MAORI MISSION WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 25, 30 January 1903, Page 2

MAORI MISSION WORK.

TO THB EDITOR. .Sir,—May I, through jour columns, call the attention of the public to a work which is in need of support ? For three years past a quiet work has been carried on for the mdfral and spiritual welfare of the Maoris in this district. While thankful to be able to report a certain amount of progress, all who are familiar with the natives of the district will realise how much remains to be done. lam glad to be able to announce, that through the kindness of friends in the Waiapu Diocese, we have been able to secure the services of a well trained Maori Evangelist and his wife to assist in the work. It may be of interest to those who knew Mr Ware Waitai and the late Mr Cartwright, to learn that this Maori Evangelist was the person who dived some distance into the sea when he saw that Mr Waitai had sunk for the last time during the boating catastrophe a few months ago at Gisborne. He came out on one of the small tugs, but the sea being too rough the tug was not able to approach within easy reach of tlio.se in the water. lie saw where Waitai sank, and swimming to the spot j he dived some 12 or 15 feet, and catch- j ing him by t'ae jersey pulled liiui to the surface. Just as he got to the surface another of those who had been' capsized sank. He caught him also, j and holding two men with one hand I he used the other to battle against the I water and keep them all afloat. After some time he succeeded in getting hold of a lifebelt from the tug (which was in great danger on account of the rocks and breakers), and tying the rope around.his wristj and still holding on to his two friends, the tug dragged them out of the breakers and then up to the side of the tug. Thus, through the heroic effort of Ropere Tahuriorangi, two men were rescued from the very jaws of death. Such is the man who is now amongst us, and who has given up his own home and people for the purpose of doing all he can for the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Maoris in our district. May I add that the garden party to be held at Bell Block on Thursday afternoon next, is for the object of raising funds for the erection of a house for Mr Ropere and his wife, and for providing him with the necessary means for getting about the country and accomplishing the work upon which he has set his | mind. Mr Ropere and his wife are here, but at present they have no place they can call home. But as soon as wo can raise sufficient funds we shall erect a small house for them a little north of Wiiitara, The need for funds is urgent, and I trust it is only necessary to mentio i it, aid all who have the welfare of the Maoris at heart will willingly respond. —Yours sincerely, F. A. Bennett. Bell Block, January 28th, 1903.