Te Pipiwharauroa 72

Te Pipiwharauroa 72

No. 72

1904/02

(Maori Version at NZETC.)

[1] Te Pipiwharauroa, He Kupu Whakamarama, Number 72, Gisborne, February 1904.

THE WORLD OF HUMOUR

The Pakeha have a saying, ‘Wise people long sometimes for a funny story.’

A whale was beached at Pohakiu. While the people were cutting it up, Hamapiria was there on his horse watching them. He called out, 

‘E! o nga roto nunui ona tu kokopu.’
'Each large lake has its own kind of cockabullies.' 

But the most famous person for telling stories was Tuhoro; some of the grown-ups were upset by him. Most of what he said was said in the fashion of the elders of Ngati Porou. For example, when the elders want someone to go and fetch food they will say, ‘Come as food for us.’

Tuhoro met an elder on the road. What that elder said to him was, ‘Tu, why did you leave behind Wharekahika?’ Tuhoro replied, ‘Wasn’t it was too heavy?’

In the morning Tuhoro arrived at a village. One of his elders asked, ‘What are you?’ (that is, ‘Why have you come?) Tuhoro said, ‘A man!’ ‘Enough of that! You have come for something?’ Tuhoro said, ‘That’s right!’ The elder reached for a stick and Tuhoro fled.

When an elderly lady said to Tuhoro, ‘Light my pipe,’ Tuhoro took it and put it in the fire. When the old lady asked for her pipe it had been burned. When the woman whose pipe it was got angry, Tuhoro said, ‘It was you who told me to set it alight.’

‘Tu, have you seen my horse in that group of horses there?’ Tuhoro: ‘It may be there. I haven’t looked inside those horses.’

[The three following paragraphs are misplaced. They were part of a tribute to Tamahau which appeared in Te Pipiwharauroa 71. - Barry Olsen]

These are not wise words, but they serve to show the nature of the language – I do not say the failings of the language. Tuhoro was just making mischief. Is it for us as children to criticise the language of the elders? It is an arrogant child who criticises the speech of the elders. Let us not mistakenly think that the English Language provides a benchmark for the Maori language. This would be foolish. The Maori language did not emerge from English. Both are separate languages.

[2] 

RUSSIA AND JAPAN

The dispute between Japan and Russia has reached the point which is likened by the Pakeha to the sky being covered by black clouds so that soon it will have poured. The urgings and the letters setting out proposals for a good resolution have ceased. Russia’s response to the Japanese letter has arrived and the answer is the same as that given in the first letter which is that Russia will not withdraw from Manchuria. So it appears now that there will be a major conflict. Russian citizens in Japan and Japanese in Russia have been instructed to return to their own peoples and in a short while war will begin between those people alone but also between other people throughout the world perhaps because should another power help one of those nations, it may be that other powers will join in on one or other side because of the treaty between them. The English are the first power which will go to the aid of the Japanese, the two of them being allies in war, while the French would go to the aid of Russia. The relevant section of the Treaty between England and Japan is as follows: Should one of these powers go to war with another the other will stand by, but should two powers fight against the other, the other will join in to support its ally. We think that the Treaty between Russia and France is the same. The nation whose land is in contention is China. However it will be good if that nation remains uninvolved for should it go to the aid of the Japanese then under the treaty between Russia and France, France would have to go to help Russia, and that would lead to England entering this dispute. So England is preparing herself for an imminent outbreak of trouble should that situation arise. Should that happen such an earthshaking event could well have repercussions for us here. This trouble has not yet begun. This is a summary of what lies behind that trouble:

In 1895 Russia caused Japan to evacuate from Port Arthur.

In 1897 Russia seized that town (it is now her strongest garrison in those lands).

In 1900 Russia began to build up troops on the borders of Manchuria.

In 1901 the Boxer Uprising escalated. It was a war of some Chinese against the Chinese nation. At that time Russia thought that it would be a good time to send troops to Manchuria on the pretext that they were to protect Russian people there. After that war Russia swore to China that she would withdraw her troops when the troubles were over. At that time Russia asked permission from China to engage in trade and the importing of goods within the borders of Manchuria and that was agreed.

In 1902 China agreed to a request from Russia and some other powers that Russia could remain in the territory provided she swore to withdraw all her soldiers in eighteen months.

