The Waimate North Lych Gate

I was out again at the Waimate North Mission Station yesterday 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. 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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Kaeo's Memorial Cairn

After driving through Kaeo so many times we decided in the weekend to stop at this apparent historical spot. Overlooking the township is this memorial cairn which commemorates the site of the first mission and was erected by Maori members of the Methodist church under the guidance of Rev. A.J. Steamer.  It is built from water worn gray marble boulders which were transported by barge from an ocean beach (possibly Tauranga Bay), through the harbour and up the Kaeo river to the site.

The cairn itself was dedicated at the centenary celebrations on 8 March 1922 by a Rev Grainger Hargreaves. 2 boulders on it bear inscriptions. The 1 on the left says in English "On this spot the Methodist mission to the natives of NZ was established June 10th 1823 by Rev Samuel Leigh. What God has wrought!". The on the right bears the same but in Maori.

Unfortunately it only has 2 very run down falling apart graves with no tombstones to indicate who lies beneath so we have no way of knowing who they belong to but there is a modern cemetery right across the road lying on the hillside behind.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and My corner of the world.

St Clement's Anglican Church

Nestled on a small hill just around the corner from Ahipara township and bay is this little wee gem. St Clement's Anglican Church and cemetery dates back to around 1873 and was named "Pukemiro" after the hill that is stands on.

As per an old Maori story this area was chosen as a sacred burial spot for Poroa who was the Chief of Te Rawara - he lived here when times were peaceful. Most of the graves are from the 1800s with a few of them surrounded by old iron fencing.

Inside everything looks quite tidy, humble and well looked after. The church itself was built by local Maoris named Inoka Tutangiora, Rapata Wharawhara and Kihirini Te Morenga under the guidance of Richard Matthews who was the son of Joseph Matthews (part of the Missionary Society).

The view from the top steps next to the church looks out over miles of farmland. In 2012 restoration committee of the church were looking for funding to restore the church, I'd say since then alot of work has been done quite tastefully. After sharing these photos on Facebook I had a few people tell me their Tupuna (ancestors) were buried there.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and My corner of the world.