No.21
1899/11/01
[2] Te Pipiwharauroa, He Kupu Whakamarama, Number 21 Gisborne, November 1899
AN EXPLANATION BY THE EDITOR
It is summer and the land yields its produce. The trees and everything else bear fruit. A person’s life is easy. My people, I have now been soaring over your marae for a long time. Invite me to your villages lest my foot prints do not appear on your marae and you are left there confused. The offering of Tamaiwaho will cause me to alight on your home. [cf Nga Pepeha 211] If you are in a bad way I will intensify my calling to your marae.
This Pipiwharauroa is being sent out from his new nest.
It is a strange hand, not yet accustomed to holding the chisel, the gouge, for carving. But that hand has carved this edition that has arrived beside you. You will see its faults, lying before you. If you look at previous editions you will find it is the same as these. We think that our bird is extending its outreach ever wider.
We’ve received many letters from friends who have received it. However we are sad at the smallness of the wings which have to carry this bird. Some of the letters are impossible to read because the writing is badly smudged. Friends, if you send letters to be carried by our bird make sure the writing is legible and on one side only of the paper. But if it is a letter for the editor then it is permissible to use both sides of the paper.
We, the publishers of Te Pipiwharauroa, have agreed with the call from the paper’s supporters to set a fixed price for our paper. Therefore, folk, you should be aware that the price set is now five shillings (5/-) a year. This is a very low price making it affordable by the poor which is what we really want. But we do not want to suppress the thoughts of the leaders.
Listen carefully all of you to the joyful singing of our bird as it comes to the great festival of Christmas and enters the New Year.
This is our closing greeting to you. ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill to all.’
From your friend,
The Editor.
From your friend,
The Editor.
VARIOUS ITEMS
R A Takarihi, one of Te Pipiwharauroa’s people, has passed Part 1 of the Pakeha theological examination.
Tutere Wi Repa and Pita Paka [Peter Buck], Maori at the Medical School in Dunedin, have passed the First Year examinations.
Hamiora Hei has completed his second year of study for his LL.B, a legal qualification. We don’t know yet the results but we hope that he has passed.
Perere Peneti, the first editor of Te Pipiwharauroa, is in Taranaki preaching. It may be that he will stay there.
On 6th December there is to be the election for the Pakeha members and on 9th December the voting for the Maori members.
Te Hurinui Apanui of Whakatane is seeking election as member for Te Tairawhiti.
On 13th December the Te Aute College Association meets at Papawai, Wairarapa. It is thought that many people will attend.
During the first week of December Mr Pope will be examining at Te Aute College.
The School for Ministers at Te Raukahikatea will break up on 16th December and reopen of 1st March 1900.
We have received some letters from Mormons critical of the article by Te Reweti Kohere in Issue 19 of Te Pipiwharauroa. These letters and Te Reweti Kohere’s response will be printed in the next issue.
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THE NAVAL FLEETS OF THE GREAT POWERS
THE NAVAL FLEETS OF THE GREAT POWERS
ENGLAND
England has been the great naval power from long ago until the present through the bravery of her people, her ability to build warships, and also because they are an island people who look to the sea for their livelihood. Her exports travel by sea. So she is diligent about keeping open the seaways for her ships and steamers, providing warships to protect them lest they be attacked by the forces of other people. Should another people take control of the sea, England and its colonies, including these our islands, would suffer. So I thought that some Maori friends might like to read this article about the distant naval fleets. I have gathered these words from Pakeha books which I came across this June.
There are many different classes and kinds of warship. Some are built with thick hulls to withstand cannon balls and with heavy guns so that every part is strong but they are not very fast. These are the supreme fighting ships, the warriors who get into the thick of the battle. The Pakeha call this kind of ship a battleship; the Maori call it a Warrior. There are three types according to the design and the tonnage. One large class of warship is the ‘Cruiser’, in Maori a ‘Sentry’. The hull is not very thick, it is of light construction and the guns are lighter, but it is faster than the Warrior. The Sentries sail before and after and beside the Warriors, searching out the enemy, carrying messages, guiding steamers and cargo ships and passenger ships too in times of war. There are three classes also of this family of warships according to tonnage and armament. Below these comes another different family known as the ‘Gunboat’. This is a very small warship with few guns, but fast. Its main weapon is the torpedo. Next in order comes the ‘Torpedo’ ship. This is much smaller than the gunboat but is very fast, being able to travel at a speed of 30 – 35 miles an hour. There are two classes of these: those that carry torpedoes and those who pursue warships carrying torpedoes. It is the English who have these ships which pursue boats carrying torpedoes. They were built to engage the French torpedo-carrying warships. They are called ‘Torpedo-boat Destroyer’. The name of the warship carrying torpedoes is ‘Torpedo-boat’
This is the makeup of the English fleet.
