1912 Māori New Testament dedicated to the 1914 and 1964 Marsden celebrations
A small and fragile 1912 Māori New Testament and psalms, ‘Ko Te Kawenata Hou’ was given to the Library some years ago. Inside it has an interesting story to tell, as the donor or his antecedents have collected signatures relating to the Marsden Centenary celebrations in 1914 and later events.
Archbishop Walter Averill has written:
“A. W. Auckland, In remembrance of the Marsden Centenary XMAS Day, 1914. Laus Deo.”
It is also signed by Marion P. Marsden, A M Betts, mayor of Goulburn, NSW, and Lizzie Betts, as well as Hilda Marsden Venables, great niece of Dr Marsden, from Southwell, England.
In 1964, the little book came out again to be signed by R. E. Mardsen, great-great-grandson of Samuel Marsden “150th anniversary celebrations, 1964”.
On the front pages are pasted a photograph of the Cross at Oihi, and a card in Māori “He Whakamaharatanga mo Te Kirihimete”, 1914 (In Remembrance of Christmas 1914).
