I was out again at the
Waimate North Mission Station today as it's one of my favourite historical spots in the far north. It was a very dreary Winter's day so I spent most of the time trying to dodge the raindrops while the sun was poking it's head out hence the overcast clouds in the photo above. There is a missionary house not far off on the other side of the driveway but for this post I'd like to focus on this entranceway to the church and cemetery.
According to my research the church itself was built in 1831 but this gate was built just under 100 years later in 1929 to mark the centenary of the settlement. A tablet was also placed inside the church in commemoration of the early missionaries to the area.
Inside on the walls of the gate are plaques in honour of fallen soldiers from the area who fought in the Battle of Ohaeawai in 1845. On the opening day a church service and communion were held in the open air, the unveiling in the afternoon and a Maori powhiri (welcome) afterwards. In amongst the invited guests was Bishop Bennett (the first Maori Bishop) along with 26 clergy (17 of them Maori).
There were 2 speakers on the day, Mr E.A. Ransom (Minister of Public Works) who said "
the time has come for the government to recognize a greater responsibility to the Maori people in regard to the occupation of their lands". And the honourable Joseph Coates who was the prime minister from 1925 to 1928 said "
there should not be differentiation between the two races. The Maori should be given the same chances as the European people" and how his father had impressed upon him that he and his fellow settlers would have starved in the early days if it had not been for the generosity of the Maori people.
To me those words should still be considered today. Hope you're staying safe where you are. Kia kaha.
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