Te Toa Takitini 98

 

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TE TOA TAKITINI

Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper

Number 98

Hastings

 

1st October, 1929

 

THE NEW BISHOP OF WAIAPU

Archdeacon Herbert Williams

He will be the third Bishop in his family line.

There are very few comparable families in the world.

The 1oth of this month was a day set apart by the Diocese of Waiapu for choosing a replacement for Dr W W Sedgwick who was stepping down. Four people had been nominated. A large majority voted for Herbert Williams.

Archdeacon Williams is Archdeacon of Waiapu. He is the third member of his family to be appointed Bishop. His grandfather was Williams the Brother [William Williams], the first Bishop of Waiapu. He died in Napier in 1876. His father was William Leonard Williams who succeeded Bishop Stuart who died in 1891. And now, at this time, perhaps we may speak of ‘a great line of descent,’ as his son will ascend to this lofty position. There are three generations of bishops in this family. This is remarkable, especially as all three have been fluent speakers of the Maori language. This ability is appropriate for this Diocese in which there are many Maori.

Published by Rev P Hakiwai and P H Tomoana, and printed at Cliff Press, Queen Street, Hastings, HB.

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Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.

Te Toa Takitini

The price of the Paper is 10/- a year.

Address letters to ‘Te Toa Takitini,’ Box 300, Hastings.

1st October, 1929

ARCHDEACDON HERBERT WILLIAMS

 He was born at Waerenga-a-Hika, Turanga, in 1860. He studied at Christ’s College, Christchurch. He won a scholarsbip to the University of New Zealand and was awarded his BA in 1880. The following year he went to Jesus College where he was Rustat Scholar. He received his Cambridge BA in 1884 and his MA in 1887, along with the title of 9th Senior Optime. He received the Litt.D (NZ) in 1924 and the Litt.D (Cambridge) in 1925. While at Cambridge he was a very good rugby player and was captain of the College team.

He taught at Haileybury College for a time. When he returned to New Zealand in 1895 he became a teacher at Te Rau College. He has been Archdeacon of Waiapu since 1907. He has been an examiner for the theological colleges since 1910. Since 1928 he has been the Vicar-General. His Doctorate was conferred upon him for the book he wrote about the Maori language – ‘Dictionary of the Maori Language.’ That book has provided sustenance for the Maori language for generations.

Herbert Williams is one of the country’s wise men. He is an expert in every aspect of learning. He has a surpassing knowledge of all things Maori – the language, the works, the  culture, the customs, the crafts. Although he was involved in acquiring the many things with which he stocked his mind, he also learned thoroughly the craft of printing newspapers. The Government appointed him Chairman of the Committee tasked with correcting the country’s Maori names.   

SOME OF THE TELEGRAMS OF CONGRATULATION.

We, the tribes of Waikato, send our congratulations to you who have been appointed to this sacred office.

                                    Te Puea Herangi, Ngaruawahia

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We rejoice that you have been elevated to the peak of your forebears.

                                    Paora, Te Kaha

The Synod of the Diocese of Auckland meeting yesterday agreed to send its congratulations to you on being called to be Bishop of Waiapu.

                                    Simkin, Diocesan Secretary, Auckland

We rejoice and are very happy that you are to be our Bishop. Kia ora.

                                    Hemi Rapaea, Porangahau

We and the Maori working here give thanks and send our greetings.

                                    Bulstrode, Whakarewarewa

Kia ora. We are happy that you have been called to be Bishop of Waiapu, as is our Committee in London.

                                    David Calder, Wellington

Allow me sincerely to congratulate you, Bishop.

                                    Myers, Govt. Buildings, Wellington

We are happy that a right conclusion was reached. Our congratulations and our prayers.

                                    Bell, Auckland.

I, and the whole Diocese send you congratulations.

                                    Archbishop, Parnell

I am very happy that you are taking up this lofty office. I send greetings to the Diocese, your family and your school.

                                    K S Williams, P.B., Wellington

Our congratulations to you on being appointed to this office. May God bless you.

                                    Apirana’s Family, Tikitiki

We rejoice and are very happy that you will be able to help Aotearoa. ‘The new net goes fishing.’

                                    Auckland Maori Association, Auckland

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I congratulate you on the successful conclusion for you. I look first to you for work and ideas. The Almighty will guide you in this.

                                    A T Ngata, P.B., Wellington

I am delighted that you have been called to be Bishop of Waiapu. May God keep you and strengthen you for the work of a bishop

                                    Hatara Awarau, Tokomaru Bay

My heart rejoices that you have been chosen to occupy the place of your father, Mr Williams. Long life to you. May God strengthen and keep you. May you be enabled to teach the people.

                                    Goffe, Cambridge.

I am very happy and congratulate you on being raised to the office of your father. Kia ora tonu.

