Te Pipiwharauroa 119

Te Pipiwharauroa 119

No. 119

1908/02

(Maori Version at NZETC.)

[1] Te Pipiwharauroa, He Kupu Whakamarama, Number 119, Gisborne, February 1908.

DIOCESE OF WAIAPU

HUI TOPU AT MANUTUKE.

On 9th February the members of the Hui and the local people attended the service in Holy Trinity Church. There Riwai Tawhiri was ordained Deacon and the minister, Nikora Tautau, preached the sermon. Forty-seven people participated in the Lord’s Supper. The offering was taken and realised £3 for the printing of the business of the Hui.

At 10 o’clock on the morning of the 10th the people gathered in the meeting house, the roll call of names was taken, and the following were present:

Clergy: W Goodyear, Hakaraia Pahewa, Rameka Haumia, Ratema te Awekotuku, Archdeacon Herbert Williams, Rutene te Aihu, Hone Waitoa, Matenga Waaka, Nikora Tautau, Ahipene Rangi, Poihipi Kohere, Arthur Williams, Hemi Huata, Katene Pukerua, Tuahangata Pereiha, H Wepiha te Wainohu, W P Rangihuna, Ehekiera te Raro.

Laity: Horima Pene, Te Roera Niania, Aporo te Huiki, Hohaia te Hoata, Utiku te Aparangi, Porokoru Mapu, Arapata Takahi, Raihania te Hau, Wakana Kiniha, Rutene te Arahi, Hori Tohungia, Apirana Pahina, Hori Korohina, Hakopa Haerewa, Tipene Wenerei, Paraone Turei, Peka Titoki.

Then the President declared the Hui opened and began the work with prayer. Then the President spoke to the Hui.

The Bishop’s Address.

My friends, clergy and lay representatives, greetings to you all. As we are gathered together now our loving thoughts return to other meetings of the Hui Topu and the speeches made to us by our elder friend, Archdeacon Samuel Williams, who died on 14th March, 1907. God gave him great strength to establish the Maori section of our Church and to do many good works. It is as if we are orphans since he has gone from amongst us; but although he has died he still speaks to us when we remember his words and his works. Let us also praise God for the many years he was spared to enjoy working amongst us, and let us fix our eyes on his fulfilment of the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and travel eagerly along that way.

Our hearts also go out in love as we remember Matiaha Pahewa who for 43 years ministered in the Parish of Tokomaru and then the call of God came for him to go, having fulfilled his role as elder. Nikora Tautau has been installed as his replacement. There are others of our clergy who have reached the stage of physical weakness and can no longer accomplish the things they did in their days of strength. Mohi Turei has been lying ill for a long time; it is 43 years since he was made a minister. Te Poihipi Kohere has been placed in his Parish of Rangitukia. Tamihana Huata began his work in Te Wairoa in 1861. He is now very old but he is still doing those parts of the work he can manage. Henare Te Wainohu has been installed as his colleague.[2] Nirai Tunga has been a minister for 26 years. He is now old and unwell and so it was arranged that W T Pereiha should minister in that Parish of Moteo. Te Matenga Waaka has been invalided by sickness, and Ahipene Rangi has come to his district, Gisborne. On 30th September, 1906, Te Poihipi Kohere and Henare Te Wainohu were made Deacons. On 22nd December past Te Reweti T Kohere, W P Rangihuna and Ehekiera Te Raro were made Deacons, and yesterday also Riwai Tawhiri committed himself to that work of ministry.

The purpose of our gatherings is to further the work of the Church in our areas, to encourage those following the way of Christ to put all their effort into this; to stir up those who are dawdling; and to draw those who have turned aside to head straight on the path laid down by Christ.

