Te Kopara 44
[3] Te Kopara, Number 44, Gisborne, 15 June, 1917.
‘Iti te Kopara, kai takirikiri ana i runga i te Kahikatea.’
Although the Bellbird is small, he plucks at the Kahikatea. [cf Nga Pepeha 908]
OUR BIRD.
To the tribes, to the spokesmen, to the authorities, to the leaders of each marae, of each family, greetings. You will perhaps have seen the article in the May edition of Te Kopara telling that the management of the articles to be printed in Te Kopara has been transferred to Hastings for a year.
We are very grateful for the efforts that the young people of Te Raukahikatea and the ministers who live close to Gisborne have made in running our paper over past years. It is a demanding job and out of compassion for them came the idea of helping with the work so that our paper can continue to appear and to grow. The Maori Committee of Hastings have agreed to do the most demanding of the work for one year. After one year perhaps the work of Editor will go to the Archdeaconry of Tauranga. Our bird’s nest will not move from Te Raukahikatea but the managing Committee will be in Hastings. The Committee wants to increase Maori desire for our paper. The Committee has agreed to print articles dealing with the physical and spiritual needs of the Maori People. Send in your thoughts and tell us what you are doing.
The new management of Te Kopara will begin with the July paper. No-one should be concerned at the nature of the articles he sends to Te Kopara but it is for the Committee to approve of them before they are printed. Articles should arrive during the first week of the month if they are to appear on the 15th day of each month. The cost of the paper is the old price of 5/- a year. People, do make every effort to help our paper. Help it with food; help it with stories.
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THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
By T Te Kanapu, Te Rau.
Chapter II.
In Chapter I the beginnings of this Catholic Church were made clear to us. Now our thoughts turn to the growth and the spreading of this Church.
1. Although Jerusalem was the ‘centre pole’ of the Christian faith, it was there that the persecution of the faith began, just as they persecuted Christ. The Jews persecuted the Christian faith out of envy because the Apostles and the disciples of Christ were enthusiastically proclaiming his name. During this persecution some of the disciples and those who turned to the faith were scattered. While they were travelling they did not forget to proclaim their faith. We see that the first fruits came from Philip’s preaching to the Samaritans. Afterwards Peter and John came to confirm the faith of the Samaritans. After this Philip brought understanding to the heart of the Ethiopian eunuch. These fruits and other conversions to the faith began with the Jews. Our thoughts now turn to the enlightenment of the nations.
2. The first-fruit of the Gentiles to turn to the faith was Cornelius. This man was a leading soldier in the service of Caesar’s government in Caesarea. His household and the people who heard Peter’s preaching turned to the faith and were baptised. Then there was an important man known to all, Paul the Apostle, of whom we can say that he was the ‘warrior’ in preaching the faith to the Gentiles. We know the bad things this man did and how he persecuted the Church. But God has different ways of choosing his people. Therefore, if we look out the works of Paul the Apostle we see that he planted and established the faith in most of the towns in Asia Minor, in large towns such as Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Antioch and others. But the most important Gentile town was Rome. This was also the city which was the centre of Imperial rule. The kings in the Palace of Caesar were not cognisant of the faith. Later in this account we shall see how some of those Kings persecuted the Christians. But when Paul was living as a prisoner in Rome he greeted the people of Philippi in the letter he wrote to them saying, ‘All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household.’ (Philippians 4.22) From this verse it is clear to us that the faith had found its way right into Caesar’s palace.
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It is now clear to us that there are two stages of the growth of the Christian faith. (1) It grew among the Jews and Jerusalem was the place where this was stimulated. (2) It grew among the Gentiles and Rome was the key city. Therefore the time the faith was growing from the day of Pentecost until the time Paul was a prisoner living in Rome was between 30 and 34 years. Altogether from the birth of Christ until this time was close to 60 to 64 years.
Before I close this chapter let me explain the development of these titles from ‘Apostle’ and ‘Elder’ in the Christian Church to ‘Bishop’, ‘Priest’ and ‘Deacon.’ This is a matter disputed by the later Churches because their worship leaders are not called by these names.
We understand the titles, ‘priest’ and ‘deacon.’ The disputed title is that of ‘bishop.’ The person who criticises the use of this title asks whether the title of ‘bishop’ was used at this time in the Christian Church. This is the answer: At the beginning there were two main leadership roles, apostles and elders (Acts 11.33; 14.2, 4, 6, 22; 16.4). Together with these there were prophets, preachers, shepherds, and teachers (Ephesians 4.11). There are many verses which show this state of affairs. The first place where this word ‘bishop’ is used is in Acts 20.28: ‘The Holy Spirit has made you overseers.’ That word in Greek is επίσκοπος, which is translated as ‘bishop’ or ‘overseer.’
