GLEANERS UNION

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2172, 30 August 1907, Page 4

GLEANERS UNION

The following is an extract from the latest Gloaners’ Alagazine:—ln the course of a very interesting address given by the Bishop of AVainpu at Tauranga, the history of the Maori Mission was traced from tho time that the two convicts seized tlisj brig “A r enus,” at Port Dalrymple, Tasmania, and sailed for New Zealand, touching first at the Bay'of Islands. The action of these two men in carrying off two Native women and subsequently landing them on the East Coast, led to fierce conflict between the Northern and East Coast Natives. But good evolved out of the seeming evil, for tho slaves carried away from the East Coast by the Bay of Island Natives came under the sound of tho Gospel, and after some years received tho truth, and when carried back to their homes under the charge of the late Bishop AVilliams, sot to work to teach their heathen brethren. In those days the missionaries’ work was more stimulating and encouraging than at the present time, for those Natives amongst whom they labored were eager to hear and receive the truths proclaimed to them. Now-a-days the Alaoris, liko many of their European brethren _ seem to have grown callous and indifferent in the midst of many privileges and blessings.