairoa.
Teri Paraone, Whakatiri, Clevedon.
Hori Tane, Oromahoe, Bay of Islands.
Diocese of Waiapu
Clergy
Rev Pine Tamahori L Th, Tuparoa, East Coast.
Rev Peni Hakiwai, Fernhill, Hawkes Bay.
Rev Fred A Bennett L Th, Hastings, Hawkes Bay.
Laity
Hon A T Ngata MA
Hori Tupaea, Opapa, Hawkes Bay.
Wiremu Kingi, Ohinemutu, Rotorua.
Diocese of Wellington
Clergy
Rev Temuera Tokoaitua, Otaki.
Rev P Hikairo Leonard, Marton.
Laity
Meihana Durie, Aorangi, Fielding.
Kingi Tahiwi, Wellington.
A NURSE FOR TAMATEA.
At a time when typhoid fever is rampant in areas of Hawkes Bay, the members of the Tamatea Council have laid before Doctor Mercer and Doctor Te Rangihiroa extensive proposals for the benefit of the Maori in these areas. Today (30th June) Doctor Mercer came to Hastings to tell of one of the measures agreed by the Government, that is, to provide a nurse. Nurse Cartwright is coming specifically to nurse Maori. She will live in Hastings and travel to Maori villages. This nurse has qualifications in nursing and midwifery. She will practise with the authority of the Department of Health and the Tamatea Council.
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THE DEATH OF MERE PATARIKI MBE.
On 1st June, 1926, Mere Patariki died at Kawakawa, Bay of Islands. She died unexpectedly of what Pakeha call ‘a stroke.’ She was 69.
She was a woman highly thought of by Maori and Pakeha for her noble works, particularly her help for the poor.
During the recent war she organised all the efforts on behalf of the soldiers from this area, both Maori and Pakeha. In appreciation of her good works the King awared her the MBE (Member of the British Empire).
Before the Postmasters took over the task of registering voters, Mere Patariki held that position for many years. She was also the Te Kawakawa Interpreter.
This woman was the first grandchild of Hawea Te Mauparawa of Nuhaka. Her mother was Ngamoni. She married Honetini [?Honeton], an Englishman. Her relations still live in this area. Her elder brother is Tuihana Honetini of Parnell, Auckland. Hawea Patariki, a lawyer from Te Kohukohu, is her son. Her daughter is Pororene Reweti.
Farewell, Kui, Go to those at Te Hono-i-wairua. Leave to your descendants your spirit of understanding, your hospitable heart, your good example, as your valuable bequest to them. You had a good name, May your goodness bring honour to the whole Maori People.
AN INVITATION FROM MATATUA.
Te Wharetoroa,
Whakatane.
16th June, 1926.
To the tribes, the hapu, the voices, the gatherings of people on your marae, greetings.
This is an invitation to y0u to come to Te Wharetoroa, Whakatane, on 16th July, 1926, to see the unveiling of the memorial stone to Te Hurinui Apanui. That memorial will be unveiled on 18th July, 1926, at 11 o’clock in the morning. Come, come, bringing our sorrows to be acknowledged here.
Eruera Raiha Apanui
Te Keepa Tawhio
and all Matatua.
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NGAMIHI TE KEHU.
On the night of Wednesday, 30th June, Ngamihi entered upon the long sleep. She was a noble woman of Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Tuwharetoa, and Ngati Manunui of Taumarunui. She lived at Kohupatiki and Karamu. Her age was not known but she was between 70 and 80. She had eleven children and of those remaining, four are men and three are women. She also has grandchildren and great grandchildren. Farewell, Kui, to your rest. You have achieved the age of strong people. You have brough many descendants into the world. Your children are chiefs of your many hapu. Therefore, farewell, farewell, farewell.
THE NOTICE ABOUT THE COLLECTION IS WITHDRAWN.
This is to inform you that the notice printed in the June edition of Te Toa Takitini about a collection being arranged in each area to help our young men should be ignored, following advice from the Rugby Union Executive Committee. There would be problems for the Maori party if it came out that a collection had been made for them.
Secondly, the Rugby Union Committee has agreed to look into the situations of the young men going abroad and will help them if necessary.
FOOTBALL.
