Te Kōpara 1
Iti te Kōpara, kai takirikiri ana i runga i te Kahikatea.’
Although the bellbird is small he plucks at the kahikatea.. [cf Nga Pepeha 908].
TO THE PEOPLE.
This is a lament, a song of affection for your bird, Te Pipiwharauroa, who no longer returns to visit the North and South Islands, Stewart Island and the Chathams. For so many years it has flown here from its distant home calling continually, 'Kui, kui, kui, whiti, whitiora'.
The significance of its call was that it was carrying the things it gathered from distant parts to these islands to pour out in the presence of everyone. It suffered from one sickness and that was hunger, the result of thoughtlessness on the part of the people who were being gratified by the gifts it was distributing. Too few people cared for it, as is the case with that small bird, the grey warbler, which shows its affection for birds from afar by sitting on their eggs and raising their young
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That bird of yours is no longer visiting you, but here am I, Te Kōpara [the Bellbird], who disappeared from the North Island some years ago but have now returned to the afforested islands where I roamed at large before, eager to bring news to all places.
Mate atu he tetekura, whakaete mai he tetekura.
‘As one chief dies, another rises to take his place.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 1766]
But it is for you to support me. There is the old saying:
Whakanewanewa marie ana he kai, ka mate te wairua.
? If food is all soft, the soul suffers.
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You may complain of my small basket - that it is
Ko te rourou iti a Haere.
‘[This is] the small basket of food of Traveller.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 1592]
Take note that my basket holds only the best food (birds preserved in their own fat). My ‘strap-line’ says that ‘I pluck at the top of the kahikatea.’ I gather the ripe fruit; the stunted fruit I let fall. There is another old saying,
Ruia taitea, kia tu ko taikaka anake.
Strip the sapwood, so that only the heartwood stands clear. [cf Nga Pepeha 2178]
The many trivial stories one may find in other places. What I shall gather in my food basket are those things that will strengthen people and help them to grow in their belief in God who gives us everything for our spiritual and physical well-being.
Te Kōpara.
THE DIOCESE OF WAIAPU.
This Diocese is at present without a Bishop following the request from the Diocese of Auckland that the Bishop here should become the Bishop there. But Bishop Averill will not immediately set about looking for a person to take his place. It is four years since Bishop Averill was made Bishop of the Diocese and now he has been asked to leave and become Bishop of Auckland and they are not ashamed at doing this. As if people were scarce they set about maraudering the Diocese of Waiapu. Had we observed that they had diligently sought for a good man to be their Bishop without finding a suitable person and then set about stealing the Bishop of Waiapu, perhaps that would have been acceptable and we would not have grumbled so much. As it was they persisted in going after what they wanted with the result that Bishop Averill consented to their request. The Diocese of Auckland gave no thought to the great tribulations inflicted on this Diocese during the time they will be looking for a Bishop of their own; it is not the work of a single day, or a single week, or a single month, rather it may take a whole year of searching, of consideration, and of prayer. By diligence and industry Waiapu found someone they knew to be an outstanding man and a true Bishop. He was living there but the Diocese of Auckland did not invite him to become their Bishop, rather they looked to call someone
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from England or Sydney. When they saw what a great man he was they changed their minds and wanted him for themselves. This was a terrible thing to do to the Diocese of Waiapu. Our thinking is supported by some of the Maori clergy in the Auckland Diocese. We have received a letter from Mutu Kapa, one of the Waikato ministers, in the course of which he said, ‘it is a shameful thing on the part of the Diocese of Auckland, as if there was a shortage of men within this Diocese or in other places, that they have rather stolen the Bishop of Waiapu.’ What Mutu says is right.
Had a different man been proposed as Bishop, perhaps Auckland may not have wanted him. As it has happened, Auckland has the good Bishop and Waiapu is left to find a Bishop for themselves. There are many men in Auckland who would make good Bishops, learned and faithful men. Why were they not elected as Bishop? No, they wanted the Waiapu Bishop. Whangowhango [?Hoarse] says,
Haere, mou te awatea, moku te po.