                                    Raumoa Balneavis, P.B., Wellington

I rejoice and am delighted at your election to the post held by your forebears. You also are from Taupara. With love.

                                    Henare Ruru, Karaka

God be praised that you have been called to be father of this bishopric and also to be guide to the Maori People. You are ascending to the marae of your father and your grandfather. Greetings to you, the rock standing in the sea peacefully among us. The canoe, Aotearoa, will climb up. Kia ora.

                                    The Maori Members of the Auckland Synod.

HAWKES BAY ARCHDEACONRY STANDING COMMITTEE

On Tuesday, 17th September, this committee met at Pakowhai, Te Wairoa.

The Bishop of Aotearoa chaired the meeting.

Clergy Attending:

                        Rev Wi Pere Mataira, Nuhaka

                        Rev Hemi Huata, Mohaka-Wairoa

                        Rev W Rangi, Waipawa

                        Rev R Rangiaho, Waipatu

                        Rev P Hakiwai, Mote0

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Lay Representatives Attending:

                        Hori Tupaea, Heretaunga

                        Paraire Tomoana, Waipatu

                        Ihakara Rapoana, Waipatu

                        H T Hutana, Waipawa

                        Hemi Rapaea, Porangahau

                        Kurupo Tareha, Waiohiki

                        Paora Kurupo, Moteo

                        Hapeta Tiopira, Omahu

                        Piwa Mihaere, Tangoio

                        Netana Nehemia, Mohaka

                        Hata Tipoki, Wairoa

                        Turi Carroll, Wairoa

                        Tiaki Mitchell, Wairoa

Several Ringatu and Ratana also attended this meeting. They wanted to see how this kind of meeting worked. After observing and listening they were very grateful.

The meeting began with prayer. The Secretary read the minutes of the meeting held on 11th June at Omahu. These were agreed.

The Motions Passed.

1.      The meeting appointed Rev W Rangi as Secretary for this year.

2.     Moved by J Mitara; seconded by P H Tomoana: ‘That the Bishop of Aotearoa arrange an examination for those Lay-Readers who wish to be authorised to preach, but first they must be recommended by the minister of the parish.’

3.     Moved by Turi Kara. Seconded by Rev W Rangi: ‘ That the Bishop of Aotearoa ask the Diocesan Office to provide a pension for Rewi Tamihana as an appreciation of his 57 years as a Lay-Reader.’

4.     Moved by Turi Kara; seconded by Rev Hemi Huata:

(a)  ‘This meeting of the Archdeaconry of Hawkes Bay asks the Trustees of Te Aute College to consider favourably the people’s request that a ministry school for the Maori People be set up alongside Te Aute College, to be called the Upper Department of Te Aute.’

(b)  A separate house should be available for the young men of the ministry school, the whole country to be responsible for [?e whaara]. Meals should be eaten in the refectory of the school pupils to keep the expenses down.

(c)  If the request is agreed to, this meeting thinks that the pool of money

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allocated to the Maori students at St John’s College   should go to this school to assist in the founding of this ministry school for the Maori people.

5.     Moved by Hori Tupaea; seconded by Rev Hakiwai: ‘Since a hui is to be held on the coming 12th January to celebrate the centenary of the Maori Church at Waimate, this hui recommends that the clergy and lay-representatives from this archdeaconry accompany the Bishop of Aotearoa to that hui.’

6.     About the Bishop going to England. This matter was raised to consider carefully the ideas of Sir Apirana Ngata. There was also discussion of the successor to the Bishop of Waiapu and the hui was at one on this.

7.     Moved by Rev Hemi Huata; seconded by Rewi Tamihana: Discussion of Missions and the Confirmation Services was postponed until the Napier Synod.

8.     Moved by Hori Tupaea; seconded by P H Tomoana: ‘This hui authorises Turi Kara and Hata Tipoki to organise the work of the Church relating to the parishes of Mohaka and Te Wairoa.’

9.     Moved by Turi Kara; seconded by Hata Tipoki: ‘The indebtedness of the parishes of Te Wairoa and Mohaka stands at £322/13/8. This hui asks the Bishop of Aotearoa to set out before the Standing Committee in Napier the thinking of the people of these two parishes, that is, that this amount be halved because there are too few Church of England members to meet this debt. If it agrees to this request the amount of £161/6/10 will be paid before the end of December.’

10.  Moved by Hata Hipoki; seconded by P H Tomoana: ‘This hui believes that it is a good thing to bring together the Churches among the Maori People and to seek a basis on which those Churches can be united.’

