The Marsden Centenary

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 August 1915, Page 3

The Marsden Centenary

Erom tho annual report of tho .British and Foreign, liible Society The Chronicle notes that ''many were looking forward to the celebration of the of the centenary of tho hrst 'preaching of the Gospel in , . New Zealand on Christmas Day, 1814, and a good program was drawn up to celebrate tho occasion at Oihi, Bay of Islands, on Che very spot whero Samuel 'Alamden held that memorable service and proached to the benighted aborigines—but ■the war completely disheartened the promoters, and so things were allowed to drop almost entirely. Nothing was done to ; assist intending visitors, and as Oihi is a somew'hat out of tho way place to get to and quite deserted comparatively few were there. Bishop Averill, with seven Maori and seven English, clergy , with perhaps ono hundred Maoris and two hundred English wore all who came together at that sacred spot on Christmas. 1914; but though tho numbers wore small yet a very pleasant time was spent on tho spot. Anticipating a demand for scriptures the agent had obtained from London some hundred*;, oi beautifuillybound copies in Maori, but tho sales have been small. Maoris are so accustomed to 'have these gifts given to them free, by "•well intending but thoughtless friends, that, though well .ablo to do so, they hesitate to buy, ffoping someone will conic along and give them a copy. When, Hie report concludes, will persons learn that indiscriminate giving is a bad policy;" ,