In 1903 Russia said that her soldiers would not be withdrawn from that land and that China should approve of certain other activities that had not previously been agreed. This demand can be seen as Russia assuming sovereignty within that land. Thereupon England, Japan and America urged the Chinese not to agree to that demand. It was not agreed. Russia then began to increase its power in that territory. At the request of the Chinese, Russia agreed to withdraw from the south of that territory by 8th October last, but they wanted to be given some other powers over that land.

From that time Japan saw that Russia had drawn near to places that were in Japan’s sphere of influence. Japan condemned Russia’s actions and stated that Russia should return to her own territories. The Chinese demanded that the Russians should leave their [3] land, but Russia’s response to their two requests was that they would not withdraw from that land. At that time the Russians arrived right on the borders of Korea, the country where Japan was the great power and the place on the mainland which was closest to its islands. This was when the quarrel escalated.

Russia wanted to take that land of Korea. Japan would be very damaged if Russia took that country. Although that land lies apart from Japan, it is Japan that has the most influence there, and it is like a Japanese colony. The English and Americans do not want that land taken by Russia because then the people of Japan would return to their previous ways. There would be no nation to stop Russia from her land-grabbing in that part of the world.

The strength of the two nations.

Russia / Japan

Land troops 4,600,000 / 600,000

Artillery 5,000 /700

Marines 94,000 /60,000

Naval vessels 188 /111

Not all of these would participate in fighting because some would be left to defend their own lands. The lands of Russia are many thousands of miles from the territories they are fighting over. The numbers of troops and battle ships that will participate in the war are likely to be:

Russia / Japan

Battleships 30 /22

Soldiers 200,000 /400,000

Later News

Fighting has begun between Russia and Japan. Russia accuses Japan of starting the war and criticised Japan for starting the fighting without a declaration of war. But it is clear that Russia fired the first shots. Two Russian battleships met with some belong to Japan which were guiding ships carrying Japanese troops to Korea. Those battleships decided to run from the Japanese. When they were blocked by the Japanese the Russians fired their guns at the Japanese. This was the first engagement. Those two Russian ships were defeated. One was set on fire, the other was spared. A French ship saved some of the people on board.

Afterwards the Japanese attacked Russia’s main base, Port Arthur. The first assault was at midnight on 9th February. Three Russian warships were destroyed, one by a torpedo and the other two by shellfire. Those warships were beached. On the next day the Japanese attacked the citadel. The warships were engaged in battle for a long time. The Russians were very brave. Some of the warships drew very near the Japanese but because of the accuracy of the Japanese gunnery they turned back. Four Russian warships were destroyed. Altogether nine Russian warships have been destroyed by the Japanese. Many other ships have been captured by the Japanese, cargo ships and mail boats. One of the Russians’ leading mail boats was seized by the Japanese along with some 2,000 soldiers. These were more soldiers that were taken on another of the ships captured by the Japanese. The Japanese are moving swiftly on land also. Seoul, the main Korean city, is full of Japanese soldiers. The main railway bridge in Manchuria has been destroyed by the Japanese with dynamite. Thirty Russians died on that bridge.

Two Japanese cargo ships were surrounded by Russian warships: one was sunk and the other released.

One Russian troopship was sunk when an undersea mine exploded. Ninety-six men died.

Some accounts say that 80 Japanese have been taken prisoner by the Russians during the land fighting at the Yalu River. We have not had verification of this account.

Eighty Russians died in the first sea engagement. Many were wounded.

The Russian General has asked the Russian Government for 300,000 soldiers for the war.

[4] 

 It is said that the Russians are treating very badly those Japanese who are living in their territories. The Japanese are treating the Russians very well. Word has gone out from their Government saying that the Japanese should treat Russians living in Japanese areas well.

The major powers, England, America, France and some others, have announced that they will not interfere in the fighting between Russia and Japan.

One of the small Russian battleships has been captured by the Japanese.

The Chinese have announced that they will not help either Russia or Japan in their war. (It is thought that this announcement is of little significance.)

One German cargo ship, one Russian cargo ship, and six Norwegian cargo ships have been seized by the Japanese. The reason why these ships were detained by the Japanese was that they were carrying dynamite and coal for the Russians. (This is one of the laws of war. If the ships of any nation are carrying cargo for a nation’s enemy then that nation is able to arrest and hold on to those ships.)

There has been much criticism of Russia for torpedoing and firing on one of the above ships which was carrying Japanese cargo when the flags of that ship had been lowered and when it sank the Russians did not go to save the crew and the passengers on board.

During the Japanese assault on Port Arthur, 4 Japanese were killed and 54 wounded.