Many things in our part of the Church were not in accord with the pattern given by Christ. It was right for us to humble ourselves in the presence of God because of these things and to proceed to pray to him to give us his Spirit in abundance to enable us to put away the things that are wrong, to ‘strengthen what remains and is at the point of death.’ [Revelation 3.2] It is said that drunkenness is increasing greatly in some parts; there are still problems with marriages; while many children are being baptised, very few people are coming for Confirmation; some villages are without a church and some churches are dilapidated; parishes are without a good house for the minister (this is not something to be left to the minister to sort out, it is for the parish to do); the collection for Archdeacon Williams’ ‘Challenge’ has been neglected; children in some places are not being taught the Gospel of Christ; and many people are being drawn away from the right path by Maori tohunga. All these things are signs of weakness, something to make us ashamed.

But to hearten us we are aware of God’s blessing in some places. Some parts of Heretaunga have been stirred up, they have set about reviving the churches, and have wished to actively travel on the way of God. Also churches have been erected at Maungatapu, Waimarama, Te Ngae, Mourea, and Tokaanu. There were no churches in these places before. For these things we give praise to God.

We know that working with those who have been turned away from faith in Christ is very difficult. We are at present confronted by an example of this. We are told by God to put every effort into this work. Those amongst us close to the Ringatu are to keep on trying to bring them back. All of us should be looking to encourage the clergy and the women too who have settled amongst such people. One way of encouraging is to provide what is necessary for their physical needs. Another is to pray that God will make their work bear fruit. That work is a very demanding thing for a person to do, but we have the promise of God that there will be fruit. It is for people to sow the seed and God will make it grow. So I say that we must always remember in our prayers our fellow-workers, Ratema Te Awekotuku, Turuturu Ngaki,and Mihi Toera and his wife, Rotu. They have the difficulty of the task, while we only stand and wait.

One work that we perhaps do not think about much is the work in the islands of Melanesia. This difficult work is something given us by God to be concerned with. It is not right that we should ignore it; rather we should be collecting money for it and praying to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into that harvest-field. Sending money will prove the genuineness of our prayers. God has also said that it is for us, us men, to complete that work, and he will strengthen us for it. There is one thing I must say about this work: you have perhaps heard that Mr Hogan and Hone Papahia are going to visit some of the islands whose language is close to that of Aotearoa. The reason for their journey is that the Bishop there is seeking to find out if some people from here could go to teach the people of those islands the Gospel of Christ. It would be good if some of our young people could go and do that work. It would make us better informed about that work and it is something God has commanded us to do.

I turn now to speak about the schools at Te Aute and Hukarere. The Trustees have issued a statement pointing out the problems facing those schools now. You know that those schools are supported by the Te Aute school land. The major problem now is with the buildings at Te Aute. The match-lining of those buildings is full of wood-worm. All the bad timber must be removed and replaced with new timber in order to preserve the buildings. [3] There are also some other problems with those buildings. The money needed to complete these works is said by those who know to amount to £1000. But there is no money available for these works because the money raised from the land is used up by the two schools and nothing remains. It has been suggested by some people that entrance of pupils to these schools should be made provisional upon the parents paying money to the Trustees each year. The Trustees statement puts forward that idea for consideration by the Maori People if no other way is found of saving the buildings and ensuring the continuation of the work of these two schools.

Another notice has been printed in Te Pipiwharauroa about a collection begun by the Pakeha side of the Church to provide an adequate endowment for the Bishopric. I have spoken about this matter because the collection is not to support me but those who will be made bishops after me. The Synod has promoted that collection because they see that I am growing older, it is not easy for me to travel on bad roads and to inspect some parts of our diocese, and the time will come when I give up the work and the Bishop will need a house and adequate financial support. It was in fact the Maori Church that began the endowment fund in 1863; and it will be a good thing if the Maori Church takes part in the completion of that collection.

You have heard that I am going to England in the last days of this month. There are two reasons for my travels. One is the gathering of people from all those places in which the Church of England is working, which takes place from the 15th June to look at ways to further the work of the Church in all parts of the world; the other is the meeting of the Bishops of all the Churches like ours, like the gathering of Bishops that I attended in1897. What I would like is for all the people of the Church to pray for these two meetings that they may be led by the Holy Spirit and that the Church of Christ in all these places may zealously undertake the work he has asked us to do, that is, telling the Good News to all the nations of the earth.