There are also some other verses describing the task of the Bishop (1 Timothy 3.2; Titus 1.7). So it is known that some Bishops had been appointed in the Church because Paul gives these words of instruction to Timothy and Titus. This is confirmed because Timothy was a Bishop in Ephesus and Titus a Bishop in Crete. In the letter of the Apostle Paul to the people of Philippi he greets the whole Church including ‘the bishops and deacons’ (Philippians 1.1). Peter was also one for in his First Epistle General he said, ‘you have returned to the Shepherd, to the Bishop of your souls.’ (1 Peter 2.25)
In all the above explanations there are four important things that can be summarised as an answer to the question as to whether the titles, bishop, priest and deacon, were used in the Christian Church.
(1) All the descriptions of these titles occur together – apostles, elders, bishops, priests and deacons – and they were one in their work and conduct.
(2) There is no separation of the work of bishops, priests and deacons from that of apostles and elders.
(3) The bishops, priests and deacons carry out the work in their own areas. They do not travel about to preach.
(4) There are elders with other titles, those of preacher, shepherd and teacher. This group are occupied in going about proclaiming the faith in various villages.
(To be continued.)
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WAR NEWS
The Eastern Front.
The Situation in Russia.
At the beginning of this month we heard news of a major upheaval in Russia. The trouble, we know, is that not all the Russian soldiers are prepared to fight against Germany. The papers are saying that the main reason for this situation in Russia is the deceitful activity of Germany. Germany wants to return to Russia the lands it has seized but Russia must make an independent peace not involving those powers that are helping Russia – England, France and others. This proposal has been laid before the educated leaders of the associations of Russian workers by the German representatives in Russia. Germany’s idea is that Russia will stop fighting and it will be able to concentrate its forces on fighting the English and French in the West. Russia is disquieted. The leading newspaper says that they are like fish, like jelly-dish. Russia’s allies are saddened by this situation. However, in the midst of these troubles, Russia has not given in to the temptations of Germany. All is well with them at the moment, but the situation is not as it was at the beginning. Clarifications have arrived from the Ministers of the English Parliament, along with the letter of Dr Wilson, President of the USA. In that letter to the Russian Government he said, ‘America cannot agree to Germany’s peace proposals. Captured lands will not be exchanged nor will there be rectifications. But Germany must give thought to making reparations
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for its wicked actions which have been seen by the whole world, and then we can come to an agreement.
The Western Front.
The Fall of the City of Messines.
This news of the fall of Messines has resounded around the world. This place is in the south of Belgium. It was one of the main German strongholds. When this fort was attacked it was as if the place had been struck by a violent storm. The day was black from the smoke of the artillery, the land shook as if there was a great clap of thunder. There was no respite from the barrage. There were four divisions of English soldiers – English, Scottish, and Irish, together with Australians and New Zealanders. The English front covered three miles. Despite the blazing of the guns and the heavy fire of bullets, they did not retreat. The General overseeing all the English soldiers said that victory in this battle was due to the New Zealand soldiers. The infantry was supported in this battle by English dirigibles directed by General Plumer. When these dirigibles were deployed in the area 44 German dirigibles were destroyed and none of the English. In this battle 7000 Germans were taken prisoner. One hundred machine guns were also captured.
A NEW HYMN.
This is a hymn sung at Pakeha gatherings. It is an encouraging and strengthening hymn. – F A B. [Frederick Augustus Bennett]
Fight the Good Fight.
LM Tune, Pentecost 540.
1 Fight the good fight, strengthened by the Lord. Hold on to life as an everlasting crown.
2 Run the good race, looking to God; life lies before you, his is the true path for you.
3 The Lord is your guide, he is your helper. Rest in him, he is life and love.
4 Do not be afraid, he is near to help and to bless. Keep on believing, Christ is your all. Amen.
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CLOSING TIMES FOR HOTELS.