I The Battleships.
The First Division
Built in the year/ Tonnage/ Miles an hour
91-96 Class: Royal Sovereign (8 warships) 14150 17½
1892 Renown 12350 18
94-98 Class: Majestic (9 warships) 14900 17½
1897 Class: Canopus (6 ships – not all built yet) 12950 18¼
1898 Class: Formidable (6 ships) 15000 18
1899 Class: Duncan (4 Ships) 14000 19
Altogether 34 of this type of ship have been built. The English Parliament has commanded that two new ships be begun this year.
The Second Division
1887-93 11 Man-of-war 9500 to 11940 16½ to 18½
This is a powerful group of vessels very similar to those of the first division but because some of them are small and have become old they are placed in this division.
The Third Division
1870-1882 Man-of-war (12) 8320 to 11880 14 to 14½
These are very old warships retained by England to protect its waterways. Some have new engines and guns. Should the great ships be lost at sea then these take their place in the great battles overseas.
II The Sentries (Cruisers)
First Division
1886 Imperiense & Warspite 8400 16
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1889 Blake & Blenheim 9000 21½
1889 Blake & Blenheim 9000 21½
1890-1894 Edgar (9 ships) 7350 to 7700 19¾ (4)
20 (4)
1897 Powerful & Terrible 14200 22
1896-1899 Diadem 11000 20½ (4)
12000 20¾ (4)
21
1898 Class: Cressy (6 ships being built) 12000 21
1899 Class: Drake (4) 14100 23
Parliament has instructed that two of these be built this year. Altogether 35 of this division are built or begun or commissioned.
Second Division
1888 Class: Australia (7 ships) 5600 16
1882-1887 Class: Arethusa (8 ships) 4050 to 4300 17
1893 Class: Astraea 4360 19 to 19½
1891-1897 Class: Apollo (21) (10) 3600 19¾ (10)
(11) 3400 20 (11)
1894-1898 Class: Eclipse (9) 5600 19½
1896-1899 Class: Arrogant 7 under construction) (4) 5800 19 to 20
(3) 5600
Three new ships have been commissioned by Parliament. Altogether there are 63 ships in this division.
Third Division
There are 44 warships in this division: 41 are completed and 3 are being finished. The tonnage ranges from 1600 to 3730. Their speed ranges from 16¾ to 20½ sea miles an hour. [Sea miles (called by the Pakeha “knots”) are longer than the land miles we know: 7 miles on land is equivalent to 6 sea miles.
III Gunboats
There are 34 of this kind of ship. They range from 525 to 1070 tons. Their speed ranges from 18½ knots to 20¼. These are very small boats which generally do not participate in sea battles.
IV Torpedo Boats
A. Torpedo Carriers. There are 95 of this first species ranging from 360 to 2690 tons. They can travel at from 17 to 23 miles an hour. There are 72 of the second type, smaller than the first and much slower. There are 166 altogether.
B. Torpedo Carriers which seek out warships. These are the fastest ships in the world. In 1893 England began to build this kind of ship to seek out and destroy torpedo carriers. It is not the case that they don’t carry torpedoes. In this they are like all warships in the world. 42 of this type have been built since 1898 ranging from 250 to 300 tons with a speed of 27½ sea miles an hour.
In 1896 Parliament gave instructions for building 50 of this type, but larger and faster. 15 have been finished, 20 will be completed this year, with the remainder being completed next year. The tonnage ranges from 300 to 360. The speed is 30 or 31 sea miles an hour. There are two new kinds which are being built this year which it is said will travel at 35 sea miles an hour or 41 land miles an hour.
Besides these there are some other English warships. 23 guard rivers, some being 30 years old. These are stationed in England, India and Africa. Some are in the islands mapping the seas, finding rocks, measuring depths, and doing other such things to make it easier for ships and steamers to sail the seas.
Altogether England has:
1. Battleships – 29
2. Cruisers – 142
3. Gunboats – 34
4. Torpedo boats –
A Torpedo Carriers – 166
B. Seekers – 94
5. River Boats – 23
6. Survey Ships – 24
Total – 542
(Not all these ships are completed yet.)
There are also some warships which sail on the rivers of Africa; having done their time at sea they sail on inland waters. There are training ships for young people. Perhaps these add another 60 making a total of 600. However 260 of these are fitted for major battles.
The Men of the Warships
I could go on to tell how many sailors are on each warship but it would make this article too heavy so I’ll omit this. Altogether, as reported to Parliament this year, there are 101,812 sailors manning the warships of England. [5] If we include those officers who are land-based, the young men training to be officers or sailors, and those who are pensioners – 8828 altogether, the total is 110,640.
