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TE TOA TAKITINI
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
Number 68
HASTINGS.
1st April, 1927.
MISCELLANY.
At the Unveiling of the Te Arawa Memorial the Duke expressed his appreciation of the service and the appropriate words of the sermon.
His wife said, ‘I have never been to so awesome a service. Had I not attended that service I may have had a mistaken view of the character of the Maori People. I really appreciated the singing of the Maori choir. The Ministers read the lessons in
English and I could hardly believe that these were genuine Maori speaking such excellent English.’
At the opening of Te Aute College, the Governor-General spoke about the visit of the Duke and his wife to Wellington, where they recalled the wonderful things they had experienced at Rotorua. But one of the things they will never forget is the service at Ohinemutu. The Duke said to him, ‘I came away from that church feeling a better man.’
TE ARAWA MEMORIAL,
On Monday, 28th February, the Duke unveiled the Te Arawa Memorial commemorating the young men who died on the field of battle. There will be a full account in the next edition.
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Published by the Rev F A Bennett and printed by the Herald Office, Tennyson Street, Napier, 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.
Te Toa Takitini.
1st April, 1927.
THR MAORI WELCOME TO THE KING’S SON.
These white herons who rarely fly arrived, and their feet stood on the many marae of Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu. The two of them were welcomed by the peoples of this country, Pakeha and Maori. Now they have crossed to Australia to travel around that country. There were no problems for them from their arrival to their departure.
Although the two of them were a whole month travelling to all parts of New Zealand and seeing the wonders of this land, the day they appreciated most was the day they met the Maori people at Rotorua. The Duke’s wife frequently commented to her secretary, and she said that she had never seen performances by indigenous peoples of the world comparable with those she saw when they met the Maori people at Rotorua.
The couple praised the warm welcome they were given by the Maori People, their fine and healthy bodies, and the beautiful bearing of the people.
Indeed, the work of our coaches was again very good. Although the gathering this time was smaller than that for his elder, most of those who were present at both said that the performances were far better at this one. Therefore, you tribes who stood in the presence of our royal line, of our chiefs, congratulations on the excellence, the beauty, the awe and dread of your performances to welcome the son of our King. Your performances demonstrated the strength, the understanding, and the goodness of the Maori People and brought them honour and glory. Best wishes to you all.
We also thank the many organisers, too numerous to name.
But we also thank our Prime Minister and his Ministers of the Crown for placing the organising in the hands of Te Raumoa, Apirana Ngata, Sir Maui Pomare and Te Rangihiroa. And we thank our hosts, Te Arawa, and especially Taiporutu Mitere and his helpers.
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THE SERVICE ATTENDED BY THE DUKE.
On the night of Sunday, 27th February, the Duke and his wife attended the service at Ohinemutu Maori Church. Also present were some of the Duke’s entourage, our Prime Minister and his wife, and Sir H Rhodes, the Hons Williams and Bollard and others.
Attendance at the service was by ticket only and ten to twenty from each tribe were chosen to attend the gathering. There were fifty survivor of the Great War and eleven survivors of the Maori conflicts of 1860s and 1870s were seated in front of their younger brothers. Roger Dansey was in charge of all the soldiers.
At the beginning of the service flowers were placed on the altar in memory of their friends who lie on the battlefields. A wreath was placed by the hands of the Rev Peni Hakiwai, one of their fathers in the time of the conflagration.
In his words of tribute Hakiwai said, ‘Today it is right that our thoughts return to our friends whom we left lying on those marae. Although they died, they still live. These flowers are our tears for those who lie in the fields of foreign nations.’
Afterwards the soldiers’ hymn was sung – ‘Look on me, Jesus’ [Au e Ihu, tirohia].
The first part of the service was conducted by Paora Temuera. The lesson was read by the Ngapuhi minister, Panapa, in Maori and English. The second part of the service was led by Te Harawira of the Diocese of Auckland. The ministers spoke very well in both languages. The singing of the hymns and the anthem, ‘Jesus shall reign,’ by the twenty-four strong choir was excellent. The Rev P Peneti preached. His text was 1 Samuel 10.24: ‘And all the people shouted, “Long live the King.”’
