Te Kopara 48
[3] Te Kopara, Number 45, Gisborne, 12 October, 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]
THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF WAIAPU.
The Synod of the Diocese of Waiapu was held in Napier on 24th September. However the ministers of the Maori and Pakeha sections actually gathered on the 20th. The 21st was a ‘retreat’ day for the clergy. At 7.30 in the morning they took Communion in the Cathedral. Another service was held there at 10 o’clock but in the small chapel built in memory of the peace settlement after the war with the Boers in Africa.
At 11.30 there was another service. At 2.30 the Litany was said and the final service was at 4 p.m. At all these services the address was given by the same man, the Rev H Watson of Wellington. None of those participating spoke from the morning until after the last service.
On the Saturday all the clergy gathered before the Bishop in the Cathedral School to deal with matters concerning the work of the Diocese.
On the Sunday the Lord’s Supper was celebrated at 8 a.m. At 10 there was Morning Prayer. At 11 a.m. the main Synod Service was held. The Bishop had delegated the preaching to the Rev P Peneti. At 3 o’clock there was a children’s service. At 7 p.m. there was Evening Prayer with the Bishop preaching.
The Synod was opened by the Bishop at 4 p.m. on the Monday. His Charge took an hour and a half to deliver. On the Monday morning the Maori members gathered to discuss their concerns with the Bishop. On the Tuesday morning the lay representatives and the lay-readers met with the Bishop to deal with matters of concern to them. At 4 p.m. each day the Synod met and sat until 10 at night. At 11 o’clock on the Thursday night at last the work of Synod concluded.
So many matters were dealt with by the Synod that it is not possible to report on them all in one edition of Te Kopara. However it is possible t0 say that the Synod was very well run and matters were concluded in an agreeable way and also many things emerged that are advantageous to the Maori Church.
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The following are some of the proceedings relating to the Maori section. At last the Synod sermon was delegated to the Maori section. The motion from the Rev Chatterton of Te Rau College proposing that the stipends of the Maori ministers be increased was warmly welcomed by the Synod. The Rev Pene Hakiwai’s motion that a Maori-speaking minister should live in England to care for and lead worship for the Maori soldiers there was passed unanimously by the whole Synod.
The Bill amending the Act to include Maori as members of the Committee managing lands given to the Church was quickly supported by the Synod and passed.
There is a Committee elected by the Synod that deals with matters relating to the Church throughout the Diocese. It is called the Standing Committee. In the voting the Rev Peneti was elected as a member of that Committee. At last the Maori section is included in that Committee.
THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHURCH LANDS.
During the Synod held in Napier, Mr C A deLautour promoted a clause amending the law under which trustees are appointed to oversee lands given to the Church. He moved his amending motion because he realised that most of the land had been given by Maori for the work of the Church and yet there was no way for Maori to be appointed to the Board of Trustees for that land alongside Pakeha. This is the clause he promoted:
‘That the Board that appoints Trustees for this Diocese be given the power to set up a Board of Trustees for the lands owned by this Diocese. There shall be six members of that Board, one of them being a person of the Maori race.’
Te Kopara is grateful for the thoughtfulness shown by this Synod in making a seat available to us, the Maori section, among the trustees of the lands given to the Church. Much land has been given to the Church, some by Pakeha, some by Maori. Some was given to provide income for the Schools, some for the Church, some to provide for the Mission in Melanesia and other parts of the world. When it has been agreed that a Maori should sit alongside the Pakeha on that Committee then we shall know the ways in which the money from the land given by our forebears is being used. That is, we will have eyes to see the ways in which that money is used. The Maori for that Committee has still to be appointed.
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SIX O’CLOCK IN THE EVENING.
On 20th September the Lower House of Parliament passed the Bill requiring all the Dominion’s hotels to close at six o’clock in the evening. The hotels may open at nine in the morning and may stay open for nine hours. Hotels have been able at all times to stay open for sixteen hours.
When this matter was going through Parliament before the vote was taken the sombre speeches gave the impression that it would not be passed. But when it was put to the vote a wonderful thing happened - it is spoken of as a miracle – the bill was passed.