Go, yours is the daylight, mine the night. [cf Nga Pepeha 1938].
It means that you, Auckland are destined for life and I, Waiapu, for death. The good Bishop is going to you while I sit scratching my head and complaining. Who will speak, who will guide me so that I will get a good man to follow this one? But perhaps I shall get one even though the road may be difficult and I return to the state I was in when I first had no Bishop – to my hard work, my consideration, my fasting, and my praying – until it is revealed to me.
A Prayer for the Time Without a Bishop.
Lord, you have said that you are with your people at all times, even to the end of the world: Look with favour on this part of your Church, and guide the Synod of this Diocese as I sets about choosing someone as a shepherd for this part of your flock, that they may chose the one you want, a true shepherd, eager to preach the Gospel, to support the weak, to bring peace to the humble heart, to seek the lost, to feed your people with food at the right time. Hear us, O Lord, Jesus, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.
ORDINATIONS.
Here are some words, Te Kōpara, for you to take to all the areas you visit. Although you are a small bird you fly over beautiful and lofty trees and sit there. Therefore take these
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words, which have come, to the people who think seriously about the treasures of their ancestors, that is, the faith. We have had this treasure now for almost one hundred years. On December 25th 1814, Maori first heard the Good News of Jesus Christ brought here by Rev Samuel Marsden, the first apostle of the Church of England..
Therefore, fly with these words to enlighten those who are ignorant and to inform all our families whether they be welcoming or antagonistic, and you will bring them peace and teach them.
September 21st was an important day. First, it was a Sunday; secondly, it was the day when the Apostle Matthew is remembered by the Church; thirdly, it was the day when some men were set apart as ministers, helmsmen for the Church of God. Therefore, Te Kōpara, we have these important matters, weighty matters, and since you are a strong and fearless bird you will not be anxious at heart.
This Ordination was conducted by the Bishop of Waiapu (Dr Averill) in the beautiful church of Manutuke, Gisborne, which is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The people of Gisborne wanted very much to have this sacred ceremony take place in their midst and so they asked the elder, the Bishop to agree to their wish and he agreed. People, this was a fine thought of yours, a blessing on the beautiful treasure, the treasure prized by your parents and ancestors.
It was an outstandingly beautiful day. Many people gathered both Pakeha and Maori. There were more than 200 people. This was an important sign, a good sign, that there is no difference between Pakeha and Maori when it comes to worshipping God, the Lord of Hosts.
At nine o’clock Morning Prayer began. Many people arrived for that first service. By ten o’clock most of the people were present and the Ordination Service began. The attitude of the people at that service was very gratifying showing the awesomeness, the seriousness, the sacredness of that beautiful service of the Church. This is real evidence of hearts that have a lively faith, when people take seriously and sacredly all our worship, as did the congregation that met for this service. The service began with Hymn 182 [Ta Ihu, poroaki mai – Our blest Redeemer]. At this point those to be ordained, together with
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the assisting clergy and the Bishop, entered. Those to be ordained Deacon were Patihana Kokiri (Te Arawa) and Ereatara Eruini (Te Arawa), and those for the office of Priests were Rev Wiremu Waaka (Te Arawa) who works at Taupo, Rev Rewi Wikiriwhi (Te Arawa) who works at Rotorua, and Rev Manihera Tumatahi (Te Arawa) who works as Whakatane. The assisting clergy were Archdeacon Herbert Williams, Rev F W Chatterton (the Principal of Te Rau College), Rev F Peneti, Rev Wi Paraire Rangihuna, and Rev Ahipene Rangi (Minister of the Parish). The Archdeacon presented those to be ordained to the Bishop. The Rev F Peneti preached the sermon. His words were based on the Gospel set for the Ordination Service, Luke 12.35-38. His words were words of advice and encouragement to those being ordained and a plea to the congregation to be strong, and to support and promote and always to desire this great treasure – the devotion of heart and mind to Christ. We hope in our hearts that Peneti’s words will not lie unheeded but will be responded to by the hearts of each man, woman and child gathered at that service. People, think about these words and bring forth the fruit of good works.
