THE CENTENNIAL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 142, 3 April 1940, Page 5

THE CENTENNIAL

MAORI COMMITTEE MEETS FINAL SOCIAL PLANNED A representative meeting ol the Maori Sub-committee of the Whakatane Centennial Celebrations took place in the County Council Chambers on Thursday evening lash, Mr W. M. Clark presiding. In conveying his congratulations to membeis the chairman said that the day had been a greater success than evei had been expected. Thousands of Maoris had been brought into town and he was pleased to say that there had not been one untoward incident during the whole day. The actual proceedings had astonished Whakatane, and had brought a record crowd to the town. He complimented also the Maori chiefs who had made the official speeches on their choice of words and dignified manner. They had every reason to »e proud. Mentioning the organisation, Mr Clark complimented all who had assisted in the running of the various departments. The whole programme had gone off to schedule and was not a minute behind. Mr C. C. Southey added his remarks by stating that it had far exceeded anything he had anticipated- As a member of the original Centennial Committee, he could honestly say that he deeply appreciated all tint had been done by way of introducing the Maori people into active participation. Special votes of thanks were passed to Mr A. O. Stewart, the school teachers, and all 1 who had assisted towards the day's success.

Financial Position. The secretary submitted a tentative statement of accounts whien showed receipts totalling £139 2s 6d. and anticipated accounts to the extent of £142 10s 2d. It was pointed out that in three districts there was a likelihood of a slight .surplus from the benzine allocation monies and that this would in all probability offset the deficiency. It was left in the hands of the secretary to compile a balance sheet after the payment of alll accounts and submit same to a final meeting. Thanks, The secretary was instructed to despatch letters of thanks to all who had assisted towards the success of the day and to extend the committee's appreciation through the press to those, who combined to help by transport, catering and in any other manner towards the very full programme of events. Special mention was made of those who had trained up the liaka parties and poi dancers. Mr G. A. Brabant said that it was a pity the young Maoris did not take as much interest in it as they should. Ihe old Maori methods of expression were fast falling away and unless something was done to encourage their perpetuation they would SOOHI become a thing of the past.

Handed to the Borough. A suggestion by Mr Southey that the replica of the Treaty of Waitangi, with the signatures of the descendants of those chiefs who originally signed should be handed to the Borough Council for safe keeping was warmly - endorsed. It was also decided to hand over to the town clerk the minute book and final balance sheet for safe keeping and as an interesting record of the committees activities. Concluding Social. The fact that the delegates had been such a happy family and that their activities had been completely devoid of any misunderstandings was mentioned by several speakers, and it was unanimously decided to arrange a final social function which could be attended by those immediately interested.