SOME OF THE MOTIONS

Proposed by Hemi Huata, minister, and A Rangi, minister:

‘That this Hui expresses the gratitude of the clergy and lay representatives for Archdeacon Samuel Williams, for his graciousness and for all his loving works for the Maori Church. The Maori Church has now been left bereft since he went to his rest according to God’s plan, and that this tribute be printed and sent to all the members of Archdeacon Samuel Williams’ family.’

The whole gathering stood to support this motion.

Proposed by N Tautau, minister, and H Pahews, Minister:

‘That the whole Maori side of the Diocese endeavours to raise money to repair the damaged school buildings at Te Aute and Hukarere.’

Aporo te Huiki asked:

‘Will the President not agree to give all the offertory money given since 1882 until 10th February, 1907, to the church committees of each parish?’

The Bishop agreed to allocate the offertory money at Te Waiohiki to the building of the church.

Proposed by H Pene and Archdeacon H W Williams:

‘This hui thanks the Government for its law suppressing the activities of tohunga. It also advises the Maori People to abandon those foolish practices.’

Hemi Huata, minister, asked the President:

‘Please explain the rules for marriage. (1) The portion allotted to the minister in the rubrics of that service. (2) A Church marriage and also that of the Government.’

The Bishop’s answer:

‘(1) It is right that the person being married should be mindful of the minister marrying him. The Church has not laid down a set fee for that, however ten shillings should be given to the Pension Fund for the clergy. But if a person of standing is married he should contribute to the minister an amount worthy of his status.

(2) It is right that Church people should go to the minister of the Church to be married. However it is not possible to annul a marriage performed by the Government Registrar, even if the minister has not participated in that marriage. [4] Such a marriage is legal but it is a good thing to arrange a service for people who have been married in this fashion.’

Porokoru Mapu asked:

‘Is it a good thing to confirm men or women who have left their husbands or their wives?’

The Bishop replied:

‘There is no rule about people who have left their husbands or wives, but the minister should speak to the Bishop when such people wish to be confirmed.’

Proposed by Arthur Williams, Minister, and Te Kutia, Minister:

1. ‘Since the Church of New Zealand has given instructions to send some capable members of the Church of England to stir up the people of these islands in the coming years, it would be a good thing for this Hui to set up an organising committee for the coming three years to choose and to arrange those parishes and villages in each area of this Diocese to which those preachers will be called.’

2. ‘The members of that Committee to be: Archdeacon Herbert Williams and the Revs. W Kutia, A Williams, F A Peneti, F W Taitene, Nikora Tautau, H Wainoho.’

3. ‘That all of us be diligent in praying to God for that Mission that he will pour out his blessing on the preachers and all the Maori People. And let us all turn now to doing those things which will stir up hearts so that God’s great blessings will come upon all of us.’’

Proposed by W Kutia, Minister, and R Haumia, Minister:

‘This Hui has heard about the difficult work being undertaken by the Maori ministers, Mihi Toera and Rotu in Tuhoe country and asks that the Church will pray earnestly that God’s blessing will rest upon this work.’

Proposed by W Pereiha, Minister, and Te Katene Pukerua, Minister:

‘That this Hui is determined to support the collection to build a house for the Bishop and also to increase his endowment.’

The following amounts were placed on the table for that project –

£ s d

Moteo 12 0 0

Waipatu 5 0 0

Tawhiti ki Patangata 71 0 0

Mohaka 6 0 0

Wairoa 5 0 0

Mahia 1 0 0

Total £100 0 0

Te Roera Niania asked:

‘Is it not good for the actual parents of the child to be godparents when it is baptised?’

The Bishop replied:

‘The rule of the Church about godparents is that they should be different people, not the actual parents of the child; but if there is no different person available then it is possible for the actual parents to stand as godparents when they are both people settled in adhering to the teachings of the faith of Jesus Christ. The actual parents are the appropriate teachers for their child. Different people are chosen by the actual parents to be godparents so that they will be concerned for the child.’

Proposed by Te Roera Niania and Te Katene Pukerua, Minister:

This Hui urges young people, male and female, to fulfil the promises made at their baptisms, by being confirmed.’

