FOR WOMEN HOSTEL OPENED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 295, 13 December 1943, Page 5

FOR WOMEN HOSTEL OPENED

FOR MAORI GIRLS

W.C.T.U.'S HOUSE IN PARNELIj

The attractively furnished bedrooms and sunny lounge received favourable comment from visitors who attended the opening of the Maori Girls' hostel at 9, Cleveland Road. Parnell, on Saturday afternoon. Some of the bedrooms had a view of the sea and all looked fresh and modern. There are 15 girls living there at present, and Mrs. J. W. Long, president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, which acquired the hostel, said that already the girls regard it as home.

The hostel, a two-storeyed house, was opened by the Mayoress, Mrs. Allum, who thanked the W.C.T.U. for their iine gesture. The Minister of Native Affairs, Mr. Mason, said it was essential that Maori girls coming to the city should find a real home with friendship and love. The hostel was the right approach to one of the big problems of the Maoris, he said, and success was further assured by the co-operation of the United Maori Women's Welfare Society.

Tribute to the long service given the Maori people by Sister Jessie, who has a Maori hostel in Union Street, was paid by Mr. L. .W. Parore, representing Mr. Paikea, M.P., for the Northern district. Sister Jessie received, applause when she said, "When women get on fire to do something, they are bound to get it done." Others who were present were Mrs. Hoeft, and Mrs. IC. Newton, of the United Maori Women's Welfare Society. Items were given by Maori girl performers. Meals are provided at the hostel, a young Maori woman being cook arid matron. It is planned to have a woman come in the evenings, to teach the girls how to sew and knit for their "boxes." The hostel has been promised a piano and a wireless, and many other generous gifts have been presented, all the cutlery having been donated. Mrs. Long thanked all who had helped, especially Mr. H. T. Stevens, president of the Auckland Auxiliary of the Baptist Union of New Zealand, for his co-operation. The hostel will accommodate 20, and is undenominational. «