METHODIST MISSION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 24 November 1927, Page 4

METHODIST MISSION

105th ANNIVERSARY. CELEBRATION AT TARADALE. The celebrations of th B 105th anniversary of the Methodist Maori Missions in New’ Zealand were continued last night w’hen there was a large and appreciative audience in the Taradale Town Hall to meet the party t of talented Maori artists who are travelling with the Rev. A. J. Seamer, general superintendent of the Maori Mission Department. The the party was extended a coi dial wecome an eloquent and spiriftd response being made on behalf of the Maoris by the chief. Make Rowiti Wharehuia. Mr Seamer, in the course of an in teresting address in which he sketched the history of Maori Missions in New Zealand, said that the Rev Samuel Marsden brought with him a number of laymen and their wives and families to the Bay of Islands, where they established a missionary station to demonstrate that the missionors wens of an entirely different type of man from the whalers. OBSERVANCE OF SUNDAY. Through the influence of Samuel Lee, a Methodist mission was established along with the Atiglican mission. They worked in complete harmony and between them preached the gospel throughout the greater part of the North Island. Local missions were later set up in various places by the Roman Catholic. Church, and all three churches succeeded in'win ning many of the Maoris to Christi anity. There was a time, said Mr Seamer, when the Maori observed the Sabbath as God would have it kept. They were taught that it was a sacred day on which they should not work. With lhe advent of a large European population. many of whom openly break the Sabbath, the Maoris do not know exactly where they are. Ho would like to see the throe original churches combine in an effort to have the Sabbath sacredly observed. Mr Seamer then referred to the Maori population of the Dominion, stating that it was pleasing to note that the last census showed that an increase was taking place. ENJOYABLE CONCERT ITEMS, The chief in the course of a witty and entertaining address, dealt with many phases of lif e and conditions appertaining to the Maori race, and made a strong appeal for the fullest sympathy and co-operation of the pakeha for Maori advancement. In their extensive program™ , -insisting of hakas, poi dances, wa.atas, instrumental items, and hymn singing. the members of the party were most versatile, the programme being thoroughly enjoyed by all. “Waiata Poi” (Frederick Hill), Miss Mero Poihi and the Chief, being a particular favourite. It was understood that the party will give a number of sacred selections at next Sunday evening’s service at the Methodist Church, Hastings.