GROWTH OF MORMONISM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2430, 19 February 1909, Page 2

GROWTH OF MORMONISM.

HOLD ON THE MAORI.

AN INTERESTIN'G GATHERING

It is customary among the Mormon people to hold .gathering's at certain periods of the year, and the conterence for 1909 has just been concluded at AVaahi, near Huntly. The meetings were well attended, nearly 500 natives being present, as well as 45 elders. The former came from all parts—the Bay of Islands, Hauraki, fauranga, 'Wanganui, Hawke’s Bay, Mahia contributing their quota, the representatives gladly a saerihoiug temporal gains to join with their le - low-worshippers in religious exercise. The people of the district in which the conference was held provided everything in the way of lodging and. commissariat, and the. lavish hospitality Oi the Waikato Mormons was highly appreciated. Large tents were elected for the accommodation of the visitors. , , . . , The object of such gather.mgs is to strengthen the Ala oris physically and spiritually. They are taught the olcments of hvgieno, and how to fortify themselves against diseases common to their kind. The elders practically illustrate the proper methods of nursing the ailing, inculcate temperance, honesty, and the virtues generally, while such matters as housebuilding ventilation, elementary sanitation, ami carpentering generally are taught by experts, the various tenets of the Mormon faith being preached period:cally. The aim of the elders is to raise the standard of civilisation and lift their converts to a higher plane. An external view of the well-dressed, clean, and tidv adherents would show that the diligence and attention of the teachers are not unattended \\ itll success. _ ITU The conference just closed dealt mainly with religious matters. The Mormon missionaries are sent to Aeu Zealand as they are to other parts oi the earth to proclaim the Gospel of Christ according to their particular views, which, they aver, arc in accordance with Scriptural truths, and co prepare nankind for the second coming. They believe and teach that owing to the wickedness of the pcopm who lived during the first few centuries after the birth of the Saviour the Gospel was taken from the earth, a condition which prevailed until 1830, when, through the instrumentality of Joseph Smith, it was restored to earth. Such is the history of a religion which enthusiastic elders inculcate. These ire generally young men who voluntarily (sacrifice country and home for two or three years, and going out into the world suffer hardships and privations, and frequently ridicule and discouragement. for the sake of those among whom they labor. The New Zealand headquarters cf the Mormons are situated in Upper Queen Street, Auckland. The buildings have been constructed only recently at a cost of between £3OOO and £4OOO, the money coming from Salt Lake City. The Church has also purchased 130 acres of land in Hawke’s Lay for the purpose of founding a school for Maori boys, who will be taught agriculture in all its branches, carpentry, brick, and stone., laying, b’acksmithing, and other trades. Throughout the Dominion are scattered chapels in which to worship. At Waahi the neat -little edifice,-- which b a credit to the converts, proved too small on the occasion of the conference, it being necessary, owing to the numbers present, to hold the meet - ings outside in a- large tent. On Sunday afternoon a European service, attended by quite 150 Huntiv residents, was held in the church. Those who take an interest in religious matters were surprised at the piety, earnestness. cleanliness, and devotion of the natives present at the conference. The next conference will be hold at T a u r a nga.