The preacher explained this verse and its relevance on this day. There were many signs of loyalty in every hapu because Maori are a loyal people. No troubles had arisen between Maori and the Queen, but had been caused by those exercising her authority.
Consider the evidences of loyalty seen on this marae where we are now seated.
(1)The Queen stands on Te Papa-i-Ouru Marae. (2) The six flags which hang within the church. (3) The King’s flag which hangs above the preacher. (4) The eleven survivors of the Maori conflicts. (5) The flowers lying on the altar in memory of the young chiefs of the Maori who lie among the different nations of the world.
During the war the word ‘loyalty’ [piri-pono] was in common use by Maori. In the time of peace the Maori still use it.
In the year when the canoes of our ancestors arrived from Hawaiki, there was a young king in France. When he married, he had a ring made. On that ring were three words, ‘God, France, Margaret.’ He explained that he would be faithful to these three things, to his God, to his Country, and to his wife and their home. This is the correct interpretation of this word piri-pono, loyalty, faithfulness.
Henare Taratoa fought against the English at Gate Pa. But he was a man of faith. At the end of the first day of fighting, during the night he heard he heard a Pakeha groaning within the fortifications. He went down and asked, ‘What do you need?’ He answered, ‘Water.’ There was no water in the pa. Henare took his calabash and crept through the fern and manuka lest he be seen by the Pakeha sentry. On his return he came to the Pakeha, a Colonel, and gave him a drink, then left the calabash with him. In the morning the fighting resumed for the second day. On that day Henare Taratoa was killed. On him were words he himself had written: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.’ [Romans 12.20]
Bishop Selwyn erected the memorial to Henare Taratoa in Lichfield, England.
He was a man who was loyal to his God, to his land and to his people. Let us have the same spirit. Let each of us make this word our own – piri-pono, loyalty.
‘Long live the King!’
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THE NEW TE AUTE COLLEGE.
On 10th March, 1927, the Governor-General opened the final part of the College. The three sections of Te Aute are now open. The total cost of these buildings is £30,000. They are built of brick and lime and will stand for some hundreds of years to come. There is no fear of them being burnt down.
The name of the part that has just been opened is the ‘Assembly Hall,’ or the ‘Meeting Hall.’ It is 66 feet long, 36 feet across and 25 feet high. It is larger than Porourangi, Tamatekapua or Rangiatea. It is the hope of the School Governors and the former pupils that in time the hall will be decorated with Maori features. The ridge-pole and the rafters are made in Maori fashion, but the painting and carving is yet to be done.
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But the time will come when we, the people as a whole will set about doing this with each tribe taking responsibility for their part. It has been said that this school serves the whole country and some of the visionaries amongst us see Te Aute in time to come becoming a further education school for the Maori People, that is, a ‘University.’
The Opening
Archdeacon Herbert Williams conducted the service and many Ministers stood with him.
The Governor-General opened the door, and also unveiled the portrait of Archdeacon Samuel Williams who laid the first foundations and who knew that Te Aute would be a wonderful treasure for the Maori People.
In his greetings the Governor-General expressed his wife’s sadness that she was unable to be present on the day because she was unwell. His wife has a deep love for the Maori People and hopes that the Maori People will continue to prosper in the future. His wife is well-versed in Maori lore and is seeking to learn the Maori language.
This hall that has been opened is like a person’s heart. Here the heart beats but the blood and all its benefits will flow to all the places where Maori live.
Then the Governor turned to the pupils and said: ‘My friends, look carefully at what lies before you. Don’t just drift on the ripples of the waters. Look clearly at what is ahead. Make up your minds, be mature. Seek the honourable mountain-top of learning. If you don’t reach it, you need not be ashamed so long as you have made the effort. Remember your college, and when you are engaged in the work of the world let your thoughts return to your college and let your work bring honour to your college. Let your work be true to your school, to your King, and to your country. And the important thing that you must never forget is the fear and the love of God. Hold to this in all you do.’