11.   Moved by Rev Hakiwai; seconded by H K Rapaea: ‘That the members of this hui keep Wednesday, 16th October free for a 10 a.m. collective Farewell on the part of the Archdeaconry of Waiapu to their Archdeacon as he prepares to become Bishop. The organising committee is  Rev Hakiwai, Hori Tupaea, and Ihakara Rapana.’

12.  Moved by Hori Tupaea; seconded by Hata Tipoki: ‘(a) This hui asks the Bishop of Aotearoa to ask for the resignation of Piri Munro as Trustee of the Church Hall at Te Wairoa, the Bishop of Aotearoa to become Trustee instead. (b) The Bishop to thank Te Omana for his effort in running that

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hall and his loyalty to the Church. (c) That the Bishop of Aotearoa show the Hall Account Books from the beginning to the present to the lawyer.’

13.  Moved by H K Rapaea; seconded by Hata Tipoki: ‘This hui believes that when ministers are working in the Maori Church and amongst other peoples, and have no other source of remuneration, it is appropriate that this is investigated, and if the Standing Committee of the Diocese can find funds to supplement the stipend, then the Bishop of Aotearoa could pass on this money to them.’

14.  Moved by Turi Kara; seconded by P H Tomoana: ‘This hui congratulates those clergy who have been made Area Ministers, that is, Assistant Inspectors. This is an honour. This hui hopes that the business and the work of the Archdeaconry will be advanced by their work.’

15.  Moved by Rev Huata; seconded by Rev Mataira: ‘This hui salutes the Bishop of Waikato for his concern for the Maori People and for appointing one of his Maori clergy as Archdeacon and another as a Canon.’

16.  Moved by Henare Hutana; seconded by Rewi Tamihana: ‘This hui asks the ministers and the lay representatives to increase the take-up of our paper, Te Toa Takitini,’ in their areas.’  

17.  About appointing one of the lay-representatives of Te Wairoa as a spokesman to Synod. This matter was postponed.

18.  The hui agreed, at the request of Matene Whaanga, to hold the Standing Committee Meeting at Nuhaka next year.

19.  This hui asks the Diocesan Secretary to publish the Credit Side of the Parish Accounts so that the real extent of the indebtedness of each parish is clear.

20. Moved by P H Tomoana; seconded by H K Rapaea: ‘This hui supports the proposal that the first Sunday in December, the date of the consecration of the first Maori Bishop, be set apart as a a day of praise to God for this blessing bestowed on the Maori Church.’

21.  Moved by Turi Kara; seconded by J Mitara: ‘This hui supports the motion passed at the Aorangi Hui concerning the Bishop’s staff.’

22. Moved by Rev Hakiwai; seconded by K Tareha: ‘This hui thanks the local people for the hospitality of their marae, and for the good issues brought to the hui.

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LETTERS RECEIVED

To the Editors.

I have seen the opinions of some people and also those of the Editors  about whether or not the Bishop of Aotearoa should go to England. Apirana has given his opinion – and opinion carefully considered – that the Bishop should not go. Some ideas I have seen are just the inconsequential proposals of contentious spirits. These serve no purpose. The Editors have proposed that the matter be settled at the Waimate Hui. I am not able to attend Waimate and so I will share my thoughts now.

I shall not examine the rights or wrongs of the Bishop’s going to England, but I would say that the thing that people are arguing is that it is better for the Bishop to stay at home. The journey would not do good insofar as the people are divided. Were the people in agreement that would be good and people would not be worried about it. Even though it is being left for the Waimate Hui to decide there will still be argument. Were the Hui to reject Apirana’s proposal would that mean that they were right and he was wrong? We must remember that many agree with Sir Apirana. There will be nothing wrong should he stay home, but going may perhaps be a mistake. My thought is, ‘Stay at home to cultivate your vineyard and to gather together the remnant of the Maori People.’

R[eweti] T K[ohere]

To the Editors.

My friends, greetings. Please make known the gratitude of the the people of the Motiti Church to Mr and Mrs Gordon of Clive, HB, for their gift which we received on 1st October. It is a real treasure that they sent – a carpet for the sanctuary of our church. My heart is at a loss to express my feelings on receiving this great gift. I do not know an adequate way of thanking this Pakeha and his wife as I am Maori and do not know the right way of acknowledging people’s thoughtfulness.

May the blessing of our heavenly Father rest upon you for this token of love for the young Motiti Church.  But let me just say, the paths of mankind are hidden, but it is by the pathway of the faith and by our deeds that we are known as brothers and sisters.

Pene Ngamanu

Motiti Island, Tauranga.

To Bishop Bennett,

Greetings to you and all your household.  May you know the blessings of the Almighty. That’s enough of greetings.

The Ringatu Church has seen the articles in Te Toa and they have made me heavy-hearted. Your ministers

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provided those articles. It was as if I had said that the [?potuatini - ?shark] was Te Kooti’s god. It is not like that. The religion of Te Kooti is based on the Bible of the Church of England.