Money Voted for the year 1899-1900
The total amount voted by the English Parliament last March to support its battle fleet, its defences, and other items was £26,594,500. The money was distributed as follows:
1. Payment of officers and sailors - £5,242,700.
2. Food and clothing - £1,606,700.
3. Doctors and Medicines - £176,600.
4, Courts and Schools - £172,300.
5. The construction and repair of warships, the wages of the workers - £12,817,000.
6. Land-based officers and sailors during war - £271,000.
7. Guns, torpedoes, ammunition - £2,710,000.
8. Housing, defences, barracks - £725,100.
9. The business of the Naval Office £261,600.
10. Other expenses - £248,200.
11. Pensions - £2,232,200.
12. The warships in Australia - £60,300. Total - £26,594,500.
The Disposition of the Warships in the Oceans of the World
I. Mediterranean (The Great Sea) Battleships – 11, River Boats – 2, Cruisers – 11, Gunboats – 6, Torpedo Boats – 6. Total -36.
II English Channel (The sea between England and the country of the French) Battleships – 8, Cruisers – 5. Total – 13.
III On English waters, guarding rivers. Battleships – 10, Cruisers – 4. Total – 14.
IV Around China Battleships – 3, Cruisers – 11, Survey Ships – 9, Torpedo Boats – 6. Total – 29.
V At Singapore and around India. Cruisers – 4, Survey Ships – 4, Torpedo Boats – 2, River Boats – 2. Total – 12.
VI Africa, Cape Town. Battleships – 1, River Boats – 1, Cruisers – 8, Gunboats – 4. Total – 14.
VII Canada, America. Battleships – 1, River Boats – 1, Cruisers – 7, Gunboats – 6, Torpedo Boats – 1. Total – 16.
VIII Australia, New Zealand Cruisers – 9, Gunboats – 3, River boats – 1, Torpedo Boats – 2. Total – 15.
IX West Coast of Canada. Cruisers – 4, Gunboats – 2, Torpedo Boats – 1. Total – 7.
Altogether there are 156 English ships sailing this world’s seas, securing and guarding its status and upholding its laws. Most are still in the harbours of England ready to be called out to any conflict and to sail to strike dread into the hearts of great powers who foolishly dare to challenge her supremacy now. At another time I will gather together accounts of the French fleet, which is close in numbers to that of England. Soon these forces will be similar in strength. We shall also take up the matter of the land forces. A T Ngata.
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THE FIGHTING IN TRANSVAAL
THE FIGHTING IN TRANSVAAL
(We have received many accounts of the fighting but we do not believe them all. But those we do believe and which we publish in Te Pipiwharauroa and are the most authoritative are those from the War Office in England.)
The Death of General Simeon
The Queen and the people were deeply grieved at the tidings of the death of General Simeon, the soldier we spoke of in Number 20 of Te Pipiwharauroa. At the burial, his body was not encased in a coffin but wrapped in the Queen’s flag. Even the enemy praised the bravery of General Simeon. General Joubert, the supreme commander of the Boers sent a telegram to General Simeon’s widow expressing his sadness at the death of that hero.
The Boers Do Well
The Boers attacked Ladysmith, an English fortress, on 31st October. On the night of 30th General White sent some 1500 soldiers onto a hill near the town to protect the left-hand side of the town and the hill provided a clear view for the artillery. The force had not settled in when it happened that some enemy shells landed amongst the mules which pull the cannons and machine-guns. The startled mules raced off with the guns. This was the beginning of the troubles. It was a difficult task recovering those guns, but by working in the dark this was accomplished. These guns had not arrived on top of the hill before the Boers began their assault in the morning light. The war party fought savagely with only small arms and swords as weapons. It appeared that they would only be left with a small remnant if they persisted in fighting because they were surrounded by 8000 Boers, so they raised a white flag and surrendered as prisoners. The Boers brought their prisoners to Pretoria, the main town in the area they controlled. Many of those prisoners escaped on the road and also from Pretoria. More than 100 arrived at Ladysmith and are again fighting today. The Pakeha! The Pakeha! They escape and return – return again! The Boers treat the prisoners well. One of the prisoners’ activities is playing football.
A Ceasefire
On Friday 10th, the Boers asked the English for a ceasefire, that is, that fighting should stop until Monday 13th. The battle would begin again on 14th. General White agreed but stipulated that the Boer soldiers should maintain the status quo until 14th. The Boers agreed. In the evening of 13th General White sent up a balloon, the Pakeha vessel which floats in the sky, to observe. That sentry looked and saw that a company of Boers was going around the far side of the hill and heading behind the town. They telegraphed to the ground. General White ordered a charge. Few of that company survived. Only by the speed of their running did they escape. Running is the right thing to do!