These are the dates and the towns arranged by the English and French Rugby Unions for the matches to be played by the Maori team which is going in response to the invitation by France and England.
Sept 12 & 16 Preliminary Games Nov 6 Cardiff
Sept 19 Lyons Nov 11 Gloucester
Sept 22 Grenoble Nov 13 Llanelly
Sept 26 Marseilles Nov 18 East Midlands
Sept 30 Norbonne Nov 20 London County
Oct 3 Toulouse Nov 24 Hampshire
Oct 7 Clarmont Ferrand Nov 27 Leicester
Oct 10 Paris Dec 1 Lancashire
Oct 16 Somerset Dec 5 Bordeaux
Oct 21 Newport Dec 9 Limoges
Oct 23 Swansea Dec 12 Bayonne
Oct 27 Yorkshire Dec 16 Pau
Oct 30 Harlequins Dec 19 Beziers
Nov 3 Devon Dec 26 Paris
The Hampshire match has not been finally settled.
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The French and English Invitation.
A meeting was held at Palmerston on 23rd June of the Committee to choose the young Maori to go on tour. The members of the Committee are W T Parata (Otago), A Takarangi (Wanganui), W Pitt (Gisborne), P H Tomoana (Hawkes Bay), M Winiata (Horowhenua).
These are the young men chosen to go.
Backs: G Nepia (Hawkes Bay), W Barclay (Hawkes Bay), A Falwasser (Taranaki), T Robinson (Canterbury), L Grace (Te Aute), W Lockwood (East Coast), H Phillips (Marlborough), R Bell (Southland), M Mete (Horowhenua), D Wineera (Wellington), H Kingi (Wanganui), W Shortland ( MAC, Hawkes Bay), D Pelham (Auckland).
Forwards: J Gemmell (Hawkes Bay), O Olsen (North Auckland), J Stewart (Otago), J Manihera (Canterbury), A Crawford (East Coast), T Dennis (Poverty Bay), W Rika (North Auckland), Manning (South Canterbury), S Gemmell (Hawkes Bay), H Matthews (Poverty Bay), P Haupapa (Bay of Plenty), D Tatana (Horowhenua), Rev P Matene (North Auckland).
W Barclay has been appointed Captain and R Bell, Vice Captain.
THE WRESTLING CHAMPION.
Ihakara Robins, the New Zealand and Australian Champion came up against Stanilaus Zybszko, the world champion. The wrestled in Auckland. They fought for 36 minutes to get a fall. Neither succeeded, but Zybszko got the most points and won their fight.
Ihakara has asked that the two of them fight again for the world championship.
These are the statistics of the wrestlers.
Ihakara Robin Zybszko
Weight 18 stone 16½ stone
Neck Measurement 18 inches 22 inches
Height 6 ft 2 in 5 ft 9 in
Chest 49 in 56 in
Waist 40 in 40 in
Biceps 17 in 21 in
Forearm 15 in 17 in
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ROTA WAITOA
‘The First Maori Minister.’
W J Simkin, Archdeacon.
Rota Waitoa was the first Maori to be ordained minister. He came from Kawakawa on the East Coast. He was Bishop Selwyn’s travelling companion for ten years before he was ordained. He and Bishop Selwyn went to Auckland in 1842. When he was a child he wore a blanket. But by his knowledge and his diligence he obtained a scholarship, the Abraham Scholarship, and he became an assistant master at the Maori school in Auckland. Rota’s understanding increased and he was given the job of examining the Maori in the college in their knowledge of the Scripture stories.
At that time the Bishop had not yet agreed to ordain a Maori. In Rota’s time the Bishop agreed that the time had come to ordain a Maori. Selwyn taught Rota and then sent him to the Rev J A Kissling.
Those who examined Rota Waitoa were Archdeacon William Williams (the Brother), Archdeacon Brown, and Archdeacon Abraham. They observed Rota’s quality, his knowledge, and his humility.
On Trinity Sunday, 22nd May, 1853, Rota was ordained to the ministry in St Paul’s Church, Auckland. The ministers present on that day were three Archdeacons, three Priests and three Deacons. The church was filled with Maori and Pakeha. The Bishop preached in both languages – English and Maori. The Maori applauded the Bishop’s sermon and Rota Waitoa wept with emotion at the words of guidance spoken by his father, the Bishop.