Peni Hakiwai reported my greeting to you at Te Poroporo. One of those reports had me saying that Christ cursed the Sabbath. That was not the case. Rather, Christ condemned the Law, the law of the Circumcision given to Abraham. (Galatians 3.13-14)

As for the Sabbath, it had me saying that the Ringatu Sabbath was wrong. It was not like that. What was wrong was the way the Ringatu were observing their Sabbath, because they were playing billiards and football, and drinking beer, and doing bad things on the Sabbath. But the correct Sabbath is the Saturday. My friend, may our children be well prepared for the blessings to come.

Bishop Tumatara,

Te Teko,  14/9/29

To the Editors.

Greetings to the two of you who keep our bird in good heart to bring news to each marae. So to you, my friends, the People and the Country, greetings to you all. Greetings to you who carry the inheritance of our mother, Te Mura Hakaraia, of Ngati Rangatahi who has departed. Her links were with Maniapoto, Matakore, Waewae, Pikiahu, Ngati Kauhata, and all Ngati Raukawa as far as Maungaarake. There was nothing good about her death. I had thought that as she had a strong faith in God she would not suffer such illnesses. On Friday 4th she closed her eyes, she shut her mouth, and would not take food. On Friday 12th she at last died. It was a different death.

After Te Mura, Te Manawaroa Te Aweawe also died. He was one of the young chiefs of all Raukawa, and of all Taanenuiarangi, of all Kauhata, and of Whanganui. The two of them represented all the tribes and the ancestors of the country. So there were great outpourings of love for the two of them. Farewell, friend, together with your mother. Farewell from Rangiatea, Te Paeroa, and Te Aputa at Wairau. Farewell. You were baptised with the name of Ngati Raukawa and were called Te Manawaroa of all Ngati Raukawa. God carefully fetched you and took you away. Go to your heavenly Father who will give you and your mother rest until the day of Resurrection. Go to the people in the afterlife, to the gathering of distinguished ones.

My lament for Te Mura is the lament of her grandmother, Hinekiore. It is in Nga Moteatea.

My lament for Te Manawaroa is the lament of his grandmother, Topeora. This is it:

            ‘Twas a misty-dismal day when you departed,

            You gave one backward glance and I saw your face.

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            Nought now avails for you are gone to your spouse;

            All that remains gives me wakeful nights.

            Almost I was minded to join the company of Riripo.

            There was no seer for the water ritual of parting,

            To abate this love within me.

            Salutations to you, O friend! I now betake myself

            To the resounding falls at Waikohatu,

            There to meet you, O Te Hika.

            *False was the thought the dear one was for Karanga,

            To be taken and used as a fireside fender.

            My lips do hasten but, alas, immovable my body.

[This waiata and translation are as in Nga Moteatea, Part I, Number 48. *This line in Te Toa Takitini is, ‘The lullaby was made up; the man was mine.’]

We met at the Minister’s Office to salute Te Manawaroa. There was much love expressed. He was of noble descent, good, and widely loved.

Taite Te Tomo

P.B., Wellington,  16/10/29

THE FALL OF A TOTARA

We have heard the news that Rakena Manawaroa Te Aweawe has been laid to rest at his home at Rangiotu. He returned from visiting his friend. When he reached the gate of his house he was suddenly struck ill and died instantly. He was 62 years old. A cloud of sadness descended on his many hapu.

He was a son of Hara Rakena Te Aweawe, a leading chief of Rangitane and Ngati Raukawa. He was popularly known as Rea Larkins. He studied at Te Aute College. He was an expert rugby player. He played in the College team that played against the Maori team on its return from England in 1888. He was also in the Hawkes Bay team that played against Stoddart’s team.

During the Great War he helped in many ways, making his place at Rangiotu available for a camp for the soldiers of the Rifle Brigade. He was knowledgeable farmer and won prizes.

FROM TE TOA

The article by R[eweti] T K[ohere] gave the impression that the Editors are among those who support the Bishop’s going to England. Not so! The Editors are impartial. It is for the people to decide whether he goes or not. But Te Toa has explained the thinking of those who say he should stay home.

It has been good to discuss the matter. It has not been left for the Waimate Hui to make a decision. The Maori Section of the Church met in Napier and concluded that it is best if just the Bishop and Sir Apirana discuss the matter.

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The Synod of the Diocese of Waiapu agreed that the Church make a presentation to Rewi Tamihana of Te Wairoa to celebrate his 57 years as a Lay-Reader. The motion was moved by Archdeacon Herbert Williams and seconded by the Bishop of Waiapu. The thought is that it will take the form of a supplement to his pension for the rest of his life.