The nobility of the Japanese. At Chemulpho immediately after the Japanese had fought with the two Russian warships, the English representative in that town asked that the Japanese in that town if they would not help 34 Russian soldiers who had suffered bullet wounds. The Japanese quickly agreed to the request. Those soldiers were taken to the hospital where the doctor who worked on them and the nurses too were Japanese.

Of the Russian warships put out of action by the Japanese, 11 were not well-equipped for fighting. These were the warships taken during the attack on Port Arthur during the night of 8th and during the day of 9th of this month. The Japanese attacked Port Arthur on 14th using torpedo boats. Two warships were struck. The Japanese said that two torpedo boats were involved in the attack on 14th.

Besides the warships the Japanese have captured 10 Russian ships.

Because Russia was fearful it ceded one of its cities to the French, but the English were angry and criticised Russia for this cession which appears to have been done to prevent it being attacked and also to free up soldiers for the fighting. Now Russia has raised its flag above that city.

Three Russian warships are lying in Port Arthur prepared for war. Most have been caught out by the shells of the Japanese.

(To be continued.)

OTHER NEWS

Pakeha! Pakeha! You are the ones who count the number of graves you have dug. An English newspaper says that one Englishman has dug 10,000 graves. His name was Charles Hammond [?Hamana]. He has died.

One child in England is exhibited now because of his size. The name of that boy is Johnnie Trundley. He is five years old and weighs 11 stone. He is paid £20 a week. He does not do anything in the theatre but simply sits on a stool.

On the night of Saturday, 7th February, a Whanganui Pakeha ended his fast. He is Felix Tanner. He fasted for three weeks. After those three weeks that Pakeha was weighed and it was found that he had lost 21 ¼ pounds. When he was questioned afterwards he said that the craving for food left him eventually; after the first four days he no longer felt hungry. The reason for his fast was to show that a person is able to go without food for many days should ship be wrecked at sea. He said that he was content to go without food if it was a help.

[5] 

OUR SALUTE TO OUR FATHER

Farewell father, go to you ancestors, to your parents, to the great tribe in the afterlife.

Farewell, our elder chief, the last of all our elders. You are the last. Farewell to the chief with great authority amongst all the tribes. Farewell to our shelter, the protector against the winds, [?ka mutu i a koe mai.] Te Aupouri, Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngati Whatua – you are the last. Go to the Creator, The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. From us, the hapu who attended his parting, Te Roroa, Te Hokokea, Ngati Ruanui.

On 27th December 1903 Te Rore Taoho entered upon the long sleep which is said to be death but according to the word of God he has passed from death to life. He died at Kaihu and on 28th was taken to Waipoua, Hokianga. Altogether 100 people brought him there, amongst them being the chiefs W Rikihana, R Wharerau, and Ngakuru Pana.

Rev W Te Paa was the minister. He was buried on 29th according to the saying, Dust thou art and to dust shalt thou return, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. These were his words of farewell.

'Sirs, gathered here, may your lives be blessed. Grace to the two of you, grace to your children, grace to my grandchildren, grace also to Rikihana, to Taunu, to Tehere, grace to Te Wharemate and his brothers and also to their parents. Sir, Ra, be so kind as to call the people to eat the food. It is for people to be compassionate. Do not object. It is by such action that a person is called a chief.

Sir, Riki here, be kind to your elder brothers. You are the one of all of you who is to be elder; it is known that the two of them will be guided by you into what is right. Family and others, goodbye and grace be with you.' (This is the end of these greetings.)

He turned to his children.

'Sirs, goodbye. Be kind the two of you to your mother; let your care for her be like mine. From the time we married up to the present I have never struck her with my hand. Show concern for my noble wife. Do not let the sun beat upon her; do not argue with her; do not let her want for food. My friend, along with our children, goodbye. You will no longer have a father.' (So much for these words.)

He sang the song:

There is Venus moving rapidly towards the peak, to the summit, to greet me

With unlimited love. We two were parted with the coming of the new year. [cf Grey Moteatea p.223 & Williams p.398 – tauhokai]

 
 Those who knew this song finished it, choosing then ideas within this song. (The song ended.)

He again spoke to them.

'Sirs, descendants, family, tribe, goodbye. Hold on to kindness, hold on to the faith. The important thing for you is the faith; eternal life is important, endurance is important . These, to me, are the important things for people. Now I am being parted from you. Goodbye.

May God bless us and keep us. May God make the light of his countenance shine upon you, my family, my tribe, now and always. Amen.'