Forty-four members voted for this bill; twenty-six voted against. The remarkable thing is that six of the forty-four are Ministers in the Parliament, and one of them has a brewery in Auckland.
The sad thing that caused pain was that three of the Maori members, Pomare, Henare and Parata, who were elected as teachers, guides, and saviours for the Maori People went to the other side. We are ashamed at the attitude of these men.
On 5th of this month this bill was passed by the Upper House and it has been determined that the closing of the hotels will begin on 1st December.
A SHIP FOR NEW ZEALAND.
Just recently we were told about one of the ships that transport meat, which was sent out to New Zealand. It was nearly hit by a torpedo; it was only five feet from the ship. This encounter with German activity at sea took place a day after the ship set sail. The German submarine at sea was not spotted nor was there any sign of it. However the submerged torpedo was seen heading towards the middle of the ship, whereupon the ship turned suddenly which is why the German shark passed five feet away from the ship. The ship has guns but because the submarine was not sighted they were not fired.
FOOD FOR TE KOPARA.
September: Hekiera Tuterangi, 10/-; H H Popata, 5/-.
October: Miss Bulstrode, 5/-; Tiaki Reweri, 5/-; Mrs A Brett, 5/-; Hone Taimona, 2/6; Kauhuia Tawhiwhi, 5/-; Peta Matahiki, 5/-; Mikaere Perwhairangi, 5/-; Raniera Pewhairangi, 5/-; Tamati Pewhairangi, 5/-.
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WAR NEWS.
FRANCE.
The English and the French continue to advance. Although they are going forward slowly one sees that they are increasing in strength as are the smaller nations under them. They have the largest and most powerful guns, the best aircraft, and the best soldiers.
The strengths of the English and the French are their large guns and their aircraft. The large guns demolish the fortifications, the barbed wire fences in front of the fortifications, and the large guns on the other side, and they also hit the soldiers. The aircraft show the gunners the distances and the areas where the objects they are to destroy and batter are located.
RUSSIA.
On this battlefront things are not going very well. The people are angry but they are not fighting [the enemy]. This fighting amongst themselves is because they do not share the same ideas as to who should be commanding them and which government should be governing the people.
Germany’s fighting strength is diminishing and indeed they are not advancing as before.
Russia and Romania are holding off Germany and Bulgaria. This is a sign that Russia has the right attitude.
ITALY.
Italy is doing well. The territory in which Italy is fighting Austria is mountainous, but despite these difficulties Italy’s efforts are undiminished. Austria has made many aggressive assaults to see if it can regain its territories taken by Italy but Italy has not allowed itself to be beaten. They are a determined people and it is right that they should be allies of the English.
BRIEF ITEMS ABOUT THE WAR.
The number of Germans taken prisoner in France by the English over the last nine months is 51,435, and 342 large guns have been captured. During those months 15,065 English have been captured by the Germans, but no guns.
The total number of German prisoners taken by the English on all the battlefronts of the war is 72,513, and 470 large guns have been captured.
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During that time 15,850 English have been taken prisoner and no guns have been captured.
America is determined to act to bring down Germany and is preventing any of its goods going to feed Germany ot getting there from neutral countries. Its aim is to construct 20,000 aircraft.
In the German air attack on London in September 51 people were killed and 247 suffered injuries. Four and a half tons of bombs were dropped on London. During that month 215 tons of bombs were dropped by the English on towns behind the German camps.
The news is that Germany is building some tanks for itself like those of the English. There is a tube above containing a telescope so that the enemy can be seen at a distance. They have three three-inch guns and two machine guns on top.
The War Minister said in the House of Parliament: New Zealand has not been involved in fighting this September. And the New Zealand numbers on 4th September were: Killed, 8554; Taken Prisoner, 141; Wounded, 21,832.
The Kaiser has told his soldiers that he will give the first one to capture an American soldier fifteen pounds and, besides this money, for three weeks he will not be required to return to the fighting.
MINISTERS’ STIPENDS.