Rewi Tamihana is 85 years old. He studied at Te Raukahikatea for two years. Since then he has been a Lay-Reader for 57 years. He conducted services like the ministers and, indeed, did more, travelling to all parts of the parish to take services. He went out doing this every Sunday and did all the work required of him.

He asked the meeting of the Standing Committee at Pakowhai if he could stop working because his eyesight was deteriorating. His family didn’t agree. Hata Tipoki and Turi Kara said, ‘Koro, you must die with your boots on!’ [Lit. You should die at work.] These two came up with the idea of a pension for their elder, an idea supported by Synod.

The Strangers

We hear with disapproval that some people are using these words in these days. Perhaps we should say that it is because of ignorance. Ratana teaching has it that all those outside the Ratana Church are ‘strangers,’ whether Pakeha or Maori. The use of the words has spread rapidly, but thoughtful people certainly aren’t inclined to use them. This is perhaps the time to put an end to the [?whakaihu waaki] of those words.

The strangers [tauiwi] is the Maori translation of the English word, Gentiles, in the Hebrew, ‘Goyim.’ To the Hebrews, the Jews, all non-Jews were Goyim. This was because they were a people chosen by God and committed to the Laws. Those outsiders who took upon themselves the Jewish ways were called ‘proselytes.’ We see that ‘strangers’ are all who are outside the teachings and the calling of the Jews.

As a result of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Jews abandoned labelling other nations as strangers. For Christ all are his. John 3.16. Colossians 3.11. So, where do the Ratana get their teaching?

THE NAME AOTEAROA

To Te Toa.

Greetings to you and the young people who produce you. Greetings to you who point out what is bad, but also the goodness, the righteousness and the faith of people. This pleases me. Whatever the articles, they are there for everyone to read. There is no ill will in them. It is as if we are talking face to face. Although people may life at a great distance from one another

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the articles speak to them. Therefore, I am very happy to leave it to our paper to publish our articles. This is a new world with its own ways of doing things. The old world has been left behind; and, people, let us practise the law of the new world.

As for the words of my friend, Ngakuru Pene Haare: he says that he does not like to write things down in letters but prefers to speak with people face to face. But if what one says in a letter is right it is also right if it is spoken. And if what is written in a letter is wrong then it is wrong if it is said. You will not present it to us. We have made available our opinions and you have seen them. The matter will not be concluded if you remain silent, so please speak. Or call together a hui and we will address [? whakahurimi] you and you will be able to speak. These words appear to be derisive, but do not let them distress you. If these words happen to offend you don’t let them stop the discussion; let’s continue to talk. These words are not uttered gratuitously but are a response to this kind of speech.

As for my first subject, what I said was wrong. When the paper arrived I saw the error. Let me correct it. Concerning those Toto took on board Aotea [? Mo te utanga a Toto i te ngakau aotea ki runga ki te tangata]  – he took on board, instead, Ruanui and his wife, Hinerauwharangi.

Laments lie behind the accounts given by my friends Tuhitaare Heemi and Wi Repa. I agree with Tuhitaare when he says that Kupe was not the first person to come to this country. But he does not say who that person was. I have to say [?ma tetahi taana]. The first person in this country was a bird called a fantail. According to the elders that man was Ruatupua who was also a bird. Let me explain: It was like this, those birds belonged to Ruatupua. They flew off as a flock into the world and arrived on this island. Afterwards Kupe arrived and saw those birds. When Kupe returned he told Turi that there were no people there. Those he did see were asleep and seriously ill, with their buttocks above and their heads below. Now, we know that the fantails tumble over and over with their tail feathers above and their heads below. That was Kupe’s account.

One cannot include Te Waipounamu [the South Island] and Wharekauri [the Chathams] under the name Aotearoa. They have their own names. But perhaps we can speak of the people living there as being one people, us Maori. It is peace and love that brings this about. ‘Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’ (Ephesians 4.3) Therefore, best wishes to us all. From your good friend.

Kapua Rangataua Keepa

Purangi.

 

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THE WAIMATE CENTENARY

To Te Toa Takitini.

Please spread this notice to the country’s marae. In the coming year, 1930, we shall celebrate the centenary of Te Waimate – the settling of Mr Marsden and the elders of the Church at Te Waimate as the foundation [poutokomanawa – central post of the whare] of the work and the base for taking the faith to the whole country in those days. At a recent meeting at Te Waimate the Archbishop was present.  It was decided that Sunday, 12th January, 1930, will be a day of praise at Te Waimate for the whole country, Maori and Pakeha, and that a stone lichgate will be built and a plaque placed in the church to commemorate Mr Marsden and the first missionaries.

