MEMORABLE GATHERING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1938, Page 3

MEMORABLE GATHERING

OF CATHOLIC MAORIS WELFARE OF THE RACE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) HASTINGS, September 11. More than 2000 Catholic Maoris will participate in me national eucharistic congress and procession to be held in Wellington in February, 1940. This decision was made at a big meeting of Catholic Maoris held at Pakipaki durthe past few days, which discussed, in addition, Maori participation in the centenary congress and questions affecting the spiritual and material welfare of the Maori people. The meeting decided that Maoris of the Wellington diocese will assemble at Pukekaraka Mission Station, Otaki, on January 30, 1940, and on the following day will welcome Maoris of other dioceses. Arrangements were also made for entertaining at Otaki the apostolic delegate and visiting bishops and clergy. To organise Maori participation in the congress the meeting set up a central committee with Father A. Venning, Superior of the Otaki Maori Mission, as chairman, and Father J. Riordan, Superior of the Catholic Maori mission, as secretary. The diocese was divided into six sections and a subcommittee for each appointed. These sub-committees will in turn have the advice and assistance of committees representing various maraes. During their stay in Wellington the Maoris will give a concert, probably in the hall at the exhibition. “It has been a memorable gathering,” said Father Riordan, addressing a gathering of more than 1000 Maoris and Europeans at the conclusion of the ceremonies this afternoon, He extended greetings to all visitors, Maoris and Europeans alike. He said the Maoris had decided to be fully represented at the national eucharistic congress in Wellington in the centenary year. It would be their part to honour the names of those who had gone before them, who had given their lives to the spiritual and moral uplift of the Maori people. These included not only priests and nuns, but also many great Maori chiefs. “We, their children, will try to honour their greatness in helping to make New Zealand what it is today and in establishing the Catholic faith,” said Father Riordan. Europeans were not fully aware of the debt they owed the Maoris. The large attendance both of Maoris and Europeans that day was a tribute to the work of the Maori mission. Father Riordan paid high tribute to the work of the sisters of the Lady of the Missions and the sisters of St Joseph in the St Joseph’s College for Maori Girls. .Father Riordan acknowledged Ithe help received from members of other churches. After a period of very unsettled weather, today was gloriously fine for the concluding ceremonies in connection with the meeting. These were celebration of Solemn High Mass in the open air in the morning, and Benediction in the afternoon. Both services were largely attended by Europeans as well as Maoris. The celebrant at Mass was father Durning, the Deacon Father Dynan, the Sub-Deacon Father Fouhy, and master of ceremonies Father Cullinane. The alter boys were the descendants of the famous chief Puhara, who brought the first Catholic priest to Hawke’s Bay.