At last New Zealand has woken up to the sale of liquor. The battle with Germany has been going on for a long time and the fighting has proved very arduous. Therefore some of the leading people of the Empire have sought some of the reasons for our difficulties. Their thoughts have turned to this reptile, alcohol. It is not the temperance movements that are engaged in this important task but the leading people in our Empire. In England the hotels in some places have been shut down until the end of the war. Those that remain open are open for only four hours at the most. In Canada the sale of liquor has been prohibited in all parts of the Dominion except for the one province of Quebec. This closure is not just for the duration of the war but is permanent. In Australia the hotels shut at six o’clock in the evening and open at eight in the morning. But New Zealand is behind in following this example. The place where we have been able to do away with ‘shouting’ and where the sale of alcohol is prohibited is in the military camps. Important people in the country are beginning to realize the wrong of allowing this reptile to do his work of smiting people from six o’clock in the evening until ten o’clock at night. They have observed the diligence of Dominions larger that ours that have put a stop to alcohol and have seen that this is one of the Empire’s great sins and that it is right that God is punishing us for this sin.
There some petitions that have been circulated and are being signed asking the Government to pass a law to ensure the closing of all hotels from six o’clock in the evening until eight o’clock in the morning. When the petition was circulating in Hastings last week it was signed by a total of 3,150 people. Almost all the people of Hastings signed it. This is an indication of the pain the afflicts people’s hearts caused by this thing. This is a reminder to you, Maori people, to strongly support this project. Ask for a petition that can be signed completely by Maori.
◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊
Such is the desire of young Maori for learning that Te Aute is full with 90 pupils there this year. Hukarere is full with 90 there. Now for the first time both these schools are equally full. The leaders of Hukarere are thinking of enlarging it to make room for small girls.
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ATTACK ON LONDON.
A new development was the attack on London, the capital city of England, by German dirigibles. Reports of this attack arrived on 15th of this month. At 11 o’clock in the morning fifteen armed dirigibles were heard flying directly towards London. At 11.30 a.m. a bomb was dropped onto a train station. The bomb hit a train coming in to the station. In this attack 7 people died and 17 were wounded. One of the bombs landed on a school. Ten children were killed and fifty wounded. There may be more who were injured or killed by those bombs. Thirteen bombs fell. Ninety-seven people were killed and four hundred and thirty-nine were wounded. London’s large guns were unable to bring down those dirigibles because they flew at a height beyond the reach of the shells fired at them. They dropped bombs on London for fifteen minutes and when they had finished they returned to their bases.
THE STRENGTH OF THE ITALIANS.
The ability of the Italians in driving back their enemies, the Austrians, is remarkable. On 13th of this month they made an assault on a town called Trentino. At the beginning of the fighting both sides were equal. Subsequently the Italians utilized all their strength and their charge broke the Austrians and they took the town from them. And now they are attacking a fort called Janina.
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The Committee of the Ohinemutu church are working hard on projects to settle the debt on the Ohinemutu church. The total amount not yet repaid is £350. The total cost of the building was £2,150. The Rev Hemipiri Manaroa and his wife, Hera, want to get from each person’s pocket what they think is a suitable gift for the house of God. It is thought that all this money will be raised by the coming Christmas. Greetings, Committee. That’s good, keep at it.
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A SONG OF LAMENT FOR THE MAORI SOLDIERS.
One of the waiata of the Maori soldiers has become widely known and admired throughout the country. It is the one that begins:
‘The First Party was
From Aotearoa,
From Te Waipounamu,
From the four seas.’
When Ngati Porou came to Hawkes Bay, Apirana Ngata and his people spread that waiata along with the actions and hand movements. The people of the marae at Te Pakipaki wept as they realized the significance of what Ngati Porou were doing. That waiata made it easy for people to open their pockets to contribute money as a gift for our young soldiers. After that Paraire Tomoana used that waiata and included it in the programme of entertainment given by his singing group. Taranaki Te Uamairangi has been made President of that group and they have performed in Hastings, Napier and Gisborne to help the Maori Committee to do things for the Maori soldiers.
Because that waiata of lament was frequently sung in the presence of Pakeha who did not know the real significance of the words it was thought that it would be good to translate it into English. The English words capture the sorrow of Maori hearts. On evenings when this lament is sung a verse is first sung in Maori and then in English. So it continues to the end.
Lament for the Soldiers.
[Alan Armstrong and Reupena Ngata in Maori Action Songs ascribe the first two verses to Sir Apirana Ngata and the third to Paraire Tomoana. Maori Action Songs contains an English version. My own translation is below. – Barry Olsen]
The First Party was
From Aotearoa,
From Te Waipounamu,
From the four seas.