At the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Maori Section of the Diocese of Auckland, attended by the Bishop of Aotearoa, it was agreed that that committee should organise the Maori part of that commemoration. A letter from the Archbishop was read to that meeting  in which he asked that the Maori section take part in the planning and the running of that great day. Therefore it has been given to Te Toa Takitini to alert the country’s marae to this important matter. Any ideas the tribes have for this ccasion should be sent to me.

W N Panapa,

Secretary of the Organising Committee,

Kaikohe.

MORE ITEMS

The Labour Party has been elected to govern all of Sydney.

It has been discovered that some cases of Typhoid Fever have resulted from eating oysters.

In recent months it has been found that eating melons counteracts the fattening things that cause diarrhoea.

Te Hiima, Head of the Maori Section of the Wesleyan Church, said in his sermon in Hamilton that talk of trouble with Maori women and Chinese men in Auckland was ridiculous.

The Diocese of Melanesia extends more that 2000 miles from one end to the other.

It is said that of the people who have been in the Mental Hospital at Porirua more than 4000 were born here, 2000 were immigrants, and 17 were from India or China.

On 17th October, 1,207,200 people were unemployed in England. This is 112,506 fewer than last year.

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The number of people who are unemployed in New Zealand at present is 6,206. The Government said on 10th of the month that 5000 had obtained employment. Work has been provided for 2765; 650 have declined it.

There are two kitchens for cooking whitebait on the Waikato, one at Tuakau and the other near Te Kohanga. These kitchens are being kept very busy at present. Unlimited quantities of whitebait are being caught. The money earned by those catching the whitebait can reach as much as £100 a day.

In the Supreme Court in Wellington, Justic Blair decreed that a man must not turn his vehicle on the wrong side of the road; by not doing this it is easy to avoid accidents.

DYSENTRY

Because of what I have seen as I have gone about amongst many of our people in various parts of the country, I had the idea of sending out some instructive papers about some of the illnesses that we suffer from. Many of us fall ill because of the wrong things we do. Because they are healthy some have got better.

So, there is an illness affecting the tribes of Ngati Whatua and . Waikato. Some call it dysentery [mate koianga], others diarrhoea [koirere], others a gushing out sickness [mate rere totoo]. This illness did not afflict our ancestors; it was brought here by outsiders – Pakeha, Indians, Chinese, and others.

The germs that cause this illness cannot be seen with the naked eye but only with a microscope. There are many sorts. One is not found in cold countries but only in hot places. Three kinds of germ have been found in the present outbreak in New Zealand. The type found in the Auckland area is called a ‘Shiga’ – a germ that likes the sweetness of sugar.

The type of the germ of the diarrhoea germ in the Tuwharetoa area is  ‘Flexner’ – a germ that is fond of meat. When it enters a person the germ multiplies rapidly. It likes to live in the intestines. There it begins to feed on the intestines and produces rotting slime.  It has eaten into the walls of the entrails of the person. As a result the whole stomach is sore and bloated and it begins to rupture. Because that germ is still biting deep into his food, the sickness spreads in the intestines, and blood emerges in the [?koraha - lavatory].

By now the patient is very ill. He is suffering severe internal pain and is always on the point of wanting to go to the lavatory and does so 30 to 50 time a day

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with little result – mostly pus or blood. The parts being eaten into by the germs, the walls of the intestines, are now very thin. One must be very careful not to feed the sick person the wrong food lest they rupture and the person dies.

The Care to be Taken by Everyone.

1.      Ensure that the houses are clean inside and outside.

2.     All [?aweawe - ?rubbish] should be burned or buried.

3.     Food kept in cupboards should have lids on them. Food should not be allowed to gather dust or flies.

4.     The same precautions should be taken with the outside toilet; the seat should have a lid and ashes can be spread in it.

It is flies that carry this disease. The fly enters the toilet where he eats, then he wants some relish so he flies inside and puts his dirty feet on your food and so passes on all sorts of terrible diseases. Children with weak stomachs are soon infected.

 

So, people, for most of the new Pakeha illnesses that afflict us the best treatment is prevention. See that the two cupboards are kept clean – the food cupboard and the privy, and that everything has lids. And ensure that the privy is set apart from other places. If you are able to build privies apart with water to carry away the contents (water closet and septic tank) that is very good.

Marae and large pa should make every effort to put in such septic tank systems.

Also when an area is experiencing these illnesses, gatherings of people should be limited in numbers, for example, tangihanga; and people should not visit other marae in the district. If someone in your house is ill do not visit the homes of others. Send for the doctor, the nurse, or the inspector.

5.     In the case of the sicknesses in Waikato and Ngati Whatua it was found that one source of the sickness was water melons bought from outsiders – Chinese, Hindus, and Pakeha. Therefore, tribes and hapu, let us go increasing together and not become ill in the coming years with this scoundrel of a disease. Let us not eat water melons that are not ours, that haven’t been planted by Maori. But if you are desperate to eat those melons wipe them down with disinfectant or fresh water and leave them in the sun to dry, and then put them in your larder. [? We must not just wash the outsides just before eating.]