So ended his greetings and words of farewell. There were four greetings in these instructions and then he finished, except for this prayer. After the four and the prayer he stopped speaking. Two days after these greetings his soul was taken. This elder was 84 years old or more. This is enough.

M T Taurere,

Kaihu,

January 14th, 1904.

…………………………………………

I write about one of the reasons why the Maori Church should help the Bible Society.

Consider James 1.17. How does it come about that these perfect gifts descend in abundance? Because the Giver sees that a person is generous in giving to his friends. Matthew 10.8. If anyone wants God to bless him greatly then let him begin by blessing his friends, and there is no greater blessing than the enlightening words of the Bible. The work of this Society is to use the money sent to it to provide Bibles for the people of the whole world. So support this work generously so that all will hear the words of Matthew 25.40.

I have the books for collecting money for this work.

May God bless you.

Pererika H Peneha,

Organiser,

Whanganui.

[6]

 THE CHURCH OF ROME

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

Let me point out some things to you. Those who have taught the Maori People wisdom are Pakeha solely.

Concerning St Peter and your saying that there is nothing in Scripture which says that he was made Head of the Church and that my eyes cannot find it – but, Editor, my eyes have seen it. Jesus Christ chose Saint Peter to be Head of his Church. He also gave him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16.18-19). The Head of the Church went to Rome. Jesus Christ had no reason to point this out. He also instructed the Apostles to preach to the whole world. And so the successors of St Peter all lived in Rome. So you say to tell you the reference. It is not right to dispute things that are not in the Scriptures. Look at the words of Jesus Christ in 2 Thessalonians 2.15. Now, young brother, stand up and grasp the things you have been taught by The Word or by our books perhaps. St John 21.25 says ‘there are also many other things that Jesus Christ did, and if all these things were written down, the world itself could not contain the books.’ And the Bishops of Rome have been made responsible for the Church’s teachings in every land from the beginning of the Church.

Concerning St Mary. God chose her as the mother of Jesus Christ and he would not disobey the words of his mother. We also do what she says. ‘From now on all generations shall call me blessed.’ But the Editor of Te Pipi is critical of practices in his own Church. Many people of the Church of England pray to the images of Saint Mary which stand in their own churches. Do not say that this is an invention. It has been observed by Pakeha eyes.

You are correct when you say that the Church of England has rejected the teachings of the Church of Rome but that is since the time of Henry VIII. These teachings were observed from the beginning of the Church in England – the confession of sins, the Mass, holy water, the sign of the cross, and other practices. Where were the Protestants up to the time of Henry VIII? You say that Bede was a Catholic. The writers of those days were only Catholics. Why were there no Protestants to be found in those days? It would help Te Pipi were he able to find who among the men of this world was given the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven besides St Peter who was the Head of the Apostles. And there are still Bishops of Rome and have been from former times. Pius X, in Rome, is the head of the Bishops. Enough, as I see it the Editor of Te Pipi does not know that Grotius was the cause of Germany falling away from the Church. Perhaps he does not know that there are 20,000,000 Catholics in Germany at this time.

Concerning your statement that Augustine was the first bishop to arrive in England in the year 597. Friend, there were Catholic bishops in England before Augustine. There was Palladius from 431. St Patrick arrived in Ireland in 432. My final word to you, Editor: study carefully the history of Ireland for the history of the Church in England.

Concerning your statement, Editor, which is in effect that Catholics worship Mary and that Mary is the Catholics’ god, I ask you not to be mistaken about this. You will not find the statement in the prayer books of the Catholics. Words such as these – ‘Saint Mary, our God, and God of the Saints’ – should you find such words in our books, send them for me to see.

One of your criticisms is that the wine is not given to the congregation at the Supper. I shall not answer this lest I go on too long.

However if you were to stand before me to debate this subject, within 20 minutes I would plug up your mouth. Don’t be angry, friend. That is the only serious thing I have addressed to you personally – but it is true!

Ngakuru P Haare,

Kaihu.

