HISTORICAL OTAKI

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 3 September 1919, Page 3

HISTORICAL OTAKI

AN INTERESTING EVENING. There was a fairly good attendance at the fortnightly meeting of the Otaki Literary and Debating Club, held on Monday night last at the Druids’ Hall, the Rev. Petrie (president) in the chair. The subject for the evening was “Historical Otaki,’’ Mr Frank Penn presenting the matter for same, which largely comprised extracts from various historical work’s, together with personal reminiscences of old settlers and miscellaneous notes. After some introductory notes, Air Penn read a short, description of the Maori settlement of this district, and the migration of the pigatitoas and Ngntiraukawa Maoris from Kawliia; also a brief resume of the Mission work in Otaki. Articles written by the late Bishop Hadfield dealing with the erection of the Maori church, “ Rangintea, ” at Otaki, another re Te Rauparaha, and a third giving particulars of a memorable Native gathering at Otaki-in ISSfI, to celcbratff the 40th anniversary of the opening ot' the .Mission, were read by Mr B-. Brown, who also read a most interesting article, which appeared itr onc of the. school journals, lolling how the j hoisting of a Union .Tack (made under \ extraordinary circumstances), in Otaki ' in ISti.'i prevented an outbreak of war. I Other articles read by Air Pena dealt I with the life of Te Rauparaha and “Bill’’ .Jenkins, while a number of personal notes were given, having reference to several of the earlier Native ministers. Archdeacon Williams, Rev. .1. MeWilliam, the late Mr Titos. Bevan, Messrs “Jeff” Eagar, Kipa te Wliat- j nui. Airs AlcClelund. and others. Rev. G. F. Petrie read a racy descriptive | article about “Bill” Jenkins, written by Mrs Malcolm Ross, while the Rev. Blathwayt read a paper describing the way in which the Gospel was first carried to the Natives of this district before Bishop Iladlield reached these parts. Altogether it was a very interesting • meeting. „ It was decided to alter the syllabus slightly, this being necessary owing to the Rev. Blade being away from Otaki for a few months. Next meeting night was changed from Monday, September loth, to Friday, l'Jth, when a “Children’s Evening” will be held. All- Byron Brown was appointed to act ns editor of the journal in Rev. Blade’s absence.