You are the ones,
The Five Hundred,
Of the brave war party
Of Tumatauenga
Who fell in Egypt
And at Gallipoli
Leaving us with pangs of love
And of pain.
The Second Party
Belonged to Mahaki.
You were from Hauiti
And Porourangi.
Henare* went,
And your people.
They fell in the fighting
Over there in France.
Who remain
To tell the story
To all the people
Who mourn?
The Ninth Party
Belong to Te Arawa,
To the East Coast,
To Ngati Kahungunu.
I am going
Over to France
Where
I will weep.
And I will salute you
From a far country:
Goodbye,
My true love.
* Henare Kohere from Te Araroa.
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A MURDER.
We Maori are saddened by this news of a murder amongst us. The person murdered was Harata Te Whero who was struck on the head with an axe by her husband, Aperahama Te Whero. This man belongs to the line of chiefs in Hawkes Bay. His wife was a half-caste. They had been living for three years in Gisborne when this happened to the two of them. The woman died an hour after being struck with the axe. The husband ran off into the night and stayed in a woolshed. While he was in that shed he drank some liquid from a bottle thinking it was water. Afterwards, when he was found by the doctor it was discovered that it was rat poison in the bottle. One day later Aperahama also died. Both he and his wife were dead.
This is a warning to us Maori not to do these foolish and wicked things. It is better that we go to the war than to kill each other.
OTHER ITEMS.
The Editor asks Committees dealing with important matters affecting the life of the Maori People to send your reports to me to be printed in Te Kopara so that the people of the country can see them. On the outside of the letter write:
To the Editor,
Te Kopara,
Kohupatiki,
Clive.
[See the corrections to the Rules in the final paragraph.]
The Committee of the Church of Te Araroa is promoting a drive to pay off the debt on their new church through the generosity of their friends. They considered having a hui but decided instead to ask for donations by letter. Best wishes to the Committee of Te Araroa in this new venture. It is right that we should be helped by friends from each parish in our diocese. Our friends, Reweti and Dr Wirepa, let Te Kopara know about our proposal and what you want.
The Rev Tuhangata Pereiha has been appointed Chaplain, that is, minister, to the Maori soldiers in the Auckland camp. He will be in that work until the war ends.
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THE CONSCRIPTION LAW AND THE MAORI PEOPLE.
In his speech in Auckland, the Hon James Allen, Minister of War, said: ‘Since it appears that the Maori have little desire to replenish the Maori Contingent (Pioneer Battalion) it is proposed that the ‘Broom’ Act (Conscription Act) be applied to them. Voluntary recruiting is weak with not many men coming forward. It is the case that in some places Maori are keen to go to the war while in others Maori are not eager to go. And if provision is made in this ‘Broom’ Act, Aotearoa will be divided into six regions over which this ‘Broom’ will sweep, however it will not apply to Te Waipounamu because there are few Maori there (and many of them have gone voluntarily to the war.)’
So, our tribes, at present it is not yet binding, but do not wait for the broom to sweep before you go.
BITS AND PIECES.
During the month of June the Bishop of Waiapu is going to the Archdeaconry of Tauranga. The Parishes in that Archdeaconry are Taupo, Tauranga, Te Puke, Whakatane, Ruatoki and Opotiki. In Taupo there are only Maori ministers, in Rotorua there are Maori and Pakeha, in Tauranga there are Maori and Pakeha, in Te Puke there are Maori and Pakeha, in Whakatane there are Maori and Pakeha, in Ruatoki there are only Maori, and in Opotiki there are only Pakeha. After two months visiting those places the Bishop will return to Napier.
The Rev Patihana Kokiri has resigned his post as minister of the parish of Moteo and has gone to the Diocese of Wellington. He is in the Wairarapa at this time.
On 18th June, Terina, the daughter of Apirana Ngata, was married to Hetekia Te Kani Te Ua at Parihimanihi, Turanga.
Te Arawa is grieving the loss of one of its young chiefs, Lieutenant Tango Kokiri, after news of his death arrived. This man was educated at Te Aute and had a position as clerk with a firm of Pakeha lawyers. Afterwards he worked for the Government in the Maori Land Office. Before he became a soldier he was Secretary and Interpreter for the leading judge of the Maori Land Court. Go, friend, to the Lord; go to your people. You are greatly loved.
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A telegram has arrived telling of the death in the war of one of the sons of the Rev A O Williams of Putiki. His name was Keith. This young man had been well-educated in the English public schools. Parents, may God help you in your sorrowing household.