[7] 

CONCERNING THE CHURCH OF ROME – A RESPONSE

We have published Ngakuru Haare’s article so that he cannot say that we are afraid to publish it or that we have twisted it. Let him not think that we have done wrong. Ngakuru did not criticize our saying that a Pakeha put together the articles for him. Ngakuru, like all Catholics, is pertinacious when it comes to an argument. Their perception is that there is only one side, that which the priests taught, and they will not credit what others say. Whatever the priest says the Catholics believe, and it is not right for them to question whether their Church is right or wrong, and so they are not permitted to read the Bible. Consequently although Ngakuru has been defeated he will not acknowledge his defeat, since he will not admit the truth spoken by anyone who is not a priest. Indeed the words Ngakuru uses are Catholic words. Perhaps he does not know that the name given to the Son of God by most Maori is different. To him Ihu Karaiti is Hehu Kerito and Pita is Hato Petera – but the Catholics persist in using those names in their writings. Ngakuru has not read my article carefully, because I did not say that Peter was not the head of the Church. What I said was that there is no evidence that Peter visited Rome or that he was appointed head of that Church. Also, the Church of Rome was not the first Church. Many Churches were established before that of Rome, and when a Church was set up in Rome its authority did not extend to some of those others. Some of the Bishops of other Churches did not listen to the Bishop of Rome. It was afterwards that the Bishop of Rome sought to be Head of the whole Church. If Peter was the Head of the Church this does not give support to the Church of Rome, Rather, we know that at the great meeting at Jerusalem, James was the leader and not Peter. He was rebuked by Paul (Galatians 2.11). Ngakuru says, ‘The Head of the Church went to Rome.’ Where is the evidence in Scripture of this journey? Why did he go to Rome and not remain in Jerusalem? Why did the bishops in the past not take heed of the Bishop of Rome? How do we know the truth of non-Biblical writings? Some of the statements of the Church of Rome are fabrications.

Ngakuru says that Jesus would not contravene the words of his mother. This reveals your disrespect for the Bible. Was Jesus not moved to criticize his mother at Cana of Galilee? (John 2.4). Did Jesus not deny his mother when he said that his mothers were all women who do what his Father wills? (Matthew 12.48). Friend, if you read the Scriptures you will not be misled or believe the mistaken assertions of men, but you are [?e reira ana] by the priests lest you read the Scriptures and your hearts see enlightened.

I have not yet seen a church of the Church of England in New Zealand which has a statue of Mary with people praying to it. We leave to you your god. There is nothing in the Prayer Book showing that we should pray to Mary. If some Protestants pray to Mary then they have brought down by the devil. Your depictions of Mary are all wrong, They show her as a girl when a true picture would show her as elderly, an old woman. We know that Christ was nearly 33 when he was crucified so his mother had got old, whereas your pictures of Mary sitting in heaven show a girl of twenty.

It is very clear that the errors of the Church of Rome infected the Church of England and that the Church of Rome sought to subdue the Church of England. They were at odds right up to the days of Henry VIII when the wrong practices of the Church of Rome were rejected when the Pope sought to put himself above the King of England. Friend, Grotius was not a Mihinare [Missionary - Anglican]. You do not appear to know the meaning of this appellation Mihinare. This is the name the Maori People gave to the Church of England. Did Grotius belong to the Church of England?

[Note: Ngakuru seems to use Mihinare to refer to Protestants generally. – Barry Olsen]

I did not know that Palladius was appointed as a bishop for England. The land he preached in was Ireland; Patrick also preached there. Palladius and Patrick were of the Celtic Church which stood apart from the grasping Church of Rome. If the Church of England was Catholic before the arrival of Augustine, why did Pope Gregory send Augustine to convert the people of England to the Church of Rome? [8] Perhaps you know of the great meeting of the Church called by Constantine, the first Christian Emperor, held at Arles (Council of Arles) in AD 314, which was attended by three bishops from England? Those bishops were not from the Church of Rome and Constantine was not a Catholic. Indeed there was no Catholic church in those days but the Church of Rome sought to make itself chief of all the Churches subsequently.

The main person Catholics pray to is Mary; is this not worshipping Mary?

I shall not get angry at Ngakuru’s derisive statements that it would take only 20 minutes for him to shut my mouth. Boasting is what ignorant people resort to. Ngakuru knows that he will not see me and so he can bravely boast. You will not be able to speak unless you have been instructed by your Pakeha. Have you read Green’s History? From the way you write Maori you do not know how to write Maori and it is unlikely that you know how to write in English. Friend, it ia a Catholic prctice to seize upon esoteric writings. Your writings about Peter and [?Ruhiupuritia] are just that. Stick to those writing that are clearly true. I think we should stop filling up the pages of Te Pipiwharauroa lest we annoy the people whose treasure it is.

…………………………………….

On Tuesday, 16th February, Ruka Aratapu of Turanga entered upon his long rest. The Government made much of carrying this elder to his resting-place. All the soldiers in Gisborne were ordered to escort his body to the grave, in memory of his bravery and of his loyalty to the Government in the past during the time of war.