Gratitude was expressed for the excellent speech by the Governor and for his love for the children of the Maori People. When everyone was gathered in the hall, a hymn was sung, Archdeacon Herbert stood to pay tribute to Mr Williams and Mr Thornton, and the Governors of the school. His important message was an answer to the Pakeha jibe accusing Maori of being lazy.
Sir Maui Pomare also spoke of the goodness of the Governor-General in coming to open Te Aute. He praised the Te Aute Trustees for the excellent completion of the college. He was critical that there was no Maori carving or decoration to be seen in the new buildings at Te Aute. He spoke about what the school was like in his day.
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His words were enjoyed by Pakeha and Maori. He had great praise for Archdeacon Samuel Williams, for Mr Thornton, and for Mr Loten, a man so like Mr Thornton.
Mr Russell, the Chairman of Governors of the school, spoke and welcomed the visitors on this important day.
Also present was Mr McLean, the man who set up the McLean Scholarships in memory of his father.
THE BISHOPRIC HUI
The Aotearoa Synod met at Ohinemutu, Rotorua, on 1st March, 1927.
The Chairman was the Rev F Bennett.
Those attending were:
Ministers: W H Keretene, P Hakiwai, K T Harawira, W N Panapa, and Bennett.
Lay Representatives: Hon A T Ngata, T Paraone, T Tane, W Kingi.
(The Revs T Tokoaitua and P H Leonard were also in Rotorua but did not attend because they had not been clearly informed as to when the meeting began.)
The Hui opened with prayer.
After the calling of the roll, the Chairman explained why this Hui had been called.
The Rev W N Panapa was appointed Secretary of the Hui.
The Archbishop sent his greetings to the Hui.
The letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury (the Head of the Church of England throughout the world) which he had sent to our Archbishop about this matter was read.
Explanations were received from the Wellington lawyer, Mr T F Martin, of some of the important clauses in the motion in which Maori asked for an assistant-bishop for themselves at the meeting held in Wellington on 6th August, 1926.
All the members spoke, sharing the thoughts of their various hapu.
Afterwards, A T Ngata proposed the following motion which was seconded by F Bennett:
‘This hui, having heard the thoughts of Church leaders and the explanations of the constitution of the Church given by an expert ecclesiastical lawyer, endorses the motion passed by the meeting held in Wellington on 6th August, 1926.
Although members of the hui are divided as to whether the right person to be first Bishop of Aotearoa should be Maori or Pakeha, the people as a whole think that he should be Maori.’
The motion was passed.
A Sub-committee was set up to look into ways of providing financial support for the Maori Bishopric. Given the clarifications, the old rules do not help with this investigation, they are clear about that, and new ways must be found of achieving the important requirements of the new Bishopric. Wiremu Kingi moved and W N Panapa seconded the following motion:
‘That A T Ngata and F Bennett be the committee to look into ways of raising money to support the new Bishopric.’
The motion was passed.
The meeting closed with prayer.
(Messages were received from Rev Hori Raiti, Hemi Te Paa, Rev P Tamahori and Hori Tupaea, expressing regret that they were unable to attend the hui because of illness.)
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IRAIA KARAURIA
Our paper was about to be printed when news arrived of the death of a famous Heretaunga elder, Iraia Karauria.
He was a brother to Airini Tonore [Irene Donnelly] who died some years ago. He was a chiefly elder, chiefly in descent and chiefly in deeds. He was a very kind man; not a harsh word was spoken of him, and people are sad. He was a blessing to his tribe and his hapu. Farewell, sir, Go to your home and to your people. If we are reluctant for you to go it is because it means that your grandchildren will not have the example of such a chief – of kindness, of respect, of love. Go to your rest.
THE REV PINE TAMAHORI’S SON.
