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.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

Autumn at Waimate North

If there's one thing I like about Autumn and Winter it's the absence of leaves on the trees. those bare branches look like they're reaching out to the sky for warmth. I wonder how old the tree is?

The Waimate North Mission Church and Cemetery looks so dark and mysterious. No life, just moss on the old fence and dark stormy clouds.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday.

The old Kerikeri Stone Store

The old Kerikeri Stone Store was designed by a Wesleyan missionary named John Hobbs and built by William Parrot who was a convict between 1832 and 1836. .

It's purpose was to hold supplies for the Waimate Mission Farm but it was mainly leased as a Kauri Gum Store. The building is made of sandstone, local volcanic rocks and burnt shell mortar.

By the mid 1830's the store couldn't compete with local traders and it was then converted into a mission library then taken over by Governor George Grey for use as a gun barracks during the Flagstaff War.

Finally it was used as a boys school then sold to the Kemp family in 1874 as a general store. Now these days it's being used as a tourist attraction and to sell mostly Kiwiana products old and new.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday.

Daffodils at Waimate North

You haven't seen much of me this week. I've been in Supervisor training at work so by the time I get home at night I'm pretty much ready for bed. We have been however exploring local places over the last couple of weeks on my day off and have been taking lots of photos of the scenery.

Last weekend was a bit chilly with a bit of a cold Winter breeze in the air but I think Spring is on the way as I did see these yellow Daffodils and white Jonquils at Waimate North in the countryside about 10 minutes out of town.