GLEANERS’ UNION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2118, 28 June 1907, Page 2

GLEANERS’ UNION.

WORK AMONG MAORIS

Following is an exti'act from the Missionary Gleaner for April 19tli: Miss BaigentjWhareponga, writes: J.ii November 'last a pri’ze-giving was held, and was presided over by the ltev. J. Blackburn, of Waipiro Bay, who spoke very encouraging and

helpful words to the children. Hymns —Maori and English— were sung, recitations given, and the prizes—chiefly Bibles and prayer books —distributed by Mr. Blackburn. Then followed a “liakari” (feast)_ outside

on the grass, the usual, or I should say, in this case—unusual —scramble, and games until dusk, when the happy gathering dispersed. Many c. these children show their colors, and are bright examples to others. It is pleasin'? and encouraging to see thengood influence exercised both in the schoolroom and in the playground. The children can now take a n intelligent part in the Church service as far as the end of the Psalms. On

ouuuay last, a reel rue service neia ill u'.'.e pretty little Dative church, one of die girls came to me jin great glee, saying that ‘she heard the minister say in Maori, ‘Oh, come let us sing unto the Lord a new song,’ just the same as we have in English!” The harvest indeed is plenteous and the laborers few among our Maori brethren, so prone to lay hold of that which is evil instead of good. Ignorance and superstitition, gambling and drunkenness, run riot. It is a saddenin'' sight to see men of such fine physique, “made in God’s own image,” destroying themselves both physically and spiritually, through their love of strong drink and of gambling—whole days and nights being spent over the latter —so imbued are both the men and women with this evil. And what takes place in this pah is, also, only too true oi others also. Wllat can be expected o v the rising generation, too many of -them, alas ! .find an -.early crave.

vi i/uvui, awj . au'>caj.jj gidvf. Diseased children; born of diseased parents, or deatli caused through ignorance and mismanagement. “Injudicious feeding” is so often the verdict pronounced by the doctor when called in to see a sick cliild. Where

are the “mothers in Israol” who could do so much to help our Maori sisters whom wo find so willing to learn, and-who will trust you implicitly once you gain their confidence : There is n glorious field for work and an urgent need for whole-hearted workers. Are there not some who, having accepted the gracious “Come ye” will also harken to the tr Go ye" and say,“Here am I, Lord, send me.” Brethren, pray for us.