He oma a Tawheta i ora ai.
‘By flight Tawheta escaped.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 605]
He oma a Tawheta i ora ai.
‘By flight Tawheta escaped.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 605]
Ladysmith
After this battle General White gave orders for all the English to congregate at Ladysmith. The town was besieged by the Boers. However at that time some sailors arrived on board a battleship with their big guns. In this way the town was strengthened greatly. The sailors were very aware of the destructive power of their guns. The Boers were not able to draw near because of the accuracy of the town’s cannons. There were nearly 10,000 English in the town but the Boers surrounding it numbered 26,000. Despite many assaults the Boers were not able to take the town. General White said that his town would not be overthrown by thousands of Boers. On the 9th of this month the Boers determined to ambush the town. They attacked savagely but did not succeed and 800 of them were left to nourish the soil around Ladysmith.
The Relief Force.
General Buller ordered a force of 10,000 to help General White. He was concerned lest the food and ammunition ran out. There will not be a major battle very soon, but perhaps before this edition of our bird flies to your marae. This is because that relief force will not reach Ladysmith before they first defeat the Boers because the Boers are between them and the town.
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The Orange Free State
The Orange Free State is a country adjoining Transvaal. Although these countries have separate governments the people are the same, that is, they are all Boers. When war broke out these two powers joined to fight the English.
Kimberley
On the boundary of the West side of the Orange Free State is a large English town called Kimberley. This town grew because it stands in the middle of the area where diamonds are mined. The remnant of English there determined to hold their town and not let it be taken by the Boers. The English have built defences on all sides of the town. The Boers have made many assaults on the town without taking it, and we don’t think it will be taken. There are machine guns in the town to ward off the Boers’ charges. Many Boers have died in the efforts to overthrow that town.
Mafeking
Mafeking is an English town on the western borders of Transvaal. There are around 1000 English but about 4000 Boers. The Boers demand that the town be given to them but the smaller group will not agree. Despite many attacks that town has not fallen to the Boers. But perhaps it will fall in the coming days as help will not arrive soon because of the remoteness of the town. The son of the Boer General Kronje has been killed. He fell because he was encouraging his soldiers to charge the town, but they did not succeed. He was a brave man!
Some stories of the war.
30,000 English soldiers have arrived in Africa besides the African soldiers of General White and the number is still going up. England is committed to this fight. General Buller’s army is on the road now. He is heading straight for Pretoria, the main Boer city. If the Boer falls there it will be their farewell to the light of day. The English parliament has voted £10,000,000 for the prosecution of this war. If the war goes on longer there are arrangements for further millions.
A PRAYER FOR THE TIME OF WAR
Almighty God, you are the Lord of all the kingdoms of the peoples and you bring an end to conflict in all places of the world. Our prayer to you is that you will soon bring an end to the fighting in the southern cape of Africa. Direct the cleverness of men to facilitating the realization of your will and to the furtherance of your rule. Bring swiftly the time when one people will not take up the sword against another and that they will no longer study war. Grant this for the sake of the good work, the protecting work, of the Prince of Peace, your Son, our Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Question: Explain Revelation 13.18, i.e. the number of the beast (666).
The Scriptures were translated into Maori from the Hebrew and Greek languages. In those languages each letter has a related figure and these figures can be assigned to the letters in a name. So when we look at the figure 666 we find that it points to the Emperor Nero (666), Mahomet (666), Napoleon (666). If we add up the numbers of the letters in these names they all add up to 666. There are other names too that give the same figure. The significance of this figure is hidden from us. God has hidden from us his purpose so that we should always be watchful. This is the sign of the Antichrist. When that Antichrist appears then the faithful will understand the meaning of that figure. The supreme figure in the Hebrew language is 7. This is the number of completeness. The 6 is very close to the 7 but has not reached completion. The Beast will be known by all his works; the name of Christ will be abused by him. Let us be watchful and careful!
(This is a good thing, sending to Pipiwharauroa passages of scripture which are difficult to understand. for us to explain if we are able to. Who, however, can understand all the wisdom which lies in the Bible? Notwithstanding we will print the question and our explanation as in the instance above.)
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ANDREW
ANDREW
Andrew was one of the first disciples of Christ. His friend brought him to Christ. His name is not given but it is thought to have been John (John 1.40). They were disciples of John the Baptist. They heard the teachings of John concerning the Messiah. And they definitely heard their teacher saying, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God’. Their hearts had no choice so that they straightaway followed Christ. As we see it – they followed quickly, they did not delay, they were not in two minds.
