The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1898-08-02
In New Zealaud .

piercing cold with heavy fog hanging
over nature these are signs of ra:nless
day and bright warm sun at about 10
O'Clock when the fog will have been
chased away. 1t is with light hearts
that we embark upon our little river
steamer which has trip OF about 50
miles down the winding Waikato, now
picturesque by the farm houses and
leafless willow trees on it's banks; oc-
casionally cluster OF rush houses is
seen, the occupants OF which tell legends
of the famous Waikato If the long ago.
We call at several such villages and
our crowd is increased with more dark
shining faces, At Tupekerunga, the
terminus of our ride, we are greeted by
our saints and friends who are already
gathered there. The pork, beef, pota-
toes, kumuras, bread, cake, etc. in sight
tell. if the Moari proverb is true, that
good listening depends upon well filled
stomachs, our conference will be a
success.
BY p. m. Pres. Ezra T. Stevenson,
Elder Hirini Whaanga (the Maori chief
from ZionJ and Elder George T Judd,
Sec. OF the mission have arriven, having
come 6S miles from Auckland by rail
and about Pc miles by canoe. We
give our distinguished visitors a genuine
welcome The same night Elder
Whaanga told the story OF his life in
Zion This grand old man" OF the
Maori nation has returned to his people.
He OF all men can testify 10 them OF this
work, for has he not seen its fountain
head, its prophet and its,people Of their
sincerity, oftheir unity or OF their deceit :?
And now this venerable old man, filled
with the spirit OF his calling, tells his
people these men, these servants Of God
among us are not merely here to spend
their time, They have come rs the last
cleaners of the vineyard of God before
the last day. These men have left their
people, their homes, and all that is near
to them for the gospel. and testify to
you, my people, this is the gospel Of
Jesus Christ and by it only can we be
saved. Listen to mo for l know, have
seen.
Three regular meetings were held on
the first day besides a priesthood meet
ing held at 4 p. m.
On the second day, besides our three
regular meetings, we held English
services, by special request of the
Europeans, in the school house. Our
gathering has been spiritual feast to
us and although our last conference was
one OF the best, yet during this we
seemed to enjoy even greater portion
of the Spirit OF God. The prayers OF
the humble servants had been answered
and rewarded.
On Monday, June 10, we parted with
our visitors, the saints and friends
returning to their homes.
On June 10, l attended large
gathering OF about $50 Moaries at
Whatawhata, and had the privilege Of
not only preaching but discussing with
their chief the principles OF the gospel
Since then l have preached to two
other large gatherings, besides regular
work, and lave attended the semi
annual conference of the Hauraki
district and at present writing am
attending conference here in the
Tauranga district. Our company
includes Pres. Ezra 7. Stevenson OF the
New Zealand mission and Elder Hlrlni
Whaanga. At this conference Elder
Rufus X. Harry, OF Salt Lake City, has
been appointed to labor with me in
Waikato while Elder IL. Ho.lmgwortb,
my previous companion, will labor
here.
These lines written to you, my dear
frien Is at home, will also tell you am
enjoying excellent health ami spirits
1 .l. l..