After this sermon it was time for the ordination, first of the Deacons and then of the Priests. When this part of the service was completed the Bishop celebrated the Lord’s Supper. More than 50 people participated, both Maori and Pakeha.
After this beautiful service the local people invited the guests onto the marae and that part of the proceedings was also very satisfying as our physical needs were met. Afterwards there were speeches of welcome to those who had been ordained, to the elders and people of Te Rau College, and to the Rev F Peneti. Those who spoke were Pita te Hau, Rawiri Karaha, Dr Wi Repa and others, and the Rev Peneti and those who had been ordained replied. So ends our account of this activity of our Church. We praise God for how well everything went and continue to pray from our hearts that we, the people, will think deeply about this wonderful treasure, the faith.
SAMUEL MARSDEN 1814 – 1914
Christmas of the coming year will be the centenary of the coming of the faith to New Zealand. This is a wonderful thing for us Maori to ponder on. It is right that the remnant of the Maori People in every place give serious consideration as to how we should rightly
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remember this wonderful treasure as we reach 100 years since the faith came to us Maori. Perhaps each Parish will decide to erect a memorial in their own districts. That will be fine. However don’t limit your thinking. This will be a time when we demonstrate just how thankful we are to the Lord for the blessings he has given us.
If your friend blesses you with something, you don’t put the evidence of your gratitude in your pocket. Likewise, think broadly when you consider this matter. I will not be critical if we decide on memorials in our own parishes. But that would be a too limited response to this important matter. Rather let us seek out a grand way, an appropriate way, of commemorating it which will unite all Maori. This memorial should be something that will be of lasting benefit to each generation. So look for something that will fulfill your wishes.
In the next edition of our bird we will investigate what the Pakeha people of the Church are thinking about this matter.
I must finish here for the time being lest our bird is not able to carry the load borne by Te Pipiwharauroa, and Te Kōpara is born old .
P A Peneti.
CATHOLICS AND THE BIBLE.
At an Annual Meeting of the Society that prints the Bible in the many languages of the world it was pointed out that, of all places in the world, it is those places under the authority of the Catholic Church that are most opposed to the work of the Society which sends Bibles to all parts of the world. Their concern is not with the native tribes, those tribes that have not yet turned to the faith. In the southern parts of America the priests, the Catholic ministers, are vigorous in scolding their congregations lest they read the Bible. If they see a Bible in their hand they seize it and burn it in the fire. But the very frightening thing is the ignorance, the lack of understanding, of the people of those areas who are forbidden to read the Scriptures. This is widely observed in South America. In one country there known as Brazil, 80% of the people do not know how to read or write.
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In another inhabited area, Chile, 60% are in the same situation. The total population of South America is 60,000,000. Amongst this sixty million more than a half are unable to read or write. They are ignorant because the Catholics do not permit them to be educated. They are so opposed because they do not want them to read the Scriptures. The result is that they are sick – sick, in that they are engaged in doing the works of darkness. In Chile 80% of children die when they are small, dying around the age of two, and this in a land which is a very healthy place for people to live. What then is the reason why children die? The reason is that the parents are ignorant as to how to care for them because the Catholics will not agree to education. In addition to this there are the different customs of those tribes, which are bad. The number of illegitimate children is huge. In one country, Paraguay, 90% of the children are born out of wedlock. Only ten are born within the law; most are outside it. These peoples will not be steered out of this ignorance and darkness until the light of the Word of God enters their countries. If the Catholics continue to oppose strongly the reading of the Bible, the situation of these peoples will remain the same; they will not progress but will continue to decline. This was the situation in England before, but with the abolition of the authority of the Rome there, that is, of the Catholic Church, the light shone in all parts of England. We look forward to the time when that light will spread to all parts of South America.
TE RAU COLLEGE.
The following are the people who are at present at the College. Along with their names we give their hapu and dioceses.