After his ordination Rota Waitoa returned to Te Kawkawa to minister to his own people. On occasions he returned to the college to refresh his learning. But he remained as minister for Te Kawakawa Parish until he died. He wanted to return to the college. These were his words, ‘I go back to College to fill up my kit with seeds.’
On 4th March, 1860, Rota was ordained Priest by Williams the Brother, the first Bishop of Waiapu.
His last years were overshadowed by a dark cloud, the troubles faced by the Maori People because of the activities of the Hauhau. But Rota faithfully did his work as a minister right until the end.
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He had to ride a horse to get to some parts of his parish. On one journey his horse fell, crushing his body. When Bishop Selwyn heard of it he summoned Rota and his wife and family to Auckland. When he arrived the seriousness of his injuries was obvious. Despite the devoted care he was given, death was inevitable, and on Sunday, 22nd July, 1866, he died. His grave is at St Stephen’s, Tararua, Auckland. Not far off stands the church. In that church the Constitution of the Church of the Province of New Zealand was written. The inscription of his stone reads:
The Rev. Rota Waitoa,
Died, 22nd July, 1866.
‘The first of the Maori Ministers.’
Rota was a good man, a man greatly loved by his people who worked faithfully for the Church right to the end. The Te Araroa Church has a brass plaque put up by his descendants in his memory.
TAMATEA MAORI COUNCIL.
The members of the Council are now P H Tomoana (Chairman), W H Nikera, Pohe Hemi, Hakopa Ratima, Ihakara Rapana, Akonga Mohi, and Rev, Hakiwai.
Tributes were paid to the nurses at the Napier Hospital for the excellent reports given by patients who were taken there. There was also favourable comment on the speed with which patients were discharged. Those who arrived close to the start of their illnesses did not suffer the illness for long and their treatment was easier. Doctor Bell and the Matron spoke in a very complimentary way of their patients.
Parents and the tribe as well were complimented on their diligence in following the instructions of the Health Department in dealing with the illness. They regretted those who were not taken to hospital, referring to those who concealed the disease. People, don’t hide those who are ill at home. It is not easy to go about seeking them out. And if you are staying at home it is very important that you make every effort to clean and to wash down everything, especially the sources of drinking water. Call together your marae committee to act as your eyes in implementing the rules of the Department of Health about cleaning the marae. The saying is, ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness.’
Nurse Black sends her thanks to you all for your welcome to her during the time of the typhoid fever, as do Doctor Mercer and Inspectors Milne and Evans.
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For places experiencing difficulties, do contact the Council as recommended by the marae committee, There is no need for distress when one can see all the provisions of the Council Act and the Department of Health, supportive friends of the Maori People.
HUKARERE BAZAAR.
On 7th June the pupils of the Hukarere held a sale at the school. Many parents of the pupils responded to their invitation to support their day. And we thank all the many friends, Pakeha and Maori, for the generous help they gave in response to the invitation from the pupils.
From the middle of the day there was the sale of clothes, Maori artifacts, cakes, lollies, children’s clothes and ‘afternoon tea.’ At night the children put on a concert. The total amount raised by the pupils’ efforts was one hundred and seventy-one pounds (£171). This will go towards their chapel.
£ s d £ s d
Cakes 8 18 9 Concert 24 4 4
Produce 4 19 9 Cheques
Tea 4 16 6 Mr Warren 10 0 0
Admission to Sale 5 4 0 Miss L Williams 10 0 0
Sweets 12 4 9 Miss E Williams 5 0 0
Hukarere School 41 12 5 Nurse Keith 2 0 0
Maori 21 4 3 _______
GFS 19 5 3 £171 10 0
One of the teachers’ houses near the entrance gate at Hukarere has been moved to make room for a new chapel. The amount received by Diocesan House is between £400 and £500. The money from the sale will bring this to more than £600. The Board is waiting until the amount reaches £1000 before starting to build the chapel. It will cost up to £2000. Inside it will be decorated in Maori fashion. The chapel will be an expression of gratitude and a memorial to the Jubilee of Hukarere. We ask those who have collected for Hukarere to send the money they have in hand to the Diocesan Secretary. Leave the remainder until it nears completion.