Proposed by N Tautau, Minister, and H Waitoa, Minister:

‘This Hui expresses its heartfelt farewell wishes to the Bishop as he travels to England, and prays to God to protect him as he goes and as he returns.’

Proposed by H Wainohu, Minister, and A Williams, Minister:

This Hui requests the Government to give the Maori People a vote on the sale of liquor, that each council district have a vote, and if a district so decides, then alcohol may not be sold to Maori within that district.’

[5] 

 WAERENGA-A-HIKA COLLEGE

The January ‘Te Pipi’ told of the things which will be taught to Maori children coming to Waerenga-a-Hika College in the future, but it was not made very clear, it was not clearly said, that the school is strongly committed to ensuring that bright children fulfil their potential in their work and reach the appropriate standard. Parents should not mistakenly think that if they come here their children will only become carpenters and farmers and that they will end their schooling at Class IV. No, if the parents wish and if their children are able they have the choice to end their schooling at Classes IV, V, VI, VII, or beyond, just as at Te Aute. Therefore we would point out to all Maori people who wish to send their children to be educated at this College that it is appropriate that children entering the school should be at Class III or above. The main reason why this has been made the rule for the future is that little children are not able to do the technical things or cope with other important aspects of Pakeha learning. Many children who have passed Class III or higher are living at home idle, and because they look older they are embarrassed about returning to school lest they be called ‘old folk’. My friends, you will not be called ‘old folk’ when you come here because the syllabus of the college is devised by older people and is for older people and you will enjoy doing it. So, come, forget the ‘old folk’ and by your work and your learning you will become young again. If anyone has a child who would like to be taught for the McLean Scholarships, then send them to the College. To win the first scholarship they must not be more than 12 years old, and to win the last scholarship they must not be more than 14 years old. And in your hearts, do not forget that the most important thing taught to your children when they attend this College is the Scriptures, the source of human and divine wisdom. As the very wise man said, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ Now you know all about sending your children to this College.

Rev Butterfield, Principal.

Rev Tawhiri, Teacher.

21st February, 1908.

THE MAORI COLLEGES

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

I load onto the wings of our bird the following few words to be seen and considered by ‘Large’ and the others, and ‘Long’ and the others, who live [?whaka te tau] on the beautiful marae of Aotearoa, Te Waipounamu, and their small islands. My friends, the Maori tribes, greetings. A story caught my eye, that of the trustees of Te Aute and Hukarere schools, published on page 8 of Te Pipiwharauroa 118: ‘The amount required to fix the buildings at those schools is £1000, and where is the money to do the work? When Samuel Williams was alive he looked after any difficulties faced by those schools for many years, and now they suggest to us that the right path for our children is to be like Pakeha children whose parents pay £45 for each child per annum. That amount could be reduced to £10 per annum for each child, and could perhaps be reduced further.’ Now, listen, all you Maori tribes of New Zealand. These two schools, the subject of this statement from the trustees, remain the best schools for our children, boys and girls, to provide them with the learning of the Pakeha, and to bring glory to us Maori people in these days as we look to the coming generations. Look at the fruits of Te Aute. They call themselves ‘The Te Aute Student’s Association’ and draw us elders to follow in their footsteps, for our physical and spiritual well-being. Therefore, people, I think that we Maori should collect the £1000, and to repay this we should look for some other businesses and their resources. So, my friends, gather together your thoughts about this small sum. Where do we see the 46,000 Maori of New Zealand lamenting? I think it would be a great burden for us to send our children to school, as the Pakeha does, paid for by the parents. But that way would be very good if all parents had the same amount of money. Presently, perhaps, the children of those with money will get to these schools, but presently the children of my ancestor, Tame Pohara, will be left weak on this side of the large-river-of-nought because you have not canoe to cross over. And perhaps amongst those children who are left on this side of the river are some highly intelligent children [6] who would snatch up the learning of the Pakeha to bring honour to their parents and to display our brand, ‘Maori’, on the great peaks of wisdom sought by the many peoples of the world. I end my letter here. Send your comments to Te Pipi.

