MAORI CURATE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1943, Page 2

MAORI CURATE

WORK OF REV. H. TAEPA

STRIKING TRIBUTE PAID.

FAREWELL GATHERING LAST NIGHT.

Striking tributes to the work of the Rev. Hepa Taepa as a member of the staff of St. Matthew’s Parish were paid at a farewell gathering which filled the Parish Hall last night. The Ven. Archdeacon E. J. Rich, who presided, recalled the circumstances of Mr Taepa’s appointment and ordination. He had proved a loyal and faithful worker, winning the esteem and' confidence of all. His sincerity and devotion had been a comfort and inspiration to his-Vicar, no less than to parishioners. The Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, paid a fine tribute to the Maori race, of whom-the guest of honour was a splendid representative. The church, by its original appointment of Mi- Taepa to the staff of a pakeha parish, had shown its appreciation of the race and his work bad benefitted the whole community. The People’s Churchwarden, Mi- J. Ninnes, spoke of the joy it had been to all to have the services for nearly four years of a Maori Curate. He had won the love of all and his gifts had been consecrated to the services of both races. On behalf of parishioners Mr Ninnes presented Mr Taepa with a well-filled wallet and wished him every happiness and blessing in his future ministry. At the call of the Mayor hearty cheers greeted Mr Taepa as he rose to reply. Mr.Taepa spoke feelingly of the friendship extended to him by the pakehas. It had been a great thing to

have had the advice and encouragement of the Archdeacon and Mrs Rich. He had been made to feel that he was a member of the Vicarage family. All parishioners had helped him in his work and he would never forget his first years in the ministry. The memory of his years in the Masterton parish would help him always.