One of the important motions affecting the Maori Church was put to the Synod by the Rev R W Chatterton, the Principal of Te Rau College. This motion was sweet to the ears of the listening Maori clergy. He asked that the stipends of married deacons be raised from £80 to £100 and that account should be taken of the number of children. The stipends of those who are priests should be increased from £100 to £120, again taking into account the number of children. Many of the speeches in the Synod praised the efforts of the Maori clergy to pay their debts given their small stipends and the increasing price of food and clothing. The Pakeha also praised the diligence of Maori children in seeking the learning of the Pakeha.
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Five of the ministers in the Maori section are now able to put the letters LTh after their names. This is the sign that the people have passed the fourth stage of the Church examinations; those examinations are set for the Pakeha section. Statements have been made about how well the Maori ministers did.
The way in which the money is to be raised to increase the stipends of the ministers is for each parish to decide. Committees have been set up in the Pakeha parish close to the Maori parish to act as a friend to the Maori Committee. But the time will come when an organiser will visit each parish to explain what can be done about this matter. But if you have the drive it will be good if you take action on this now. We are grateful to the man who brought this motion which was passed. The cheeks of the children will wrinkle with laughter in their happiness at this motion!
A LETTER RECEIVED.
The Te Kawakawa Parish Hui.
To the Editor of Te Kopara.
The Hui of the Te Kawakawa Parish was held at Te Araroa on Sunday, 16th September in Hinerupe, the tribal meeting-house. This is a large building but it was filled with people. The leaders of the tribe were present. Only the people of Wharekahika were missing.
The hui was called to make a collection to pay off what is owed on St Stephen’s Church so that there will be no need to hold a hui expressly to raise money to free the building from debt. The idea of the hui for the church was sparked by a different matter – the cause being promoted for our Maori soldiers. This was the occasion on which this hui was proposed. This was the idea the tribe had on that Sunday – that [the debt on] the church should not be left for a hui to meet. This is a new time with its own causes. The goal was that the hui would extinguish the debt on the church which was a longstanding matter from the old world.
The bill for the church was £1638. The Parish had put down £1158. Perhaps the Parish had now exhausted its resources. The wind-compelling cormorant of Te Ataakura, i.e. Tuwhakairiora [cf Nga Pepeha 2322] debated this matter with himself on his ancient peaks beyond the dark-brown world while the green grass of the present day flourishes; to the undulating country of Tarera – the cormorant on that side of Waiapu and the ashes here of Tawhiti. In this way the mortgage on our building was defeated [given a bloody nose]. And the marae is
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now free for a gathering of the country to deal with the important matters affecting the country, namely, what affects the Maori soldiers.
Te Pohutu, [?Tahere-mengemenge]
Te Araroa,
September 18,1917.
[Friends of the Parish of Kawakawa, your pet, Te Kopara, is laughing as he flies carrying the pleasing message you have given him to each marae. This is a new way, a remarkable way. The building is not yet finished but its expenses have been paid. Perhaps this saying applies to you: ‘the head bound with creepers.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 1615] You have set a good example. Te Kopara praises you for the new ways in which you are guiding us. This is a very good example that will be carried by our bird to be seen by every marae.
Let us know the date fixed for this Hui of ours and send us photos of the old St Stephen’s and the new St Stephen’s for our bird to carry. – Editor.]
†††††††††
Insert these words into the Litany of the Church after the words ‘those who are desolate and oppressed.’
That it may please thee to protect those engaged in warfare, that they may be strong when they are under pressure and compassionate when they defeat the enemy,
Lord, we beseech thee to hear us.
That it may please thee to support and comfort the sick, the wounded and those who are dying.
Lord, we beseech thee to hear us.
That it may please thee to give courage and compassion to those who are working and nursing those who have been afflicted in spirit or body that their pain and sadness may be eased.
Lord, we beseech thee to hear us.
Be gracious to those who fall in conflict; grant that their souls may enter into your peace, and may you welcome them according to your manifold mercies.
Lord, we beseech thee to hear us.
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THE ROLL OF HONOUR.
Died of Illness: Private K Auwha.
Wounded and in Hospital: Serious wounds. Privates J Hakaraia, A Pene, R Horomona, K Harehuru, Lieutenant K Ehau. Recovering. Privates H Tehau, R W Kanara, J H Paraone, J W Tepene, W Hohepa, Corporal L Kepa.
HENARE WAINOHU’S LETTER TO THE BISHOP.