1. The Sign of a Living Faith
When Andrew met the Messiah, when he knew him, what did he do? Did he keep the Saviour only for himself and John? Did he not show some others the Messiah – did he forget his family? No! Rather, when they saw Jesus the two of them hurried to fetch their relations. Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Christ (John 1.42).
This is one of the principle signs of a living faith – to lead others to life. If a person has a message for the whole world, that man does wrong to keep it to himself. If Christ has given someone a precious gift and that person does not share him with others but he speaks about how he was loved then ‘out of the overflowing of the heart the mouth speaks.’ [Matthew 12.34] The footballer only talks about football. However the speech of a man if he talks about Christ only with his lips is deceitful, but if it springs from the heart it is right.
This is one of the faults of Maori Christians, of leaders of worship, of ministers, that they are not diligent about speaking graciously to people to bring them to God. Once the service is finished we do not take the opportunity to speak to people. Christ spoke to many people personally. John wrote about seven of them: Nathaniel (Bartholomew), Nicodemus, the woman of Samaria, the sick man, the sinner, the blind man, and Lazarus (John 1,2,4,5,8,9,11). After the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 Christ was less eager to speak to thousands but devoted himself to teaching the Twelve against the time when he would return to his Father leaving his disciples to continue the work he had begun. If a person’s faith is so small that he does not seek to bring others into heaven, perhaps because of that same miniscule faith he will not enter heaven.
2 The Fruit of Andrew’s Work
There are not many mentions of Andrew’s name in the New Testament. First he worked with his brother (John 1.41). A man’s faith starts within his own home. Friends, are you urging your family to come to Jesus? Afterwards he worked with his own people (John 6.8-9). Friends, are you urging your people to take up the faith? He later works with those from afar (John 12.21-22). Friends, you have heard the Good News. Don’t mistakenly think it is for you alone. There are thousands upon thousands of people in this world who have not yet heard the name of Jesus. What have we to do to get the Gospel to them? Andrew is not a famous apostle like Peter but he it was who brought Peter to Christ. On the day of Pentecost 3000 people repented in response to one sermon by Peter. Look at the results of Andrew's quickness in bringing Peter to Jesus. Let us be like him that we may have friends when we travel to heaven and do not travel alone.
3. What about us?
First, we are to be like Andrew and come to Christ. When we meet him then we are to go and fetch others. Let our word rightly be, ‘Come with me and see.’ It is wrong to say, ‘Go and see’. He it is who will fill us with his Holy Spirit, planting love in our hearts, teaching us how to speak to people in a friendly way lest we startle them. ‘He that winneth souls is wise’ (Proverbs 11.30 AV). This task is not for ministers alone but for all Christians. Archbishop Benson of Canterbury said, ‘The first task of a Christian is to make others Christian.’
4 What are the rewards?
A Christian does not practise his faith in order to obtain a reward but is constrained to do so for love for Christ (2 Cor 5.14). ‘If you love me, keep my commandments (instructions).’ [John 14.15] However there is great glory awaiting the person who causes another to turn to goodness. The people with understanding, their shining is like the shining of the heavens; the people who turn many to righteousness will be like stars for ever. (Daniel 12.3).’ ‘Know that
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the person who has turned a sinner from the evil of his ways will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5.20).’ ‘If I say to the wicked, “You will surely die”, and you do not warn them, and do not speak to warn that wicked one from his evil way that he might live, that evil person will die in his sin, and I will require recompense at your hand for his blood. However if you warn that evil person and he does not turn from his wickedness, from his evil ways, he will die in his sins but you will have saved your soul.’ (Ezekiel 3.18-19)
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the person who has turned a sinner from the evil of his ways will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5.20).’ ‘If I say to the wicked, “You will surely die”, and you do not warn them, and do not speak to warn that wicked one from his evil way that he might live, that evil person will die in his sin, and I will require recompense at your hand for his blood. However if you warn that evil person and he does not turn from his wickedness, from his evil ways, he will die in his sins but you will have saved your soul.’ (Ezekiel 3.18-19)
THE LETTER FROM A T NGATA, MA, LL B
Part 5.
3 The Faith
The Ngati Porou area is brought together under the Anglican Church. The Anglicans established the faith within Waiapu soon after the Treaty of Waitangi. It was welcomed there by the elders of Ngati Porou as a precious possession for them which was to be passed on to their descendants. Worship was established. The Church grew. Ngati Porou was divided into seven parishes. A trust was set up to provide salaries for the ministers. There was not much money but in those days it was [?he pakatua]. People were not yet earning money at Pakeha jobs or from land rents, but the money was enough for the ministers to live on in those days. They did not often eat Pakeha food; they were free to choose whether to wear Pakeha clothes.