We have heard news that Henare Tomoana of Heretaunga, Member of the Upper House, has gone the way of all flesh.

[Farewell, elders. Farewell, farewell. Go to join the thousands and the multitudes.]

ABOUT FAITH IN THE WAIKATO

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

Greetings! This is an explanation of some words which have saddened our minister friend, Nikora Tautau. Perhaps we remember what that respected Reverend wrote in Te Pipi, No. 68. He said that from the year ’63 Waikato abandoned worship and it is now forty years since there has been a Maori church in this great area of Waikato. When he arrived with Rev Taimona in this area a church was erected at Te Pourewa. On reading those words I thought that I should set right the mistakes in them. I said that churches were erected by Rev Heta Tarawhiti and Hohua Moanaroa at Taupiri and Weraroa. These buildings were erected after 1872. I also said that the loyal people of Waikato held to the faith from 1863 right up to 1886. Rev Heta Tarawhiti belonged to many hapu and they supported the building of the church at Taupiri. Rev Taimona Hapimana again saw that church. The bell from that building has been taken to Te Pourewa. Now we have the disclosures [?kupu whaaki] of Rev N Tautau in which he demands that I withdraw the words of correction I published in Te Pipi No. 69. In Te Pipi No. 70 Nikora says that I must withdraw my words, and if I do not withdraw them he will call upon the tribes, the languages, the hapu, not to let their hearts listen to those words. But I am in the same position; there is no explanation from Nikora saying where what I said is wrong. If he holds the same position even though churches were built and the faith maintained after 1863, why did he write about it? His purpose was to drag out from people money for their collection. And why indeed do you confine your words of praise to Ngati Tamaoho only? Did you not include all Waikato? I shall not agree to hide the good works of my parents and my hapu who have died in order to persuade people to part with their money. The Hauhau have their own kind of prayer, the Pao Miere. Nikora cites Te Tariao and other Hauhau worship as evidence of the truth of his religion, and even says that Te Awhenga and Kingi of Ngati Apakura opposed him. [9] Now those people and those religions were not all loyal. Nikora says that Mr Whiteley was shot but this was not done by the loyal people of Waikato; he was struck by Taranaki at Pukearuhe south of Mokau. I cannot see that these assertions by Nikora are true signs that what I said was wrong. Only one thing Nikora got right, which is that I and my people Ngati Whawhakia went over to the Mormon religion. But I have already explained that, from the year 1886, people scattered to the Mormons and other religious groups. Nikora knows that, otherwise why did he say that from ’86 people stopped believing in the Church of England. If that is what he said he is right. Nikora and Taimona Hapimana know that many of Heta Tarawhiti and Hohua Moanaroa’s people went over to the Mormons. Had that Church not been familiar to Waikato then Nikora would see that we would still be in the Church of England now. I cannot agree with the proposition that our being Mormons is evidence that what he says is true when he says that worship stopped in ’63 and that Waikato did not build churches.

Nikora says that Heta Tarawhiti went to the grave weeping over my departure to the Mormons. You who read Te Pipiwharauroa need to know that we got to know the Mormon Church in 1886 and joined it. In the year 1896 our father, Heta, made a will. I was one of those who inherited his possessions. I was also the executor of the will, and that will was registered correctly in all respects according with the wishes of my father. Is this good reason to say that my father went weeping to his grave when he died in 1898? I strongly reject this statement by Nikora. Why should he go weeping when he knew that this also is a way of worshipping God? This is not some Church gathered around some false beliefs. We are like the people who live at Te Paina and who are collecting money to build a church. What they believe is similar to what is taught by Wereta. This is what Wereta says. He belongs to all Churches that worship God. This is what upholds Ngati Tamaoho as they seek to build that house. That hapu has truly gone over to Wereta. I saw Wereta there last June. The apostles are the elders of Ngati Tamaoho, and I also saw two of the sick die in the week when Wereta was the tohunga. Therefore I said that I don’t want to see the worship of the loyal people of Waikato denied in order to cadge money to build churches for all the Churches that Wereta favours. Ngati Tamaoho was a devout hapu in recent times when Tamati Tamahua was their minister. All the many hapu living at Te Paina were worshippers. There was no thought of building a church there. Consequently my heart is critical when support for the Church of England is stirred up by Wereta. Nikora also said that if what Roka said was true and that Waikato maintained worship until now he was wrong. Why then does he deny the truth of my words? I also spoke out so that the tribes would know that a people who had abandoned the faith had returned to love and embrace it. If it is the case that Roka is troubled, I don’t think it is right for the two of us to continue the discussion. Christ says that the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Now, my friend Nikora, I criticize your dismissal of the works of my parents and my tribe that they did after ’63 because more people died in the Church of England before the Mormon Church arrived and achieved the end. I did not say that your first statements were untrue but you are responsible for eliciting from me such earnest corrections. I am amazed that my words of respect for his Church should cause the flaring up of such anger in my dear friend. I was not so arrogant as to seek the honour of the Mormon Church, but his words will subvert his own Church.