Caring for the Sick.

1.      Keep the patient’s eating utensils and other things used in his care apart.

2.     He must have his own room. The carer must take great care to wash their hands after touching the patient or his things.

3.     All the excretions of the patient should be taken far away in a kerosene tin and heated to boiling to kill the germs. Then they can be buried.

Medication and Nursing

1.      The patient should not eat on the first day. However he should drink boiled water and take Epsom Salts every two hours to clear out the bowels. There is nothing wrong with taking flax water, but it may be too strong for children. Koromiko should not be given during the first weeks; what this does is it crams in the germs and prevents them from emerging, and so the patient dies. Milk should not be given on the first day, but rather barley water. The excretions should be constantly inspected to see if they contain blood and foul discharges. If these things cease appearing then, after four hours give the patient Epsom Salts. At night one can take a breather from giving salts. If the patient shows ongoing signs of improvement, give the medicine twice a day. On the second day continue to give the medicine according to the above instructions. The patients should be fed barley water, rice water, arrowroot, puha water, and sugar.

Ensure that he gets plenty of this food – sugar, so that the germs turn to eating sugar so that the medicine expels them. Therefore, he should not stop taking the purgative medicine.

When the patient is returning to health he should continue to be fed but with small quantities. It is good to give him milk mixed with barley water or rice water. The improving health of the patient and the return of his motions to normal indicate that he may be given other kinds of food as relish. It is for the carer to decide what is appropriate. There should be no solid foods until the patient is very well.

Enough! As for the Ngati Tuwharetoa outbreak, we have heard that people are recovering from the [?rau-runa] which was afflicting them, and they have finished with the [?whakamaramara] mentioned above. This was a different germ from that found in theWaikato. It did not affect people so badly. It was possible to give them the meat broth.

So much for my explanations and cautions. Keep grasping your taiaha so that you repel attacks.

E P Ellison

Director, Division of Maori Hygiene.

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THE TUAKAU GUEST HOUSE

On 28th September, Te Puea of Ngaruawahia laid the Foundation Stone of the Guest House which is being built to accommodate Maori and travellers from afar who turn aside to Tuakau.

Te Puea’s speech was directed at thanking the Pakeha for their generous help with this project for the benefit of Maori and which is coming into being with the first post in place for the foundation of this house. Therefore, she thought that the house would be of great value to the district and a means of bringing together the two peoples, Maori and Pakeha, in their thinking and activities in the days to come.

Afteer Te Puea, Dr Pohau Erihana spoke for the Department of Health. In his speech he told the Pakeha of the great work Te Puea was doing to help her Waikato tribe. The house being built here was a fruit of Te Puea’s work to help her people here.  It is not a hospital but, when a person is ill, they can be brought here to stay, the house being convenient for visits of inspection by doctors and nurses.

He also expressed gratitude to Erueti Matete and his wife for their gift of a section for the house to be built on. He said that he thought the site was an excellent one for such houses because it was central. People from north and south of Tuakau had trains and many vehicles to bring them here, just as people on the Tai Rawhiti had many good vehicles and good roads. People on the Tai Hauauru and at the Waikato river mouth can get to Tuakau quickly on the tide in their canoes. So it was very appropriate to build this Guest House at Tuakau.

After Dr Erihana, Mr Fulton, the member of the Tuakau Town Board, spoke. He too thanked Te Puea for her help in erecting this treasure to be a place to stay and a benefit for the people here for those visiting. It will not be just a place to stay but also a hospital during those times when people are coping with various illnesses, and where they can have visits from the Maori doctor and nurses here. This house will stand for many years although it is being built now. He was here as a spokesman to assure people of the support of the Tuakau Town Board.

After this the policeman, Constable Maiden, expressed his admiration for Te Puea and the Maori for their work on this project which is being fulfilled today.

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Then the man from the Tuakau Newspaper, Mr Hilary, spoke. The tenor of his speech was thankfulness for the completion of this treasure which we can see with our eyes. He is someone who helped with this project insofar as he prints in his paper everything that is done to stir up and help both Maori aand Pakeha. Waepeke led ‘Ka mate! Ka mate!’ to bring proceedings to an end.

After the speeches it was made known that the Pakeha proposed to help beautify the setting. Maori were to choose trees to plant to enhance the area and provide shade in days to come, and the Pakeha would pay for them.

