A LINK WITH THE PAST

Chronicle (Levin), 11 May 1949, Page 2

A LINK WITH THE PAST

Post Office Clock Nears Its Fiftieth Birthday "The clock on this building was erected by friends in memory oi the late Emily McWiLiam, who died May 4, 1899." This inscription under the clock on the Otaki Post Oflice last week served 'to remind those who knew her of a true pioneer of the last century. Mrs. McWilliam, nee Miss Emily Nevill, was married to the Rev. James McWiliiam in 1873, and spent the rest of her days in Otaki ministering to the needs of her feilows until taken to Te Aute College, for health reasons, shordy prior to her demise. The clock was subscribed for by the people of Otaki. The Maori members of the community hac hoped that a striking clock to mark the voice of their Christian • f riend would be erected, and they were keenJy disappointed when funds subscribed dM not realise the amount necessary for their wishes to be acceded to. The clock was first erected on 8 stand where the public phone box now is, and was moved to its present lofty position when the post office was erected about 1900. The Rev. James McWilliam arrived in New Zealand from Aber•deen in 1853, and was ordained as deacon by Bishop Abraham, the first Bishop of Wellington, in 1867 Four years later he was ordained as a priest by Bishop Had.field whom he later succeeded in the charge of the Maori Mission at Otaki. For some years prior 'to this Mr. McWiTiam had occupied th position of schoolmaster at the Native College, assisting meanwhile in the conduct of the Maori anc European services in connection with the church. Records dated 1897 regarding the church make interesting reading and state : "The Church of Ehgland in Otaki was founded as a missior to the Maoris under the auspicer of the Church Missionary Society of London in 1839 by the late Rev Henry Williams. At that time there were no roads and no means of transit other than that available by M°.ori labour. It is s mystery how they sucdeeded ir bringing the'Three solid totara trunks, which support the roof ^ the building, some twelve miles to • the site, and more wonderful sti to imagine how they placed them in position. The church is partially seated so as to be available for European services. while as many as 1000 natives have been accommodated within the building. Adjoining the church is the missioTn house, occupied by the clergympu who was in charge of the district " A knowledge test, when. the c^ck was discussed. can be recalled. The headmaster of the local school was discoursing on local knowledge, and asked his class how many could tell him what sort of letters were on the post office clock, which all sca.nned several times during each day. Several answers were forthcoming, but the class was toffi to look again at the clock on their way home from school. The next morning revealed that not one of the answers given had been correct.