Although our dear friend went out of his way when he wrote to confess and to declare to the world that I, the daughter of a minister, had gone over to the Mormon Church, the thing that I really dislike is that he does not believe my words of explanation. I do not deny, yes, that I have joined that Church. I believe in the Eternal Father, his Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit also. [10] This Church will not put together spurious articles in order to get something. Nikora says that perhaps the posts of Heta Tarawhiti’s church were of flax and the floor of docks since he did not see it at Pourewa. My friends, perhaps Nikora did not wear his glasses and that gave rise to his distorted view that Pourewa was the place where the church was built. This statement is very wrong. It would be better if Nikora went back and read his Pipi and not accuse me of saying things I did not say. If he is querying that church built at Taupiri, let him leave it to Rev Taimona Hapimana to publish a rebuttal of my statements. Although Heta did not build a church at Pourewa he gave his piece of land for the church. It was a verbal gift and the land is tied land.

It was through the teaching that the Mormon Church has given me that I have been able to complete satisfactorily this submission. What is wrong with the Mormons? Best wishes to you all.

From your friend,

Roka H Hopere,

Taupiri, Waikato.

[Although all the publishers of Te Pipiwharauroa belong to the Church of England we think it right to publish Roka Hopere’s article. As we see it there is no reason why Nikora Tautau should be hurt by Roka Hopere’s first article. Her writing is kind, it is an explanation, and she does not discredit Nikora. She said, ‘It is understandable that Rev Nikora Tautau should be mistaken as he is a complete stranger to Waikato, having arrived after 1886.’ Roka’s wish was to exclude the loyal people and her parents from the charge that from ’63 the faith died in Waikato. Let us end this dispute peaceably. We are sad that Roka abandoned the gift of the ancestors, the Church of her parents, and went to a new religion. She says that the Mormon Church calls upon God. Who does the Church of her parents, which she has left, call upon? But Roka has the days to come in which to think, and perhaps she will return to the ancient Church. It is for her to take up the gift of her father who continued to love her even though she left his faith. – Editor]

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

Greetings. 

Please send these words for everyone to see. There were some words from Nikora Tautau in Te Pipi No. 70. He asked that Roka Hopere of Taupiri withdraw her statement in which she said that the assertion by Nikora Tautau that worship ceased in Waikato in 1863 was wrong. Nikora also said that if Roka did not withdraw her words he would call upon the tribes, the hapu and the languages, not to believe Roka’s statements. Now I belong to those hapu which Nikora designates and I therefore likewise criticize what Nikora Tautau says. I am someone who was brought up in the Church of England. Heta Tarawhiti was our Maori minister and Mr Ashwell our Pakeha minister. From 1863 until 1886 we had a big church at Taupiri where the loyal people from Waikato gathered after 1863 and held to the faith. When the Mormon Church arrived the people divided. We collected money for that church which was built by Pakeha carpenters. Many hapu supported that building.

Te Hangi Rawhiti,

Of Ngati Tai,

Opitomu, Coromandel.

………………………………………………

On 5th February I received £26 sent by Rupuha Te Hianga. It had been collected by the people of Te Waipurau, Waipawa, Turanga, Tokomaru, Hiruharama, and Te Hauauru. May God bless his people who have taken to heart the church which I wrote of before asking that you help it, a church for Te Paina. I think it is similar to the people of whom Solomon spoke when he commented on the generosity of the poor in raising money for Jehovah. There may be some other project of love to be adopted and supported.

Nikora Tautau

[11] 

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

Greetings, my friend! Best wishes to you. May the invisible God protect and bless you always. Such are my greetings.

These are a few words for you to load onto your bird for him to publish to the tribes, the hapu, the dialects, and to all the assemblies of people living on this earth.