Our hearts go out to our friend, the Rev Pine Tamahori, his wife and his family. We have received the news of the death of his eldest son. The boy was attending Te Aute College and had won several prizes last year. He was around 14 to 15 years of age. He was good, kind, and attentive to his instructors. It was hoped that the boy would grow up to be a guide and example to his various hapu. However, he was a beautiful flower that has been picked by our heavenly Father. But the fragrance of this flower will not be forgotten by his family and his school friends.
He has come to the place of light to which our hearts are drawn, the place where we belong [as tangata whenua].
The boy’s illness was meningitis. He caught that illness at the Aotearoa Synod at Ohinemutu. A week after the Hui he died.
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HENARE METE TE AMOHAU HAS DIED.
Henare Mete, also known as Te Kiwi te Amohau, died on the night of Thursday, 24th March. He died at the sacred marae of his ancestors, Te Papa-i-Ouru, Ohinemutu. He belonged to the line of chiefs of the many hapu of Te Arawa. He was a gifted speaker and had a fine singing voice. From his youth to his old age he directed the entertainments when special visitors came to Te Papa-i-Ouru.
He was also a licensed Lay-reader in the Church of England. With his fine voice he read the lessons during services. Our father, Archbishop Averill, will not forget his close friend, Te Kiwi.
When the Editor of our paper came to Ohinemutu last January he found Te Kiwi lying on his sick-bed. After he had prayed over him, Te Kiwi delivered his dying speech [ohākī].
The Dying Speech of Henare Mete Te Amohau.
My Tribe, greetings. Te Papa-i-Ouru I salute you. The time has drawn near when it is right to salute the Tribe, the Land and the Canoe, because it is obvious that I draw near to death, and my body is dejected an my spirit overshadowed by darkness.
Farewell, Tribe. Farewell Canoe. This person is going by way of Te Toi, by way of Te Mahuri-o-te-Heketanga-a-rangi to my forebears.
Afterwards hold firmly to the endurance of the white heron of our father, a white heron with a hundred resting-places. lest you be carried away by the wind of Tumatauenga.
Look to the rising of the sun lest you turn back and abandon the law.
Stand upright, and follow in the footsteps of the Lord, and don’t scatter stones in the path of distressed people.
[?Tahuna nuitia] the [?kawiu - ?kawhiu – basket] of the faith, of hope and of love for God.
Should Te Arawa be broken, lash it together as our father, Temuera, lashed together his canoe as he sailed through the waves of evil which swept by him. Even if people are destroyed and the country damaged, be bound to the Amokura. This is the vine with which the head of the famous Rangitihi was tied up. [cf Nga Pepeha 1615] Today the law is that vine.
Fulfill the commands of the Government.
Support the projects of our young people.
God, have mercy upon th tribe and my children.
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STANDING COMMITTEE – HAWKE’S BAY ARCHDEACONRY
The first meeting of this branch was held at the Diocesan Office, Napier, on 10th March.
Those attending were: Archdeacon Brocklehurst (Chairman), Revs P Hakiwai and P Tiopira of Moteo, Rev Bennett and P H Tomoana of Waipatu, H Hutana of Waipawa, Rev Hemi Huata and Netana Nehemia of Mohaka, Rewi Tamihana of Te Wairoa, and Matene Whaanga of Nuhaka.
The meeting opened with prayer. After greetings from the Chairman and responses, the following matters were dealt with.
1. Secretary. The Rev F Bennett was appointed secretary of this committee.
2. Minutes. It was agreed that the minutes of each meeting of the committee be recorded in the minute book of the committee.
3. Spreading th Gospel. At the Synod Meeting in Napier it was agreed that the Maori Section of the Diocese collect £210 towards the spreading of the Gospel. The meeting agreed that our six parishes would pay £70 with each parish contributing £12 for this purpose.
4. Collections in the Accounts. It was agreed that a trial be made of recording collections within the ‘Duplex System’ with part going to the parish and part to Missionary work.
