ACCOMMODATION AT MAORI HOSTEL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29082, 19 December 1959, Page 15

ACCOMMODATION AT MAORI HOSTEL

New Dormitory Wing Built Accommodation for 12 more boys has been provided in a new shower and dormitory wing at the Rehua Maori apprentices’ hostel in Springfield road. By January, 50 Maori apprentices will be in residence. The new dormitory block, painted in various pastel shades, has been designed to blend with the original building. Each floor has its own showers and toilet facilities, and privacy and companionship has been provided by the grouping of bunks in pairs. The floors and fittings are of polished wood. Furniture will be given by Christchurch joinery firms. The cost of the dormitory, furniture, and assistant matron’s room and fencing of the premises was £4350. The Government provided a 50 per cent, subsidy of £2025 for the dormitory alone, and many donations of material and furniture were made by city firms. Since the hostel was established 10 years ago, 61 boys have been in residence, and only seven have given up their apprenticeships. This compares favourably with any pakeha figures, said the superintendent of the Central Methodist Mission (The Rev. W. E. Falkingham). The mission arranges apprenticeships and provides supervised accommodation for Maori boys when they leave school, said Mr Falkingham. It has often happened that Maori lads have drifted into casual labour, not a particularly attractive way of life. The Rehua hostel provides the young Maori with friends of his own age and race, said Mr Falkingham.