DIOCESE OF WAIAPU.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1729, 21 April 1913, Page 8

DIOCESE OF WAIAPU.

The Bishop of Waiapu returned to Napier at the beginning of last week, after a visitation tour of -the northern -part of his diocese extending over two months. The Bishop rode from Gisborno to Opotiki, via the East Cape, visiting on the way Whangara, Tolaga Bay and district, Tokomaru Bay, Wnipiro Bay, Whareponga, Tupnroa and district, Waiomatitini, Port AwanuL Rangitukia, Te Ar.iroa, Hick's Bay, Wliangaparoa, Raukokore. To Kaha, Omaio, Jtaraenui, Torere. and Opotiki. .Tourneying from Opotiki by buggy, coach, and motor-car, the Bishop visited AVhakatane, Taneatua, B-uatoki, Matata, Te Puko, Tauranga, Rotorua, Jtamaku, Galataea, Waiotapu, Wairakei, Oruanni, and Taupo. Prom Tauranga the Bishop went over to Motiti Island in a fishing boat and stayed tho night on the island, holding a confirmation service in the evening. At many of the olaces visited, confirmations were held and separate services for Maoris and pakehas. The Bishop preached 87 sermons and delivered about 100 additional speeches and addresses. Four new Maori churches were opened in the Bay of Plenty district, viz., at Te Matai, I'aliou, Awaliou, and Oruanni. all free of debt.' and all fo n largo extent tho outcome of tho spiritual revival amongst the Maoris of (lie Bay of Plenty.

Tlin Bishop was allowed to liokl services on his recent tour in places which have been regarded as strongholds of liingaluism hitherto and wliich liavo been closed to the preaching of the Gospel. Many of thn Maoris who liavo been tho easy prcv of false prophets are beginning to realise tho emptiness of so-called religious which are really nothing more than opposition to the pakeha,' and the white man's religion and have no desire to see their children, following in their footsteps. Included in the list of about 200 Maoris confirmed 011 the tour were many who have recently renounced rin<raluism and embraced Christianity. The Bishop licensed 27 additional lay-readers to hold services nt the various kaingas ill (lie absence of the clergy.