At the Hui Topu held at Omaahu there was a motion which said:
‘This Hui sends its greetings to the minister working amongst the Maori soldiers on the field of battle, and asks that he convey our greetings to our young soldiers and assure them that we are committed to praying to God that he will bless them in their work for their King and their country.
That the Bishop send this motion to the chaplain to the Maori soldiers.
That this hui sends a message of sympathy to the families of those who have died in this war.’
This motion reached the French fortifications and Wepiha sent this reply to the Bishop of Waiapu:
To my Lord Bishop.
Your affectionate letter written by you on 26th April arrived yesterday. I was very happy to receive this letter and thank you for the words of the motion passed by the Hui Topu held at Omaahu on 23rd April. I am grateful to the members of the Hui Topu for their kindness and love for me, my fellow officers, and the soldiers to whom I have been made a father. We are very happy at your statement that you are continually praying for us. It raises our spirits to know that you are praying for us. The young Maori here are very well and strong. As I see it, many benefits have emerged for the Maori People from the many aspects of this war. My lads and I have been given many insights, things we would not have learned from living for 100 years there in New Zealand. At last we have arrived back from the fighting at Messines. It was we New Zealanders who took the town of Messines. Not many of us were killed but for the Germans it was a disaster. As for the honour I received called the White Eagle, I don’t know why I was given that honour because I am doing the work that I was commissioned to do in helping the Hokowhitu a Tu – the army. I am not working for any honour for myself. It is my lads who are doing great work and this honour is for all of us.
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But I am still glad to have this token to leave as a precious possession for my wife, Erena. We are all well.
Sincerely,
Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu.
OVER THE HILLS.
One important thing to look forward to in connection with the return of our young men from the war is the programme of the Hastings Concert Party. This coming Christmas they will be performing for ten days in the Auckland Town Hall. Below is one of their most popular songs in Maori and English:
I runga o nga puke
Ka pa mai to reo;
Au maiangi
Hei kawe mai,
He reo aroha
E patai ana mai,
‘He aha tau e
Pirangi nei.’
Kia awhi kau atu
Ki to tinana i ngaro,
E ngaro nei ra i enei ra:
Ko tou aroha, ko toku aroha,
Ka mutu pea! Aue te tau!
Ki to tinana i ngaro,
E ngaro nei ra i enei ra:
Ko tou aroha, ko toku aroha,
Ka mutu pea! Aue te tau!
Waih0 mai e tama
O kupu oati,
I runga o nga puke
I tangi ai taua.
E haere ana koe
Ki runga o te pakanga:
Ko te reo aroha,
Karanga mai –
Kia awhi kau atu …..
From the hills resounding,
Your voice is calling.
I hear its echo,
My heart is sighing.
Borne on the breezes,
List to it asking,
‘Why are you calling –
calling for me?’
Just once again, love,
In sweet embrace, love,
For you I’m longing,
For you alone;
Your lips to mine, love,
Our hearts united,
Until the end, love – until the end.
In sweet embrace, love,
For you I’m longing,
For you alone;
Your lips to mine, love,
Our hearts united,
Until the end, love – until the end.
‘Twas on the mountain
our love was plighted;
you vowed to hold me
in memory ever.
Now war has called you
Across the ocean,
My heart is breaking,
Crying in vain –
Just once again, love …..
[The New Zealand Folk Song website says that this song was composed by Paraire Tomoana and the free translation above was by Wi Huata. My own translation below is not metrical.- Barry Olsen]
Over the hills your voice reaches me, carried by a breeze. It is a voice of love asking, ‘What is it you long for?’
To embrace once again your absent body, absent in these days. Perhaps your love and my love will come to an end! Alas, my darling.
You left me your promise on the hills where we wept. You have gone because of the war. Your voice of love cries out to me.
To embrace once again …..
†††††††††
One of the Maori officers died in the Cambridge Hospital last month. He was Lieutenant Iritima Uatuku, aged 21. He was one of the young chiefs of Tuhoe, of Mataatua canoe. This man was assigned to lead the Ngati Porou company, but on his death Lieutenant J P Ferris was given that company. The total number of young men of Tuhoe who have gone to the war is close to seventy.
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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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