"HOIA HAHI."

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 236, 4 October 1940, Page 11

"HOIA HAHI."

CENTRE FOR MAORI GIRLS.

OPENING CEREMONY PERFORMED. The opening of the centre for work among Maori girls, which has been organised by the Church Army, was performed by Bishop W. J. Simkin this morning. The centra which is in Wilkine Street, Freeman's Bay, and ie to be called "Hoia Hahi," is in the chsd-ge of Sieter E. Brady, assisted by Pro-Sister H. Robinson, and consists of a four-roomed house with a chapel at the end of the garden. It is to 'be an occasional house for Maori girls, in the city, who may find recreation and help there.

A ehort service was conducted in the chapel by the Bishop, after which the house was opened, and prayers, were offered for the Maori people.

"We hope that thie will be the beginning of a definite work among the Maoris," said Bishop Simkin. "We cannot be satisfied with the condition of the Maoris in thie diocese, and that this work is needed ie a reproach to u» for our neglect of the native people through the yeare."

The Bishop expressed the hope that other euch houses throughout the diocese would follow, and said that he would like to see a branch house of the Order of the Good Shepherd established, to extend this work.

"It k right that first thought should be given to the 'building of the chapel, and I hope the inspiration of this, work will enable others similar to be inaugurated throughout the Dominion," he concluded.

"It is a happy point that this opening should take place on the Feast of Saint Francis of Aesisi," said the Rev. A. R. Allerton, vioar of the parish of Freeman's Bay. "His life wae one of beauty and devotion, and I know this house and beautiful chapel have been based on the tr»«e Christian epirit."

Appreciation of the help given by their many friends, whose subscriptions had enaibled the house to 'be purchased, was expressed by Captain S. R. Banyard, of the Church Army. The house with ite garden and large basement, which was later to 'be converted into a recreation room, was suitable for the work, and left room for future development. He concluded fey paying a tribute to Sister Brady and to the Sisters and others for their work in connection with the chapel. "I feel it is a real step forward in work among the Maori people," eaid Sister Brady, and I hope it will develop into a really valuable work. She said she wished to thank all those who had been associated with her in the founding of the centre.