Tuta Nihoniho,

Kaiapoi,

19th February, 1908

AN EXPRESSION OF THANKS

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

It is with an affectionate heart that I seek out those who send you to carry the many thoughts of the orators amongst us Maori people. Greetings to you in the rooms of this new year. The days of the past year have passed away with their good and their bad, their living and their dying. So be it, all things are from the Lord. May those who care for you live long, and also the people who feed you with the fruit of the abundance of your works. May God strengthen and enlighten your carers. I would like those who care for you to see that you carry these sayings to the rooms where you make your footprints, to be seen by my beloved friends, friends I speak with, friends living alone, and other folk. This is what I want to say, my friends. I and my many friends are amazed at the words of guidance given by the member, Apirana Ngata. Although his words are directed to the people who voted for him they are also of benefit to me and my many friends, besides his own people. So we say, ‘Ngata is the outstanding one amongst all the members since Maori were first elected to be members of Parliament.’ This may or may not be true too of the Pakeha members. Consequently my friends and I are full of praise for the member for Te Tai-Rawhiti as our guide through the maze of the sacred work of the House of Parliament; and so we say, ‘If we had the key of life we would like to give it to Apirana Ngata so that he may live long in this world.’ Enough of that. Bird, please advertise the that the Synod of the Anglican Church of the Diocese of Te Waimate North will meet at Ripia in the Te Wairoa district, Kaipara, during March or April. People who have not yet seen this very fine village should make the pilgrimage during the time of the Synod, so that those who are deaf may hear and the blind of heart may see, and the ignorant people may learn the hidden parts of Scripture, the right standard, the truest understanding, and not be perverted into different ways. But this is not a new Gospel; it is the ancient one which has grown old amongst us; before I was born this Gospel came to us Maori. I will bet with anyone that the Gospel of Jesus Christ came to our country in 1814. So this is what I say: ‘The person or people who say that there was a new Gospel of Jesus Christ subsequently are stupid.’ I am waiting. Indeed I am waiting to see the books containing that new thing. I am sitting here, waiting and waiting, but nothing has happened. It [the Gospel] arrived rather with the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ. Enough of these words about this part of my life.

Waaka Te Huia,

Te Kiaora Marae,

Dargaville.

27th January, 1908.

A HUI

Listen! On 12th March 1908, a hui will be held for the dedication of Te Poho o Kuri Meeting House at Mangaatuna, Uawa. Also, the flag of our gracious King, Edward VII, will be raised. This is the firm date for that hui, so people will be free for the horse racing here at Uawa on 13th and 14th March. Put aside plenty of shillings from the rents received from my interests at home so that tomorrow’s collection will be large. Arrive for the hui on 11th.

Nikora Tautau

For the Committee.

A HUI

The church at Nuhaka will be dedicated on 19th April, 1908. Archdeacon Williams will open it. Arrive on the 16th. Please be gathering together your contributions to bring for this one of our churches. If you are unable to come, send your spirit by telegram.

A Rangi,

Minister.

Rongomai Wahine,

Te Urikapana,

Te Raenna.

[7] 

