The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1871.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 291, 9 December 1871, Page 2

The Nelson Evening Mail. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1871.

College Sports.— We have been requested to state that admission to the College grounds on the occasion of the sports to take place on Wednesday and Thursday next, will be by ticket, which may be obtained free of charge on application (o the masters, the senior boys, or Mr. W. M. Stan ton.

Narrow Escape from Fire. — The shop of Messrs. Wymond and Co. bar] a narrow escape from being burnt dowu last night, owing to the upsettiug of akerosine lamp, the oil from which speedily spread over the floor in a sheet of flame, which was not extinguished till a considerable quantity of goods had been damaged. Tkap Accident. — An accident of a serious nature occurred at ihe Port last night, when oue of the numerous vehicles that ply on that road was by some means or other driveu over the sea wall near the Custom House. There were several passengers in it at the time, one of them, a female, receiving some severe external braises, and a man named Thorne Retiiug several of his ribs broken. The trap, we understand, is the ssme one that, leeently attempted to moke a short cut through the Postoffice veranbab.

Opening of a Maori Church. — We recently mentioned that the Maories at Arahura had erected a neat little church at their own expense. Last week this was consecrated by the Bishop of Cbristchurcb, who, on bis arrival, was received in Maori fashion with a loud chorus of salutations, (.and with cries of welcome from the wjomen. He was accompanied, says the * West Coast Times,' by the Verj. Archdeacon Harper and Mr. Greenwood, fhe Agent for Native Keserves. His Lordship proceeded to the door of the church, where he was met by the chief men of the tribe, one of whom, Tainui, presented a petition, praying that the church might be consecrated, and an address composed and written by himself. The church was entirely filled, the front seats being occupied by a number of ladies and gentlemen who bad come from Hokitika to form a choir. In the space in front of the seats, Maoris were seated — native fashion — on the floor, and others were seated in the same fashion in other parfs of the building. The service commenced by the Bishop proceeding up the aisle reciting the 24th Psalm, alternately with the Natives in Maori. Nothing could exceed the hearty and musical regularity with which the natives responded. Being all provided with Maori prayer-bcoks, and quite conversant with the use of them, they were able to take an intelligent part in the service. The singing during the service was excellent, Mr. Stephens presiding at the harmonium. After the consecration service, nine Maoris were presented to the Bishop by their Native teacher, Te Kofq, for confirmation. They had been w v el!-instjjucied in the meaning of this solemn ceremon'yfand took their part in it with the greatest reverence and roost intelligent earnestness. Indeed, the Maori sets his brother, the white man, a good example of reverent demeanor in church, such as cannot fail to impress the spectator. The Bishop addressed them in a few very earnest sentences, which were rendered into Maori by Mr. Greenwood, who also conducted the greater part of the service in Maori. The following is a translation of the address referred to above : — This is an address from us, the natives of Wai Ponnamu, to you, on your coming hither to consecrate this Maori church, which has just been finished. Great is our joy, 0 Bishop, at your coming to ratify and give weight to the important work which is this day completed. We are also thankful for the kindness of our Pakeha friends in coming forward to countenance and encourage this work for the salvation of men's souls. Truly, O friend, there are two things with which the mind should be occupied, namely, life for the body and life for the soul. Behold the building which stands before you. This place was in 'darkness. The soul sought and there is light. You now see the desire of man to seek after life for the soul. And now, 0 friend, return to your place in peace. May the-igreat Shepherd be with you, and' the love of our Lord Jesus Christ for ever. Amen . From us the men of Poulini.