The Tai Rawhiti has made great efforts to collect money as a gift for our Maori soldiers so that they can purchase land to settle on when they return. Now some parts of the Tai-Tokerau have spring into action. Their member, Tau Henare, has been made organizer and they have set out their objectives. Best wishes, and may you also be resolute.
More than 2000 people attended the meeting held this month in the Wellington Town Hall. The purpose of that meeting was to ask that hotels close at six o’clock in the evening. Many leading people stood to speak. In his speech, Dr Newman, a member of Parliament, said: ‘England is being stirred up now with regard to this matter from the start of this war until the time Lloyd George became Prime Minister when the campaign intensified and more that 33,000 hotels are now closed.’
There was a request to their Government from the men on board one of the Russian warships that the King be first given into their hands for they would know how to deal with him. However the Government was not inclined to do this. One of the companies of soldiers made a similar request. They asked that the King be given work as a labourer in the coal mines. This was agreed by the Government.
There was discussion in the English Parliament about the flight of the King of Greece. It is said that the reason for his departure was that he abdicated his kingship because Prince Alexander had taken his place. This month English soldiers landed in Greece. Part of the agreement between England and Greece was that they would not fight. However when the English and French soldiers advanced a volley of shots was fired at them. Many died of were wounded.
The main occupation in the Chatham Islands during the past six years has been fishing, especially for blue cod. There are two freezing establishments. Recently a launch, the Puanga, with a crew of three went just beyond Kaingaroa to fish. In the course of sixteen days the weight of fish caught was 17 tons, 4¾ hundredweight, 16 pounds, and the value of that catch of fish was £237. It is thought that this is the largest amount made in the Chathams. When the money was divided up each man received nearly £80.
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Some fishing boats were spotted by another ship sailing in the sea close to England. However when the spyglass was trained on them they were discovered to be German submarines.
Information has arrived that Count Zeppelin of Germany is dead. Count Zeppelin is the man who oversaw the activities of Germany’s largest airships and those airships were also named after him. From the letter Count Zeppelin wrote to his nephew in America it is known that the main cause of his death was the failure of the airships he built to cause great damage to Germany’s enemies. And in the will he made he said that all he constructed should be given over to the benefit of the nation.
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
Killed in Action: Privates T Te Rore, W Eruhia, A P Anaru, F Wiki, J Timiuha, Hemi Hill, K Waru, Whiti Eruera.
Wounded: Privates H Eruera, P Ngapo, W Tamihana, J Ruramiromiro, T Wirepa, W Tunui, G Hura, A Tehini, J Tahitahi, J Daulton, T Te Patu, J Hotere, E Duffy, J Poutawera, D Wi Rihia, H Whakataka, H P Te Kootu, Corporal R Otene, Wiremu Paki Wihongi, P Metau, Tame Pikikotuku, Manu Tuki, Hohepa Mete, Nuia Rungarunga, Pene Waikare, Pita Tapihana, G G Cook, M Herewini, P Mihaere, R Ngapo, T Mangaroa, A Anderson, Kahiti Koha, John Tini, Whare M Aporo, Sergeant Jacob Hohepa, W Tamihana.
These are still in the camp: Privates W Kepa, J H Ruatari, H Akurangi, Lance-corporal W S Rewa, Private T Birch.
Returning for a short time: Whare Carroll.
FOOD FOR TE KOPARA.
Toihaapu Komaru, 5/-, to May 1918.
Miha Crawford, 5/-, to May 1918.
Pita Nepia (Nuhaka), 5/-, to Mei 1918.
Ataera Waru, to June 1918.
Rev Matiu Kapa, 5/-, to June 1918.
Pita Potini. 5/- , to April 1918.
Rev W Tureia Puha, 5/- , to December 1918.
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RULES OF THE PAPER.
1. Te Kopara is published monthly.
2. The subscription for the paper is five shillings (5/-) a year paid by postal note or stamps.
3. Anyone wishing to take Te Kopara should send the money with the covering letter to
Te Kopara,
Te Rau Press,
Gisborne.
4. All items you want printed in Te Kopara should be sent to the Editor,
Rev F A Bennett,
Kohupatiki,
Clive, Hawkes Bay.
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/-
Prayer Book, New Testament and Hymns, red cover, 3/6
Prayer Book, New Testament and Hymns, superior cover, 5/6
Hymns 6d
Words for the Prayerful Heart 3d
I will pay the postage to send the books to you
H W Williams,
Naurea Private Bag, 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.
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