Name Hapu Diocese
Tamati te Kanapu, Tuhoe, Waiapu
Tureia Puha, Ngati Porou, Waiapu
Ereatara Eruini, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Patihana Kokiri, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Paora Te Muera, Te Arawa, Wellington
Hori Raiti, Ngapuhi, Auckland
Henare Paraone, Ngapuhi, Auckland
Wana Waata, Ngapuhi, Auckland
Makereweti Wharehuia, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Arona Makaweka, Ngati Raukawa, Wellington
Metera Aomarere, Ngati Raukawa, Wellington
Waewae Ratapahi, Ngatiawa, Waiapu
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Te Hana Taua Hori, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Wi Keepa, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Poihipi Tokoroa, Ngatimaniapoto, Auckland
Rev Tame Katene, Ngapuhi, Wellington
Rev Manihera Tumatahi, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Rev Rewi Wikiriwhi, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Rev Wiremu Waaka, Te Arawa, Waiapu
Those amongst these who have been ordained as Deacons are Ereatara and Patihana, and Manihera, Rewi and Te Waaka have been ordained Priests. They were ordained by the Bishop at Manutuke on Sunday, September 21st. This was the first ordination in the new church. You will find above the speeches given at that ordination so we will not say much here. Patihana Kokiri has been assigned to the Parish of Moteo, Hawkes Bay, and Ereatara Eruini to the Parish of Karatia. Rev Waaka is from the Parish of Taupo, Rewi from Ohinemutu, and Manihera from Whakatane. The time is near for these people to leave the college; indeed they will depart in a few days’ time. Although we are personally sad at being parted from them because we have been living together for a long time and the people at college have become like older and younger brothers, our spirits are happy and joyful that they have achieved what they were called here to do and have fulfilled all our hopes for them. It has been a great pleasure to have some of the old students of the College amongst us – Tame Katene, Rewi, Te Manihera and his wife, Tina, and Te Waaka too. Some of us are leaving and most of those who are staying are new. Tame Katene and Paora Te Muera are returning to their Diocese of Wellington to be ordained – Tame Katene to the office of Priest and Paora Te Muera to the office of Deacon. And another of our Elders, Hori Raiti, is returning to Auckland to be ordained to the office of Deacon. This is a large exodus of people from the College in one go.
This has been a healthy year for the people of the College; no-one suffered illness. Here we must honour the people who have thought to help meet the needs of the College, the physical needs – the people of Pakowhai, Te Moana Taetae and his mother, and the Rev Pine Tamahori of the Parish of Hikurangi, who have sent bags of potatoes. People of Te Motu who live in this village, you have been a blessing to us and a great help to the College. I end these words here. May the Almighty bless and keep us all, and all our friends who are soon to leave us.
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RULES OF THE PAPER.
1. Te Kōpara is published monthly.
2. The subscription for the paper is five shillings (5/-) a year paid by postal note or stamps.
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5. Address all letters to:
Te Kōpara,
Te Rau,
Gisborne.
A NOTICE
To those wanting a Prayer Book or Hymn Book. I now have plenty of books. The prices are:
Large, soft cover 2/6
Large, red cover 3/-
Large, hard cover 4/-
Large, superior cover 5/6
Small, soft cover 1/-
Small, red cover 1/6
Small, hard cover 2/6
Small, superior cover 3/6
Prayer Book with Hymns, soft cover 1/6
Prayer Book with Hymns, red cover 1/-
Prayer Book with Hymns, hard cover 3/-
Prayer Book with Hymns, superior cover 4/-
Hymns -/6
Words for the Prayerful Heart 3d
I will pay the postage to send the books to you
H W Williams,
Te Rau, Gisborne
People wanting a Bible or a New Testament should apply to the Bible Depository Sunday School Union, Auckland.
Bible, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6. Enclose a postage stamp for 1/-.
New Testament with explanatory headings 2/6, 3/-, 4/6. Enclose a postage stamp for 3d.
Small New Testament with Psalms 2/-, 2/6, 3/-, 3/6, 4/-. Enclose a postage stamp for 3d.
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