GOD’S SEALING

One of the important works of God the Holy Spirit is to seal: Ephesians 4.30: ‘By whom you were sealed for the day of salvation,’ that is, for this time and for the Second Coming of our Lord. Our spirits are like some beautiful jewels of gold or perhaps diamonds which are labelled by the person who owns those treasures, and the Holy Spirit does something similar to the treasures of Christ, of God. This sealing began, according to some explanations, at our Baptisms, or according to others, at our Confirmations, or according to others, at our conversions, when we repented. We continually ‘grieve’ the Holy Spirit, we disturb the seal which sealed the work of Christ in saving our souls by his body and blood. The first characteristic of this sealing is an ‘obedient’ heart to which the seal of the Spirit can be attached. This spells the end of all those things which confront us – sickness, sadness, weakness, and all other manifestations of the world, and our ‘hard’ hearts can be placed in the sealing wax of ‘love’ as happened with Paul and others of God’s people. The difference with the Seal of God is that it has two sides, just like his Two-edged Sword. On one side is ‘The Love of God’ who chose us before all the worlds were created; on the other side is the ‘sanctification’ of the body which has been made to be a building, a Temple, for the Spirit of God (2 Timothy 2.19). This is the restoration of the Image of God which was damaged by the disobedience of our ancestors, Adam and Eve. Let us look at the fruits of this sealing. (1) We are united to become one. With whom? Are we to be united to the world? It is not to be like that. Rather we are to be united to Christ and Christ to us. It is the Holy Spirit of Christ planted in our hearts who will bring about our sanctification. (2) There is a calling. To what? To sit and do nothing? No. To what, then? To fight, to suppress, to overthrow. Who? Perhaps alcohol? Perhaps the works of the tohunga? Certainly alcohol and the works of the tohunga; but do not forget ‘the world, the flesh and the devil.’ The devil is still fiercely active in our native hearts. (3) There is commitment. To what? To your Church? Or to your Sabbath? Or perhaps presently you will make a commitment to the teachings of our Maori prophets? Heaven forbid! Is it to be this or is it perhaps to be the other? This commitment is our sealing as God’s treasures, as his children in Christ. All those who have the seal of the Spirit have been set aside to be ‘soldiers of Christ, children of God, and citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.’ So, ‘do not grieve the Holy Spirit who has sealed you for the day of salvation.’

A VICTORIOUS MAN

On 25th February, 1908, sculling races (using Pakeha craft) were held on the Whanganui River. Hundreds and thousands of people, Maori and Pakeha, came from all parts of the world to watch. Tressider from Australia, a great competitor and the leading sculler from that country was present. But while Tressider is a great man at home, when he came to Whanganui he discovered that New Zealand had the greatest warrior, Webb. Webb won the two World Championship races and he is now the Champion.

[8] 

THE GISBORNE HOSPITAL

Dr Wi Repa has been appointed to the Gisborne Hospital. This man is from Ngati Porou and Te Whanau-a-Apanui. Previously he worked in the Hospital in the city of Dunedin. He spent two years working as a doctor there and because of his skill and knowledge the Chairman of Hospital chose him to come to this hospital. Now the illnesses of Maori who are sick will be carefully treated because the doctor is of their own blood. Best wishes to Dr Wi Repa and his fellow doctors working amongst their Maori people. This is a welcome from us and from your hapu on the Tai-rawhiti. ‘Welcome, son, welcome! Bring health for our bodies oppressed by the many sicknesses of Maori and Pakeha, by the darkness of the Maori World. Although we did not cherish you when you were at school, although you did it on your own, we recognize that you have become a man; and although it was your sweat alone that poured out as you sought this prize, although the glory and honour of getting your qualifications as a doctor are yours alone, please hold us in your affection. We will not deviate from your guidance and we will not think badly of you. Our great desire is to have you set apart as a doctor for Maori only; but the day will come when you will be set apart. Now we are committed to helping the young people of the Maori People who are seeking to following in your footsteps so that we might have some share in their honour. We say just this, son: Do not be weak or heartless in stretching out to those who remain of your Maori people.’

From Te Pipiwharauroa

and the whole Maori People.

SUPPLEJACK SEEDS FOR OUR BIRD

£1 Tuta Nihoniho; 10/- K Kaipuke; 5/- Te Urikore te Rito, Hamiora Akena, Eruera te Rore, Henare Rukuata, Ihaka Poi, Hemara Moana, Hori Korohina, Pare Kani, Tepene Wenerei, Hakaraia Mauheni, Apirana Pahina, Hohaia te Hoatu, K Kaipuke, Waaka te Huia, Whaaka Parakau, Aonui Hoariri, H M Wi Mutu, Rev J J Monfries, Hare Pumipi, Pahi Nerehona; 2/6 Hakaraia Mauheni.

