HISTORIC CHURCH THREATENED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 10

HISTORIC CHURCH THREATENED

MAORI BUILDING AT AROWHENUA VALUABLE RECORDS OF EARLY MISSION [From Our Own Reporter.! TEMUKA, September 14. South Canterbury people interested in the preservation of historic buildings are perturbed over the decision of the Maori authorities to demolish the old missionary church at Arowhenua pa just outside Temuka. This is said to be the oldest church in the South Island, and although it is in a dilapidated state it appears that without much expense it could be preserved as a very interesting link between fam-' ous Ngaitahu Maoris of the south and the pakeha. A proposal, at the moment agreed to by the Arowhenua runanga. is that this historic building should be pulled down and its timbers and roofing used for a tool shed. The Maoris at the pa now have a fine church built in modern style and have no use for the old wooden building. However, many people interested in preserving some of the traditions of the native race hope the old church can still be saved. It represents interesting associations with the spread of the notorious Hau-hau religion which swept all the native pas during the sixties and seventies of last century. The story is that this church was built as a worshipping place to combat the effort of the Hau-hau priests in the south. Round its walls run in native language the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer appears painted on a window covering in both languages, and in the cupboards are hymn books and copies of the Bible in

Maori. This literature alone appears to be well worth preserving,' for there are even Maori sermons recorded in manuscript.

The Maoris at Arowhenua have no sacrilegious motive in deciding to pull down the old church. They claim that they need the timber and iron. Many people in the district feel that some effort should be made to save the building, and, if not the building, at least the pulpit, lectern, Maori Beatitudes and literature.