5. Waipawa Minister’s House. H Hutana reported that £163 already given for this project was in the Post Office. His wife has given an acre of land and the Court has transferred it into the hands of the Church as a site for the minister’s house for the Parish of Waipawa. The Committee expressed its gratitude for this report.
6. Parish Debts. At the meeting H Huata paid in £52, being £36/10- from Mohaka and £15/10/- from Te Wairoa. There was also £12 from Te Kohupatiki in the parish of Te Waipatu. All the parishes are seeking ways of reducing their debts before 31st March. It was moved and passed: ‘That the Diocesan Secretary send accounts every six months so that action can be taken and so that we are aware of how much is being given for spreading the Gospel.’
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£ s d
Moteo Amount owing 93 4 9
Waipatu 75 16 4
Mohaka 77 14 8
Wairoa 88 10 4
Nuhaka 83 1 6
7. Parish Boundaries. The boundaries of Mohaka, Wairoa and Nuhaka were explained. The Te Wairoa River is the boundary of the parish of Mohaka. Te Wairoa goes from there to Te Uhi and Kihitu, and from there to Waikaremoana and Te Reinga. Nuhaka extends beyond this border and takes in all of Te Mahia.
8. Times of Services. The service time-tables for each parish are to be sent to the Secretary in Napier so that we can be aware of where services are taking place throughout the Diocese.
9. Trust Funds of the Church. It was agreed that Church Committee money in the hands of people who have gone over to Ratana practices be sent to the Office and access to that money be forbidden.
10. Sunday Schools. This matter was carefully looked into and it was found that in many districts there was no Sunday School. The problem is that it is difficult to find people to teach in such schools. The Chairman urged the Parishes to set up Sunday Schools for instructing the children.
11. Lay-Readers. The list of lay-readers was inspected; new names were added, the names of those who have died were removed as were those of people wh0 have given up the work. Rewi Tamihana asked for his name to be removed. In 1872 he became a lay-reader and he has continued up to the present day. He has led services for 55 years, but now he is losing his sight and must resign. The hui expressed its gratitude to Rewi for his tenacity and his commitment to the Church. It is thought that he is perhaps the longest-serving lay-reader in the whole of New Zealand. The meeting did not accept his resignation but agreed that he should rest when he wanted to.
12. Prayer and Hymn Books. The Diocesan Office has copies of the Prayer Book, Hymn Book, and Bible for those wishing to purchase them.
13. Hymns. Bennett and P H Tomoana were appointed as a committee to gather some new hymns for our Hymn Book.
14. Hymns with Music. The meeting asked Archdeacon Herbert to write to England to ask if it is possible to print music with the Maori hymns.
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15. Service of Reception. The committee asked Herbert Williams to write to the Archbishop and the Bishop of Wellington asking them to provide a pattern of service for the reception of outsiders into the Church.
16. Committee’s Expenses. It has been arranged that the Diocesan Office will re-imburse the travelling expenses of committee members.
17. Commiserations to the Afflicted. It was agreed that letters be sent to:
(a) The wife of Mr Pilson on the death of her father.
(b) Pine Tamahori on the death of his son.
(c) Archdeacon Chatterton of Rotorua who is seriously ill.
(d) The Bishop and his wife with the hope that her illness will abate.
18. Next Meeting. At Te Wairoa or Nuhaka on 29th June, 1927.
A HUI ABOUT LAND RATES.
The people of Heretaunga are up in arms about the heavy rates and taxes being demanded by the Counties, Councils, Harbour Board and Government. Many meetings have been held seeking ways to lighten these burdens we are being asked to be, the weight of which is being increased from time to time.
Taranaki Te Ua and Mahanga have called a meeting on this subject to be held at Moteo on 1st May.
THE OPENING OF A CARVED MEETING-HOUSE.
(Raureti Mokonuiarangi.)
On Friday, 25th February, the carved house, ‘Uenuku-mai-Rarotonga,’ was opened at Punawhakareia, Te Rotoiti.
This house originally stood at Maketu when the elders were still alive. The carvings are the work of their hands.