KEEP WATCH, BE EXPECTANT

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

Greetings to you and your family. Greetings to you and your whole household. Such are my salutations. This is my reflection on the warning given by Hapeta Renata in ‘Te Pipi’, Number 117, words of caution to the tribes, the hapu, and to the assemblies. Father, greetings. My heart and my eyes look at the warnings about the many Churches coming here. But, Father, I also look at the answer given by our Lord when questioned by his disciples, the question in Matthew 24.3: ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the world?’ In that chapter we have Christ’s answer: ‘Because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold.’ Which leads me also to recall the words of the prophet Isaiah [sic] who said: ‘There shall fall to the earth nothing of the world of the Lord. (2 Kings 10.10, cf Isaiah 55.11).’ Although these words were for the household of Ahab, I think that all these words of the Old and New Testaments apply also to this generation. Father, at least at heart they have the same message. The prophet Daniel also says to Belshazzar: ‘You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting,’ [Daniel 5.27] and shall we be untouched? What is needed is that we be watchful. There is a proverbial saying,

Ka moe te mata hi tuna, ka oho te mata hi taua.
The eyes of the eel-fisher are closed in sleep but the eyes of those who fish for war parties remain open.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 1924] 

Best wishes to all of you who watch with concern. This is the time of testing which will reveal the truth of the truth and the wrong of the wrong. Let the words of judgement be spoken: ‘The Lord sits enthroned for ever, he has established his throne for judgement,’ (Psalm 9.7). Let me finish here.

Poari Riwai.

Puriri, Thames.

31st January, 1908.

[9] 

 A RESPONSE

Please publish the following article. We have seen the article by Hapeta Renata in ‘Te Pipi’, Number 117, in which Hapeta says, ‘The teaching of the Mormons is that the Bible was given to Joseph Smith, along with baptism by immersion and the holding of worship on Sunday.’ Those statements of yours are all true and Mormons certainly agree with all of them. As to some of the things you complain about and the errors you point out – the kinds of statements like those you make are just a waste of time. From the beginning of this Church it has been the object of weighty and serious criticism by people wiser than you but they have not succeeded. As for your criticisms they are very light, light as the feathers of a bird. I am sorry that you were not born in the time of Joseph Smith for then you would have seen the extent of the criticism and the persecution which went as far as violent attacks on and the murder of leaders of the Church. But it has not looked back, right up to the present day. It is growing strongly; its leaves are flourishing. Despite the mocking and the expertise of some other Churches in condemning it, they have achieved nothing. Had it been a work of man it would have disappeared. Perhaps you know about the trial of Reed Smoot who was tried by the American Government; a trial brought about by his enemies to prevent him from being a member of Senate. The trial went on for three years before his adversaries were defeated. After the defeat the prosecutor bringing the case against Smoot revealed that the clergy had instigated it. So, Hapeta Renata, if you who are a minister and publishing these allegations, who is going to listen to what you say? And, also, the Mormons have spread over this country. We all know you, the ministers, even those who have not yet joined the Church. We know that you are all called ministers. So you say, ‘Our baptism and our Sabbath are the same, but we are not in agreement.’ Yes, that is the case; there can be no fellowship between right and wrong, as with the Sunday. Our Sunday is the same but we know that you are not ministers of God for that Sunday. I have written enough. Best wishes.

P Hopere.

Tukupoto, Waikato.

27th January, 1908.

AN EXHORTATION

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

My friend, please load these words onto our bird for it to carry them to the marae it visits so that our friends can see what is being said in these times and what is happening in coming days and the new events of these days. Now, look back at the times of our parents and at how they acquired for themselves the great treasures of the Pakeha – ships, horses, flour mills – in those times. I believe that had we retained this aspect of their lives we would be well-off now. As things are now we have great difficulty in getting things, a difficulty of our own making. I said it was of our own making, for we still have the potential to achieve things. We have seen examples of that possibility when the Pakeha paid us 17/6 an acre and before long he had 100 acres. Not long after he paid us £1 an acre and before long he had 100 acres. After that we were paid £1/5/- an acre. The Maori working in these forests instead took to the booze. The [?haunga-ahi] of money and the possibility of leaving it to children was lost, as in the saying,

He tamariki moumou taonga.’ 
Children who waste possessions. [cf. Nga Pepeha 714] 