LAKE OMAPERE

Recently the Maori Land Court met at Kaikohe. The important case being heard was the claim of some of the hapu of Ngapuhi to the reservation of Lake Omapere, specifically, the land beneath the waters. The Representatives of the Crown contested that reservation because, according to them, there could be no separate ownership of land beneath the water in Maori custom. For another thing, Maori had sold the land around that lake, and, consequently the Crown had sole ownership of the lake such as was being claimed by the Maori.

The Maori claim was not just for the land under the lake, they also claimed the whole lake as it was their source of food. Nearly 2000 to 3000 eels were killed by them during the year.

That case, the Maori claim, was moved to Auckland because of the many issues involved. If the Maori claim to that lake is found to be justified and strong it will return to Kaikohe for judgement.

At the hearing of the Lake Omapere case in Auckland in June, the claim made by the Crown, that the land under the lake did not belong to the Ngapuhi hapu but to the Crown, was defeated. The Court said that the Treaty of Waitangi was authoritative and in it are statements that confirm that the Maori are right. The Crown claimed the land under the water, but no reason was given to confirm and support that claim. It is possible that the case will go  the Court of Appeal and perhaps to the Privy Council.

[1093]

CONSUMPTION

The Causes of Consumption

T Wi Repa, MB, ChB.

Prevention

Anyone can do this: the small and the great, the educated and the uneducated. If we make efforts to prevent it then we will not be struck down by the weapon of consumption. But it requires that we think seriously about implementing the ways that will ward it off. These are practices that are new to most of the people. They are also practices that the foolish are stubborn about adopting. They are also of extraordinary importance to us Maori. It is our way of seeing things that is the manure that feeds consumption - the way that we go along with our claim that consumption is a Maori illness. Therefore, if we are to set about preventing consumption we must uncover the roots of how we live, of our habits, and the things we do in our lives, that is, Maori must reassess their ways of life and the roots of those ways of living. We must adopt new standards and new priorities, and seek the right way to escape being oppressed by consumption. This advice is certainly not advice to the people to abandon the ways of living of former times. One realises that this is a difficult subject. What of it? All important matters are difficult for most people to grasp. But although this is a weighty matter I shall still lay it out for the people to see. It may prove bitter or it may be sweet. Time will tell if we will be blessed in the years ahead of us or whether that will have to wait for those who take our places.

First matter: If there is a person with consumption in the home or the pa, immediately notify the nurse or the doctor. If someone knows that they have consumption they must go to the doctor  quickly to get advice. The person suffering from consumption must bear in mind two things – his own body and those of other people. If he is unwell he must be careful lest he pass on the disease to other people. If the person with consumption lives with his family they must have a separate room lest the illness spreads to others. If they cough they should cough into torn up cloths which should then be burned in the fire. They should not spit at random; it may dry and fly about in the dust and be sucked in by people who are well.

These rules should be discussed and thought about and learned by someone with consumption and their carers.

1.      Consumption is a disease passed on from one person to another.

2.     The germs of consumption are in the phlegm of a person with consumption. It is very bad when that phlegm is dried and is carried by the wind into the noses of others.

 

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3.     It is possible to prevent consumption from spreading.

4.     Whether they are in a house or tent, the patient should cough into a cup or tin which should be washed out with a teaspoon of Carbolic Acid.

5.     Change this vessel every twelve hours or more frequently. Wash it with boiling water, empty it into a hole two feet deep, and cover it with soil. Wash the vessel again in boiling water.

6.     If the patient goes outside they should carry a bottle in which to spit. Wash it as prescribed for the vessel above.

7.     The patient must not cough or spit on the street or the road.

8.     The patient must not spit into his handkerchief. Spit into torn cloths which can then be burned.

9.     The patient must not dribble their phlegm lest it infect another part of their body.

10.  The patient should not kiss or allow themselves to be kissed.

11.   A mother with consumption must not suckle her baby.

12.  The patient should have their own separate plate, cup, and knife, These should be washed apart from the utensils used by those who are well.

13.  If phlegm happens to fall on the floor of the house then wipe it up with scraps of cloth which can then be burned. Afterwards wipe down the spot with Carbolic Acid.

14.  The room occupied by the patient should be cleaned thoroughly in the same way as one washes the rooms of people with fever. Only when they are very clean should someone else be permitted to use them.

15.  Fresh air is essential for a person’s health. Therefore don’t deprive the patient of it. Allow the patient to have fresh air at all times.

16.  During the day, place the patient in a cool room with fresh air. It should be dry and high above the ground. The windows should be open at all times. The patient may spend many hours of the day walking outside. They should not do hard work, and should not get tired, or get a chill.

17.  At night: The patient alone should sleep in the room, which should be large and dry and have fresh air. Open the windows, top and bottom, during the day and the night, whether the weather is fine or stormy.

18.  But, the best way to avoid consumption is to let fresh air and the sun’s rays into all the rooms of the house.

 

(To be continued.)  

 

 

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