HOME MISSION SERVICES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2264, 8 October 1891, Page 4

HOME MISSION SERVICES.

The public meeting held in the Wesleyan Churchj Temuka, on Monday evening, in connection with Home Missions was of an interesting character. There was a very large attendance, not only of . adherents but of members of other denominations, and also of Maoris. The Rev. J. Dellow presided, and the meeting opened with prayer and praise. After the singing of a hymn in Maori by the ' natives present, the chairman read extracts from the Home Mission report, referring in feeling terms to the fact that that it was compiled by the Rev. Alexander Reid, who had now ended his labors and entered into eternal rest. -Theextracts dealt with the general work among the Maoris, ahd showed that much progress had been made. The Rev. Firipiri Rakena then sang a „ viery old Maori: hymn, nfter which he delivered ah address, which 'the Rev. Mr Hammond, Native Missionary, interpreted. He commenced with words of greeting, and then referred to the condition of the Church through the islands. He,v'spohe pi the progress ; of the Scotch incite south, and expressed pleasure' at seeing the strength of the Wesleyan community further north. In graphic language, and with manp figurative expression;!, he, pointed out the line of Christian duty. He compared the old days—when the rule was “ An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth ” —with the newer ones under Gospel dispensation. He then spoke of hia -native home,,de7 scribing it very forcibly. Upon its shores the waves broke boldly, and the natives called it a “boy” tide from its strength. The smoother ocean on the East Coast they contemptuously called a “girl” tide. He traced the history of Christianity among the Maoris from its « introduction' by the earlier, missionaries. Then wonderful scenes occurred, people were so impressed that they came in numbers to listen, and as many as twenty - and thirty converts were made in a day. Ho work whatever was done on so that the whole day might be devoted to worship. Then the Bay of Islands wars broke out, sickness followed, and there was much distress. People lapsed from their faith, and abw it took ministers all they knew how to win them back. In his own district they were building a . chinch and; endeavoring by all means to weaii people from drink and other vices. ■ Their labors were sadly interfered with by the prevalence of amusements, such as football and dancing. He especially condemned dancing, and gave a Maari version of its origin, derived from some of V,the earlier missionaries. ; Ift his district all were not alike devoted to the Gospel. There were many who were well instructed, but others were very ignorant, and needed theservices of _ ministers. They were not but ignorant of the lull meaning of the Gospel. Heccmeluded by asking the prayers of the congregation for these poor j people, and wished them the blessing; of God. He then addressed a few words to the natives present. The Rev. Mr Hammond also delivered a brief address to the natives, and then proceeded to give much interesting information about, mission work. He eulogised the early work of missionaries, and spoke, from his own observation, of the strong hold their teaching had of the people, He- spoke of John Hobbs, Emanuel Turner, John Warren, Thomas Buddie, Samuel Ironsides, Samuel Watkins, and others—men of whom, as a Chprch, they should be proud. A plea-santly-worded account was given of some of his own labors, and the field for mission work upon the West Coast was described., A sketch was given, of the rise of Hau-hauism, and also of its later development : under ~; T e WMtii, The organisations for mission work ivere much improyed. Temperance was, firmly eslablished, and the Converts seemed really in earnest. On the last occasion of his preaching at Patea there were 38 communicants. The Waikato work was the most arduous. It was under the charge | of Mt Gitto, an experienced minister, who was doing good work. The people there, however,, had lapsed terribly, and the work of the mission was most laborious. In conclusion he expressed the conviction that the Government now were, appreciating the influence the missionaries everted in of law and order among the native. The Maoris present then sang a hymn in Maori from Sankey’s collection, after which the collection was made. The chairman added a few Words to the former speakers’ experiences in mission work, and Mr G. Butler (Pleasant Point) moved a very hearty vote of thanks to the speakers. Mr J. W. Miles seconded the motion, which was carried heartily. The meeting then terminated.