TRIBUTE TO BISHOP BENNETT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3935, 27 April 1929, Page 2

TRIBUTE TO BISHOP BENNETT.

BY MR. J. LINKLATER, M.P. At the dinner to Bishop Bennett, (to which the press were not. invited), Mr. J. Linklater, M.P., extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the electorate to the Right Rev. gentleman. Mr. Liniklater said that the Bishop’s ministry was wellknown throughout the Dominion to Maori and Pakeha alike and both had been blessed thereby. “You are the first Maori Bishop, said Mr. Liniklater,” and you will worthily fill that high and important office. You have now a wider opportunity of working for the spiritual uplift of your own people. You represent a race which has won the admiration and respect not only of New Zealanders but of people throughout the world. In peace and war your brethren have shouldered the cause of right equally with the pakeha. Unitedly we are endeavouring to make this country a brighter Britain of the South. In every walk of life representatives of your race are worthily filling responsible positions, from Parliament down. iSir Maui Pomare carried out the arduous duties of Minister for Health with marked ability and in a spiritual sense you will accomplish much good to members of both races.” Mr. Linklater then feelingly referred to the bereavement which had befallen Sir Apevama Ngata, to whom he extended his sympathy and referred to the high esteem in which he was held in Parliament. Mr. Linklater also referred to the great sacrifices in the common gooff which had been made by the Maori people and instanced the gift of the National Park by Mr. Te Heuiheu Tukino and in Foxton the late Ihakara Tnkumaru had richly endowed the town with gifts of land.. Air. Linklater said he heartily joined with J the Maori people of this district in congratulating the Bishop upon his appointment and expressed the wish that the Bishop would he spared many years to fulfil his high calling and that God would give him strength and wisdom to carry ont the work lie was called upon to do.