WELLINGTON MAORI CLUB

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 258, 28 July 1936, Page 3

WELLINGTON MAORI CLUB

The Wellington Maori Club held an interesting evening at the clubrooms, W’illis Street, when a large number of members, friends and visiting Maoris were present. Mr. W. Bird, late inspector of native schools and the club's language instructor, gave an informal talk upon his impressions at the recent gathering at Waitara. He told little of the gathering itself, but mostly of glimpses from a Maori point of view. Arriving earlier than most pakebas, be saw the entry of various sections of the tribes and receptions iu the native manner and renewed acquaintanceship with many very old Maori friends. He gave an interesting insight into various points of the gathering that would be missed by the average pakeha, and told of several humorous incidents that were enjoyed by both Maoris and pakehas in the audience. Mr. J. JI. McEwen gave a talk on Maori carvings, using several beautiful pieces of work as examples. He traced the possible origin of the art and told of meanings and legends connected with it. A large party of Maoris attended from Porirua, and poi dances and songs were entered into with enthusiasm and were thoroughly enjoyed by both members aud the visitors. Mr. F. W. Vosscler, secretory, read a letter from the newly-formed Polynesian Society of Sydney, which conveyed greetings to its sister club, and contained an offer of hospitality to all of Maori blood who would be of who were already in Sydney.