Cook Islander Gains Diploma
p. 73 · Read in the full issue
In Theology
From Our Own Correspondent AN interesting recent visitor to Mangaia was the newly-ordained Rev. Tuata kiri Pitman, the first Cook Islander to attain to the dignity of a genuinely ordained clergyman of the Congregational Church of NZ.
Contrary to accepted belief, Cl “oro metua” do not possess college or Divinity qualifications. The Reverend Tua takiri, however, has passed his Diploma of Theology, and may be thus addressed.
He has also, of course, the privilege of wearing clerical attire, another mattter denied to the ordinary pastor of the LMS churches of the Cook Islands.
The gaining by a Cook Islander of such a diploma is another milestone on the long road of LMS endeavour, and another evidence that unprobed potentialities for education and responsibility exist in the Island Maori people.
Mrs. Pitman, who is a NZ Maori, was with her husband on their round of the Group; it is the intention of the couple to work in these islands as assistants to the Rev. Mr Murphy, LMS supervisor, who is at present in New Zealand.
Mr. J. Maxwell, British District Agent at Santo, New Hebrides, was a passenger to Sydney on the April Muliama. Mr.
Fregard has taken over as the DA, Santo, A 43-year-old French priest,Father F.
Guivarch from Papua is having his first holiday in 17 years. He reached Australia in the Bulolo recently on his way to his native Brittany. He has spent the 17 years in isolated Papuan native settle ments. His present station is at Orokolo, in Western Papua.