The Maori dedication rituals were performed by the tohunga at that time. Subsequently it was brought from Maketu to Rotoiti where it now stands.
Therefore, it was arranged that the second ‘dedication’ be done by the Church of England. The Rev Frederick Bennett and his minister colleagues led the service. Then Bennett opened the door of the house. Whereupon the hundreds from the country’s many tribes entered to feast the eyes and see the works of Rauru, glowing from top to bottom of the building, within and outside as well. Many of the country’s tribes came
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came onto the marae: Ngati Porou, Te Whanau-a-Apanui, Te Whakatohea, Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Ngaiterangi, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tahu (from Te Waipounamu), Ngati Raukawa, Whanganui, Taranaki, Ngapuhi, Ngati Maniapoto. The tribes were ‘welcomed’ by the local people, but charged fivepence, the women twopence and the men threepence. After the welcome there was a tangi for several minutes which was followed by the speeches and greetings.
In the speeches there were explanations for the benefit of the visitors. The name of this house is ‘Uenuku-mai-Rarotonga.’ The name is that of the great-grandson of Houmaitawhiti. The genealogy is:
Homaitawhiti
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Kahumatamomoe
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Tawakemoetahanga
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Uenukumairarotonga
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Tamatekapua
This line of chiefs is commemorated in the names of some of the houses in the district. At Otara marae is the carved house, Houmaitawhiti. Tamatekapua is at Ohinemutu. Kahumatamomoe stands at Ohau, Te Rotoiti. Tawakemoetahanga is a new house at Pukehina which will be dedicated at the end of March.
This is for the benefit of those who are just ignorant of this name, ‘Uenuku-mai-rarotonga,’
I have explained the genealogy above but I will explain it further for the benefit of descendants.
Uenuku-mai-Rarotonga = Te Aokapu-rangi
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Rangitihi
| . | | | |
Ratorua Tauruao Rangiwhakaekeau Rangiaohia
| | | |
Rakeiao Kawatapuarangi Apumoana Tuhourangi
Of these children seven were boys and they had one sister, Tauruao. This girl married Taanemoetara of Ngati Porou whose pa was at Pukehinau in the river valley of Haparapara in
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Te Whanau-a-Apanui territory. Their descendants were Apanui Te Hamaiwaho, Toihau, Kawakura, Tiketikeirangi, Paora Ngamoki, Paratene Te Ara and others down to Te Houkamau, the Ngati Porou chief.
The seven brothers bore the collective name of ‘Te Arawa.’ The lineage extended to some of the great chiefs of the country including the sacred line of the Waikato King through whose male line of descent Te Wherowhero Potatau is graced with the feather of the white heron.
I have pointed out some of the chiefs who are descendants of the children of Rangitihi. We must also include Te Kani-a-Takirau, Puhara Hawaikirangi, Renata Kawepo, Te Rauparaha, Te Whatanui, and many of the chiefs of Ngati Kahungunu and Ngati Maru. Hone Mohi Tawhai and Kamariera Wharepapa, important Ngapuhi chiefs are also part of this lineage. This proverb refers to the eight children of Rangitihi:
Te Arawa, e waru pu-manawa.
The Arawa of the eight pulsating hearts. [cf NgaPepeha 1537]
The explanation of this saying is as follows. When Rangitihi was close to death at his pa at Pakotore, inland from Maketu, he spoke to his children. ‘When I die, weave me a bed of akatea with four ways by which to escape. As y0ur eight hearts direct you, wrap up my body from my feet to my head.’ This is the origin of these sayings.
The Arawa of the eight pulsating hearts.
Rangitihi upoko whakahirahira.
The highly important head of Rangitihi. [cf Nga Pepeha 2161, Williams p.52 - whakahirahira.]
Te upoko i takaia ki te akatea.
The head of Rangitihi which was tied up with the akatea vine. [cf Nga Pepeha 2161.]
