RAGLAN.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2886, 13 January 1891, Page 2

RAGLAN.

CHURCH SERVICES.—-On Sunday, the 28th of December, the Rev. Mr Williams held services in the various parts of the district, Ruapuke and Te Mata in the afternoon and at Raglan in the evening of that day. On Sunday, January 4th, the Rev. gentleman conducted three services in Raglan. In the morning a children's service, in the afternoon a special one, and in the evening again holding another service. A good number assembled during the day, and after the termination of the evening service a meeting was held for the purpose of presenting Mr Williams with a requisition asking him to take up the ministerial work in the district. After the requisition was presented Mr Williams thanked them and said that he would require a little time to consider the matter. A provisional committee was then formed to carry out the arrangements, Mr Rendell being chosen chairman and the following gentlemen were requested to act on it:—Messrs A. Gilmour, Rendell, Henry, Sewell, La Trobe, Norton, Wallis, Billington, E. B. Hill, Given, Richards, Picken, and Dr. Bay. Mr Rendell was appointed secretary, and Mr Gilmour treasurer, with power to add other names to the committee. Mr and Mrs Williams left for Auckland during this week, but return again by steamer next week.

Deceased Natives.—During the last few weeks sickness has been prevalent amongst the natives, and several deaths have occurred. Amongst the number are two chiefs of renown. Kiwi, a chief of the Tainui and Ngatitahinga tribe, of great rank, but of a most retiring disposition, largely interested in the Te Akau Block, and a resident of Raglan and much esteemed by the European settlers in the place. He was interred at the Kopua with the usual Maori honours. Hone Wetere of Kawhia, who died there, was a chief of the Ngatihikairo tribe. He was a chief of rank and took a neutral part, if natives can be said to do so, during the troubled times. Europeans visiting Kawhia always sought his kaiiiga, where they were most hospitably received. Both these old chiefs will be much missed in the district.