The Maori and the Missionary.

Manawatu Herald, 16 February 1904, Page 3

The Maori and the Missionary.

In a speech at the Anglican General Synod at Auckland, the Ven-Arch-deacon Williams pointed out that mission work had suffered an almost fatal blow by the Maori war, which had justly been described as a most iniquitous war. The missionaries had been taunted by the natives that it was they who had been the means of introducing the English soldiers to out them down. He remembered well when almost every Maori village had its chapel, whereas now there was largely indifference, and the name of Englishman was heartily hated in many places among the Maoris. Not until the Bishop of Christchurch introduced the bill now under consideration had the Church recognised her responsibility in this important matter. Speaking of the natives helping themselves, he vouched for the self-reliance of the natives of Hawke’s Bay. He was confident that when the natives saw that interest was being taken in them, they would readily and loyally respond to appeals and would give great help. There were, alas, just grounds for the feeling that existed among the natives that they had not been justly treated ; but he felt that if the Board proposed to be constituted at the Synod were successfully formed and got into working order, it would do much to dissipate the old bitter feeling.