In 1897 a Church sprang up. It was called The Seventh Rule of Jehovah and the Prophet of that Church is Haimona Patete. In this island it was supported by the hapu of Ngatiawa of Waikawa and Ngati Kuia of Anakoha. A hui was held on 20th October last. A letter was written by the Prophet of the Seventh Rule of Jehovah commanding Ngati Kuia to get out and to seek another Church for themselves and Ngati Kuia have obeyed that command, and Ngati Kuia have sworn an oath about that Prophet and all his assistants under him that they should not come within the boundaries of Ngati Kuia to preach that Rule. The main purpose of that Rule was proclaimed in 1897 by its Prophet. It provides a medium for tohunga, and because of the strength of the laws suppressing the activities of tohunga the Prophet changed things. It is called a Church, and we now see in action the deceitful practices of that Prophet who is called Haimona.

Since part of the Council Act of 1900 applies to Ngati Kuia, today they have joined up with the Church of England as the right Church for them within the Council.

From Ngati Kuia

Living at Anakoha,

Pelorus Sound.

……………………………………

149 people died in the water in New Zealand in 1903.

Fiji is a very unfortunate land. They suffered a fierce hurricane which lifted up houses as if they were bird’s feathers and simply carried them along. Houses were blown under the hills and onto mountains to lie there. One of the people from there points out that making good the damage done by that single blast will cost nearly £50,000.

NOTICE

A Bible Sunday for the Whole World

It has been arranged that 6th March 1904 should be a day on which all the Churches give thanks for the great love of God in giving the Bible to the world, from which has sprung unnumbered blessings. Many have agreed that the prayers and the collections on that day should be for the work of printing Bibles. We ask Maori to consider their own response to that day.

Pererika Peneha

Organiser.

A HUI FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.

This is to inform the Parishes and the authorities of the Tai Rawhiti within the Diocese of Waiapu (besides those authorities further afield who are interested):

The dedication of St Matthew’s Church will be held at Tuparoa on 9th April 1904. Come along for that day. On Sunday 10th April the church will be opened. That is also the day on which the synod for the Waiapu area will be held at Tuparoa.

There is only one object in this invitation – the collection of money to ease the difficulties of this building. There have been colonial funds lying about over past years - if each authority makes a great contribution there will be a worthwhile result on that day.

Besides seeing one another and talking, when people’s faces light up the talk is fruitful.

Hati Pakaroa,
Pene Heihi,

and the whole Colony.

[12] 

CALENDAR : MARCH

Day 2 Full Moon 2h 18m p.m.

Day 17 New Moon 3h 9m p.m.

1 T

2 W

3 Th

4 F

5 S

6 S Third Sunday of Lent

Morning Evening

Genesis 37 Genesis 39

Mark 7.1-23 Romans 15.1-13

7 M

8 T

9 W

10 Th

11 F

12 S

13 S Fourth Sunday of Lent

Genesis 42 Genesis 43

Mark 11.1-27 1 Corinthians 6

14 M

15 T

16 W

17 Th

18 F

19 S

20 S Fifth Sunday of Lent

Exodus 3 Exodus 5

Mark 14.1-53 1 Corinthians 11.1-17

21 M

22 T

23 W

24 Th Vigil

25 F The Annunciation to Mary

Genesis 3.1-10 Isaiah 52.7-13

Luke 1.1-46 1 Corinthians 15.1-35

26 S

27 S Sixth Sunday of Lent

Exodus 9 Exodus 10

Matthew 26 Luke 19.1-28

28 M Monday before Easter

Lamentations 1.1-15 Lamentations 2.1-13

John 14.1-15 John 14.15-end

29 T Tuesday before Easter

Lamentations 3.1-34 Lamentations 3.34-end

John 15.1-14 John 15.14-end

30 W Wednesday before Easter

Lamentations 4.1-21 Daniel 9.1-20

John 16.1-16 John 16.16-end

31 Th Thursday before Easter

Hosea 13.1-15 Hosea 14

John 17 John 18.1-36

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

Hymns -/6

Clergy requiring Hymn Books can contact J Upton, Auckland, and the price will be less.

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.

SUPPLEJACK SEEDS FOR OUR BIRD

5/6 Mr F Russell; 5/- W T Prentice, Hapurone Pawa, P Hopere, Reihana Moari, Ngakuru P Haare, R Tamepo, Tame Eramiha, Tiopere Tamaa Roha, Peattae [sic], M Maihi; 2/6 Rutene Eramiha, Willie Thomson, R Ihaka.

H W Williams, Te Rau Press, Gisborne.