At this time when we are being urged to cultivate our own lands some hapu are taking action; some are ahead, some are just starting. So it is right to say, ‘Ngati Porou are farming.’ The Commission said that we should work hard and not take to drink, because a drunken people will not be able to get on top of it and overcome the power of alcohol, while a people who do not take to that drink will not be hindered as they become well-off. My friends, follow this right path; it is not far away. We followed that right path for three years to succeed. For many years we wasted our potential and one has not yet escaped but is still a servant to the Pakeha. Work what remains of your land to provide for your wife, your children and your family. So the blind have been awakened and the lame without eyes have not needed to be carried.

From your affectionate friend,

Popata Parione.

Te Araroa.

28th January, 1908.

[10]

 CALENDAR : March 1908

Day 3 ● 6h 27m a.m. Day 18 ○ 1h 50m p.m.

1 S First Sunday before Lent

Morning Evening

Genesis 9.1-20 Genesis 12

Mark 4.35-52 Romans 11.1-25

2 M

3 T

4 W First Day of Lent Psalms: Morning 6, 32, 38

Evening: 102, 130, 143 Read the Commination
†The 40 days of Lent are Fast Days. Use today’s Collect
every day before the Collect for the Day throughout Lent.

Isaiah 58.1-13 Jonah 3

Mark 2.13-23 Hebrews 12.3-13

5 Th

6 F

7 S

8 S First Sunday of Lent

Genesis 19.12-30 Genesis 22.1-20

Mark 8.10 – 9.2 1 Corinthians 1.1-26

9 M

10 T

11 W Ember Day

12 Th

13 F Ember Day

14 S Ember Day

15 S Second Sunday of Lent

Genesis 27.1-41 Genesis 28

Mark 12.13-35 1 Corinthians 7.1-25

16 M

17 T

18 W

19 Th

20 F

21 S

22 S Third Sunday of Lent

Isaiah 30.1-27 Isaiah 32

Revelation 5 Revelation 10

23 M

24 T Vigil

25 W Annunciation to Mary

Genesis 3.1-16 Isaiah 52.7-13

Luke 1.1-46 1 Corinthians 15.1-35

26 Th

27 F

28 S

29 S Fourth Sunday of Lent

Genesis 42 Genesis 43

Luke 4.1-16 2 Corinthians 1.23 – 2.14

30 M

31 T

RULES OF TE PIPIWHARAUROA

1. Te Pipiwharauroa is published monthly.

2. The cost of the paper is 5/- a year, payable by Postal Note or stamps.

3. When the shillings sent in by someone are used up then his paper will be wrapped in red; after two such postings of the paper it will cease to be sent.

4. It is acceptable to contribute articles from anywhere in the land, but it is for the Editor to decide whether to print them or not. Write clearly.

5. Address your letter like this: TO TE PIPIWHARAUROA, TE RAU, GISBORNE.

A NOTICE

To those wanting a Prayer Book or Hymn Book. I now have plenty of books. The prices are:

Large, soft cover 2/6

Large, red cover 3/-

Large, hard cover 4/-

Large, superior cover 5/6

Small, soft cover 1/-

Small, red cover 1/6

Small, hard cover 2/6

Small, superior cover 3/6

Prayer Book with Hymns, soft cover 1/6

Prayer Book with Hymns, red cover 2/-

Prayer Book with Hymns, hard cover 3/-

Prayer Book with Hymns, superior cover 4/-

Hymns -/6

I will pay the postage to send the books to you

H W Williams,

Te Rau, Gisborne

People wanting a Bible or a New Testament should apply to the Bible Depository Sunday School Union, Auckland.

Bible, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6. Enclose a postage stamp for 1/-.

New Testament with explanatory headings 2/6, 3/-, 4/6. Enclose a postage stamp for 3d.

Small New Testament with Psalms 2/-, 2/6, 3/-, 3/6, 4/-. Enclose a postage stamp for 3d.

Printed and Published by H W Williams, at Te Rau Printing Works, Berry Street, Gisborne, New Zealand.