EARLY MISSIONARY’S RETREAT

Shannon News, 2 March 1928, Page 2

EARLY MISSIONARY’S RETREAT

PRESERVATION URGED.

WANGANUI, Feb. 25

Carved in the papa on the hillside overlooking the Putiki Maori pa, in a commanding position, is the retreat of the late Rev. Richard Taylor, an early missionary amongst the Maoris on this coast. The retreat was fashioned to represent one of the English' cathedrals, and to this day its outlines are well defined, although it has been scarred in many places by the carving of. names of visitors. It was undoubtedly Wanganui ’s first church, and in it were the historical records which Mr Taylor compiled. A sketch of the retreat appears in one of Mr Taylor’s works. The entrance door has since been destroyed, and in winter nights cattle now sleep in the" I ‘cathedral.” Representations have been made to the Minister of Internal Affaiiis to have the historical spot preserved for all time, and the matter has now been referred to the Commissioner of Crown Lands for a report. _