However subsequently Ngati Porou set about the work of the Church. The area of concern was the building of churches and of guest houses alongside the churches. The old houses were demolished, some being completely decayed. From the year 1882 up to the present 13 churches have been erected and 16 guest houses. These were built close together, two or even four within the one parish. If it is through good works that people get to heaven then the whole of Ngati Porou will arrive there. The £10,000 spent on the proliferation of these completed houses and the associated things, namely, the gatherings, is insignificant. The Maori meeting house is a beautiful thing; some are carved, some have Pakeha features. Two or three of the churches and perhaps two or three of the houses remain to be completed by Ngati Porou.
But although the faith and worship is widespread throughout the area it does not go very deep. Certainly through fear of God some things do not occur: people are careful about great sins, the Sabbath is respected, besetting difficulties are suppressed – evil-speaking, adultery, theft, murder. These are major things. As the teachings penetrate deeper into the bodies and souls of each person other improvements will be seen, but much remains to be achieved.
4 The Schools
When I was small there was only one school in the whole of Waiapu, the school at Wai-o-matatini. In the rest of the coast there was one, the school at Akuaku. These had survived the Hauhau fighting through the determination of the leaders of the people to hold on to them in those days. Many of the children of Ngati Porou did not go to school in those days. Our elders believed that nothing was more precious than schooling and we travelled the long path by road and sea to Hawkes Bay, to Te Aute College. While we were there schools were started. Schools were built at Tuparoa, Hiruharama, Tikitiki, Rangitukia, Te Kawakawa, and Wharekahika. These were provided by the Government and operated under the Minister for Schools. There are two Board Schools at Tai Rawhiti, one at Waipiro, and one at Te Awanui. There are a total of nine schools in this district. Ngati Porou requested these schools and provided land for houses. Some schools prospered, some declined. Those that prospered did so because of the strength of the teachers and the committees; those that declined did so because of the weakness of teachers and committees, too. The people as a whole are very supportive of the schools and this year they have asked for more schools.
There are nearly 400 children attending these schools; this number has been stable for the past four years. If we are not going to see deterioration amongst the people of this district then we must look to the schools. Should the number of children going to school decline then the people also will decline.
Te Pipiwharauroa has reported on the children from this area who have done remarkable things. By seeing these achievements perhaps Ngati Porou will be eager to celebrate schooling and seize upon the learning of the Pakeha.
The final word on the schools of this district is what was said by the Inspector of Schools, James Pope, in his report to Parliament in 1898:
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‘The schools of Tai Rawhiti from Wharekahika to Tokomaru are still ahead of the other Maori schools of the land. However there are improving schools in other places that are challenging these. Nine of the country’s schools achieved over 80 marks for overall work. Five of these schools are from the Ngati Porou area.’
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‘The schools of Tai Rawhiti from Wharekahika to Tokomaru are still ahead of the other Maori schools of the land. However there are improving schools in other places that are challenging these. Nine of the country’s schools achieved over 80 marks for overall work. Five of these schools are from the Ngati Porou area.’
The days will soon come when Ngati Porou will see the value of their schools; they will be rewarded for their long wait for the fruits of Pakeha learning. It is not fully seen now because the child sent to school is a seed that has to lie long in the ground. But when the year goes round the harvest comes for you to dig up. And although, perhaps, the children’s hearts are quick to seize upon the teaching, it is God who gives the harvest, which will be seen by the people who oppose it and will be a sign for them.
5 Great Community Efforts
We have finished our commentary on some of the great enterprises in this area – the faith, the schools, and the land development. As to the ancient customs, the thoughts and decisions are made in the meetings houses of Ngati Porou. The first question the heart always poses concerns the new laws being made by Parliament which arise perhaps from the concerns of other places. Are these laws appropriate for the lands of Ngati Porou, for the situation of the people, and for the land matters, or not? We do not impose our understanding of what the law should be on other marae to weary other people. It is not that we don’t have our understanding but our understanding is restricted to these districts and we are loathe to impose it on people who have seized on the writings of the Pakeha. However we have set down the ideas of our local elders which they’ve worked out for themselves rather than being taught them. (1) Hold on to the land. (2) Do not ignore the Pakeha customs and the Government instructions, but look at them carefully and adopt what is appropriate. (3) Do not set yourself against the laws. The ways to right wrongs peacefully are still open. (4) Ngati Porou will prosper by being faithful to the Queen. Be faithful to the Queen and her customs. There are other things, instructions for peaceful living and right thinking, for the ease of those who give leadership. The people in the past were content because there were those who inspired them to support the people’s endeavours. Since then people are troubled by wrangles over land and they are divided and they have grown into different adults. Great tribulations and large gatherings bring families together. The ways of bringing people together that existed in the past are no longer – the summons of the chief, the clear thinking to address the things that oppress some families. It is not that these things are lost but these memories are lying down and there is nothing to wake them, to cause them to rise up.