[Note: Nga Pepeha refers to eight sons; Mokonuiarangi names seven sons and one daughter. - Barry Olsen]
This information was given to those wh0 came onto the marae so that each and every one of them should know that they belonged amongst the progeny of Rangatihi. Waimarama Puhara stood to recite the genealogy of Kawatapu-a-rangi in which he and Renata Kawepo are named. Takiwira Hone Mohi Tawhai stood to greet the gathering and in his speech showed that he was a descendant of Tuteniu and demonstrated that this line came from Rangiwhakaekeau.
Hira Te Kahakura also spoke and changed the direction of the discussion. He criticized the speech by his elder brother, Rere Korari. Rere had stood up to say, ‘It is not right that we should be speaking of genealogies. The tribes have not come together to deal with genealogies.’ The local Te Arawa people wanted to respond to that speech, however they did no because his own party had criticized Rere’s speech. Some of the chiefs stood to affirm their descent from some of the children of Rangatihi.
When one stands on this lofty peak, why are you stood there? To look, to see, to listen to the one who is joyfully and eagerly informing the tribes that they are descendants of the ancestor for whom the house is named. It may be that a person knows his lineage but does not wish to stand and speak of it. Who will criticize him if he chooses to remain silent? Perhaps it is because it has not been given to him to speak of genealogies. But for some minutes during the time of the welcomes and the speeches, and before the opening ceremonies, he can stay quiet, and then he can enjoy the food and life, be happy, and then return home.
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PARISH OF WAIPAWA.
The Collection for the Minister’s House.
The Rev Wharetini Rangi, his wife, Rotu Kereru, and their four children have arrived, It has been arranged that they live at Porangahau because there is no clergy house for the whole Parish of Waipawa. The house in which they are living is rented. However, the people of Porangahau are hoping that a house will be built for their minister. The one acre site for the house has been given by the wife of Henare Tomoana Hutana. It has been placed in the hands of the Church Land Trustees. (Many blessings upon you, mother, for this gracious gift to the Church of our forebears. May the heavenly Father reward this love with his blessings.)
We are very grateful to the Pakeha and Maori who have placed their names on the subscription list for the minister’s house.
The hope is that the amount will reach £500 - £600 so that we can satisfactorily complete a house to shelter the minister of the Parish of Waipawa, The subscription list is still open. Our ancestors have a saying:
Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te manuhiri.
By your food basket and mine the guests will be satisfied with food.
[cf Nga Pepeha 1981]
W T Williams, the son of Samuel Williams, appreciated the invitation from the people of the Parish of Waipawa to meet in Waipawa on the day when the minister of the Parish of Waipawa arrived. He also asked the local people not to be upset that he invited Ngati Te Whatu-i-apatu from Te Aute to come to the hui. He did this because, when he received the invitation to the hui, his thoughts went back to when his father was still alive and this was one of the Heretaunga hapu who welcomed his father, and so he thought to invite the Te Aute people to come. And also, as he looked about he saw that all the villages in the parish were represented, and many of the parishes from beyond this one had come to the hui, and so he was very happy to see this.
He was grateful and very happy at the words of welcome for those of his people who had come.
‘This saying, spoken by the elders, is right, ‘In times to come, hold to the faith.’ The words are also appropriate as we think of the memorial stones in our various burial grounds as an abiding memory of those elders, a reminder lest their words and teachings bear no fruit amongst their children, their grandchildren and those who come after them.
But it is well-known that the teaching of the heart has been the same from the time of the ancestors to the present day. Although some have taken different paths in these days we still maintain love for one another because this love was planted amongst us by our parents and ancestors on the basis of the faith.
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In these days we have gathered together here and our thoughts return to the days of our parents, and today my heart weeps for them. Greetings to you, the descendants of those who have departed. Greetings to you, the children of my father’s friends. Your parents were a blessing to my father in the past. The Heretaunga chiefs fetched my father from Otaki and brought him here to Heretaunga. I recall that there were two buildings – one a food store and the other a bedroom. I was born in one of those houses. The place where those two buildings stood is now under the church which was built at Te Aute beside the school burial ground.