WAIKATO TO TARANAKI
King Mahuta was invited by Ngati-rangi-katitia and 21 chiefs of Ngati Ruanui to come to the opening of the meeting house at Patea, Taiporohenui. Mahuta replied that his younger brother Te Wherowhero would come with Waikato. Te Wherowhero also said that I should come. The party of Te Wherowhero and Waikato arrived on 18th July. I followed on 20th having gathered a party at Otorohanga. When I arrived Waikato were choosing the right time for them to respond to Ngati Maniapoto’s challenge haka. Waikato agreed to my request that his arrows be given to me to break in the presence of Ngati Maniapoto so bringing an end to the challenge. On my request to Ngati Maniapoto that I should break the arrow and so bring the challenge to an end, we had to persist for some three hours before my request was granted and we were happy. On that day Mahuta arrived and this is what he said to his people: ‘We shall bring this cloak though it be torn, though it be loathed by those people. We shall bring this cloak though Nikora and the others remain. We shall bring this cloak.’ It was because of his happiness at my arrival that he spoke in this way. At the evening service I told the people of my happiness at the King’s words and explained that cloak as being what Paul said in Galatians 3.27, that is, Christ. The people were very happy at the King’s words and they appreciated that the King strongly supports the Faith. At Te Kuiti Mahuta returned and our party headed West to Mokau. We left many of our horses behind because of weariness, sickness, hunger and the filthiness of the roads. When we arrived at Waitara my heart went out to the children there, having in mind the word of the Lord when he said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them.’ [11] Because the children crowded around to listen to the Word of God when I spoke at our service I saw several of the local people drive the children out, but they stood outside to hear. There is much obstinacy in that place because they are subject to the instructions of Te Whiti. I was not able to have a talk with that policeman; however my love for those children gave me an idea in my heart. In the morning we held our service on the marae. The band played the hymns. The local people thronged around except for Waikato who did not go far off. I spoke loudly enough for the people to hear my explanation of James 1.15. At evening prayers the house was full and outside as well: no-one was prevented from coming. So I praised God for his love from of old. My thoughts also went to those of you who pray continually for those who bear the Gospel. I recalled God’s help and I remembered you who pray for us, holding up my hands as Joshua and Hur did those of Moses.
God will keep us. I am writing this quickly so shall not write much about this journey, but we have much love for you all. We have two bands travelling with us. The brass band is called ‘Kia Ora’ and the wind band is called ‘Taniwha-rau’. Sometimes they play hymns when we arrive at a village. When Te Wherowhero Tawhiao finishes speaking we sing hymn 166 [Come to the Saviour] and ’Calvary’. When we finish these hymns we sing a song for King Mahuta. This is what we do on each marae. If the band stands to play the hymns I’ve spoken of then everyone takes off their hats. If they stand to play at any time these are the first hymns they play. The last item is the hymn for the Queen, and again they doff their hats.
Nikora Tautau.
Nikora Tautau.
HOW TO KILL OFF WORSHIP
Here is some guidance for all those people who long for the end of worship. My friends, if you follow these instructions it will not be long before faith has disappeared from the parishes.
1. When the church bell rings, be diligent about finding a reason for not going to church. You may say that it is wet or that the road is muddy or that you need more sleep.
2. If you do go to church wait until the bell has stopped, then go, so that you arrive near the end of the service.
3. Don’t bring a service book so that when others are reading or singing you can remain silent.
4. When everyone sits, slump down. Don’t sit upright but lean on something. When others stand up, stay leaning or stretched out. If you have a blanket, so much the better; sleep will soon come over you and by the time of the sermon you’ll be snoring.
5. If you don’t happen to go to sleep, then read the newspaper or some other book. Women with small children should talk to and otherwise attend to their children.
6. If the service is long then groan or yawn or perhaps tut-tut. If the service is in an ordinary house then quickly get out a match with which to light your pipe straight after the last ‘Amen’.
7. Look disgruntled during the service; certainly don’t pay attention to the Minister. Look listless.
8. If you do go to church think that you are doing a great honour to the Minister and to God simply because you have come to church. It is for others to worship. It is enough that you have entered the church.