They had many problems at the beginning of their residence in this place. At one time they were unable to pay the lease money of five pounds for eight thousand acres and he had to leave that area and take up another lease of four pounds but was unable to pay that. Such were some of the great difficulties in past days. But despite such things, what inspired my father in the struggles was working to see the fruits of the great work he had been given. Many of the young men of Te Aute have become great men.’
In these days Te Aute has become a beautiful treasure. He was grateful for the portrait of his father, which has been hung in the school.
‘He was an elder whose every th0ught was for the Maori People. I know this and have listened to him speaking about his Maori People.’
Now, as for the minister who has arrived for this parish, his father would be very happy, for of these people, one was educated at Te Aute and the other at Hukarere. And he was gratified to see these young people returning to work in Heretaunga. He urged all in this parish to help these young people who have been sent to them to do this great work. And this coming Sunday, 27th, all are welcome to come to the church at Te Aute to lead the minister to that end of the parish.
WAIPAWA MAORI VICARAGE FUND.
£ s d
Sir George Hunter 20 0 0
Merehira Scott 10 0 0
Miss Bulstrode, Mission House, Poranghau 10 0 0
Ihaia Hutana, Waipawa 7 7 7
James Sciascia, Porangahau 5 0 0
Pura Regan, Waipawa 5 0 0
H S Hutana, Porangahau 4 0 0
Paranihia Waaka, Waipawa 2 0 0
New Year’s Eve Party, per R Ropiha 2 0 0
Powhiri Warutu, Waipawa 1 10 0
Rau Hutana, Porangahau 1 0 0
Bert Thompson, Porangahau 1 0 0
E McLillan, Porangahau 1 0 0
E McLeod, Wilder Sett., Porangahau 1 0 0
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F J C Healey, Porangahau 1 1 0
Porangahau Trading Company 1 1 0
B R Brierley, Porangahau 1 1 0
Wiremu Waaka, Waipawa 1 0 0
Rikirangi Matene, Waipawa 1 0 0
Te Atua Ropiha, Waipawa 1 0 0
Reiu Parata, Porangahau 10 o
Piki Reuben, Porangahau 5 0
W Burge, c/o Hunter’s. Porangahau 5 0
Alex McLean, Porangahau 3 0
Jack McGreevy, Porangahau 10 0
Constable Moss, Porangahau 5 0
Phil Barney, Porangahau 5 0
Bowen Grosvenor, Porangahau 5 0
L Bradburn, c/o Hunter’s, Porangahau 5 0
B Beattie, c/o Hunter’s, Porangahau 5 0
A Morgan, Wimbledon. Porangahau 2 0
Pongi Tutaki, Porangahau 5 0
F A Jackson, Porangahau 10 0
T Siteman, Porangahau 3 0
Beach Picnic, per Lady Hunter 10 0 0
Mrs Paul Hunter, Porangahau 20 0 0
Mrs Knight, Dannevirke 3 3 0
Archdeacon Williams of Gisborne, for Booth Fund 1 0 0
H K Rapaea, Porangahau 3 0 0
C H St Hill 5 0 0
Ngarongo Kahina Mrs Scia Scia, Porangahau 10 0 0
S L Morgan, Wimbledon 5 0
Alf Parsons, The Beach, Porangahau 3 0 0
Returns Booth, Porangahau Sports 20 0 0
Mrs Rangi Ropiha, Porangahau 1 0 0
Heta Kani, Porangahau 1 0 0
Canon Rice, Waipukurau 1 0 0
Anonymous 100 0 0
Total £261 6 7
Donations Promised
Mr Allan Williams 10 0 0
Mr Kenneth McAulay, Porangahau 1 1 0
Mr L G Harker, Waipukurau 1 1 0
Mr E J Collins, Te Uri 1 1 0
Mr M McLeod, Porangahau 1 0 0
Mr G A Herbert, Wimbledon 1 0 0
Mr E H Morgan, Wimbledon 1 0 0
Mr E J White, Porangahau 10 0 0
Total £26 3 0
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