9. If there is a collection, don’t give a single penny. Keep your shillings to buy a block of tobacco for your pipe or else something to wet your whistle.
10. At worship let your thoughts turn rather to all that is going on in the world; be stout-hearted as if it concerned you. At the end of worship be happy, be zestful, be lively as if a heavy burden had been taken from your back.
11. Don’t befriend the Minister.
12. Say nasty things about the Minister – about his weaknesses, or perhaps that his sermons stink.
13. Do not partake of the Lord’s Supper. Leave this to the elders and women; they, after all, are the ones who have souls. If you follow my instructions, we’ll get on badly! Yours, Serpent Satan.
[12] SPORT
Paraire Tomoana, Taranaki te Ua, Te Roera, and Kurupo Tareha, leading Napier young people, formed part of the Hawkes Bay Golf team which came to Gisborne and defeated the locals. We were delighted by the statement from the captain of the Hastings Golf Club that his people do not play on Sunday.
Arthur Duncan is the NZ Golf Champion.
When the English rugby team played teams in Australia, they played 21 games, won 18, lost 3, and scored a total of 335 points against 104 for all the other teams. The English captain is a minister called Mullineux.
Auckland is the leading team in New Zealand this year. They defeated Otago, Wellington and Taranaki, and drew with Christchurch.
Tutere Wi Repa (one of the Maori students at the Medical School in Dunedin) is the fullback for Otago. Takarangi is the Whanganui fullback. Aritaku is one of the three-quarters for Napier as is Henare Kohere for Nelson. Tirongo Paora is one of Auckland’s great players. All these young men come from Te Aute. Well done, Te Aute. Well done! Go on for ever from strength to strength! Well done!
In the football match between the Maori of Tauranga and the Maori of Te Puke, Tauranga was beaten, but they aver that an elder from Te Puke put a curse on them. They swore that they would not play at Te Puke. Perhaps they are still not strong enough that they have to say falsely that they have been cursed. Cursing makes things go badly! Cursing every time!
The Australians have completed their cricket tour of England. They played 35 matches, winning 16, losing 3 (these were against insignificant teams), and drawing16.
In a school cricket match in England, one boy named Clifton scored 628. He was still unbeaten when play ended!
THE DEATH OF REV ERUERA KAWHIA
Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te wai, ko Ngati Porou te iwi, ko Taumata-o-mihi te kainga.
Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te wai, ko Ngati Porou te iwi, ko Taumata-o-mihi te kainga.
Hikurangi is the mountain, Waiapu the river, Ngati Porou the people, and Taumata-o-mihi the village. [cf Nga Pepeha 1391]
On Wednesday, 1st of this month a telegram arrived telling of the death of Rev Eruera Kawhia. We were shocked. There was sobbing. Sorrow overwhelmed us. ‘The display of affection was unrestrained among my people.’
On Wednesday, 1st of this month a telegram arrived telling of the death of Rev Eruera Kawhia. We were shocked. There was sobbing. Sorrow overwhelmed us. ‘The display of affection was unrestrained among my people.’
Farewell, sir, on the road taken by multitudes, the road of the small and the great. Leave the distressed people. Farewell, sir.
All of you, the main body,
Drawn from the heart of the flax,
Standing in the front rank,
My great and numerous ones,
My boasting in heaven,
Leave behind his suffering people.
He came from a chiefly line. He was one with the ancestors. He was a minister. He stood nobly on the marae. He brought blessing to small and great. This is why the people lament so. He was a man held in much awe by his family. His words to them were words of authority. He was a good preacher, he spoke well, and was honoured by the people. He has been separated from the pains of the body and gone to his Lord in heaven.
Leave behind this world
To attain the place above
Far away yonder.
The world of light.
There is no evil there.
No affliction comes there.
There is no crying or lamentation.
There is no pain in that place.
Te Raukahikatea
NOTICE
If you write to the paper, write as follows: The Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa, Te Rau, Gisborne. Don’t use the name of a specific person.
SUPPLEJACK SEED FOR OUR BIRD
£1.00 P Ngata, R Kawhia, Tuterangi, K Ngata
10/- Kiore Kena
5/- Rutene Pahoe, Ngahoa Ripikoi, Perehi, Hohepa Mataitana
4/- Raniera Mitingare
2/6 R Uruamo, Anaru Ngamu, Nepia Mahuika. Mrs Clayton, Rev R Mokena, Maki Matiu, Tukua Rauaroha
2/- Tiwini Poharama, Renata Te Aho, Tari Kemara, Rev F H Spencer, Wi Tukumana, Hare Renata, Rewi Mokena, Keremeneta
1/- A Tamihere.
H W WILLIAMS, TE RAU PRESS, GISBORNE
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