HUTT VALLEY MAORIS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 124, 29 May 1933, Page 5

HUTT VALLEY MAORIS

FLOURISHING SOCIETY

TE ROPU 0 TE WHANGANUI A TARA

An active Maori Society in the Hutt Valley is'the Eopu ote Whanganui a Tara, whose latest achievement is tho provision of a meeting house which is now being erected on the Hutt Eoad, Lower Hutt, just north of the ramp. An outline of the society's activities was given to a "Post" reporter by, th© honorary secretary (Mr. E. T. W. Love). The history of the Eopu o te Whanganui a Tara (incorp.), dates back to 1919, when at a meeting of Maoris held at Petone it was decided to form a committee to take up the several causes of the Maori people of the district, to encourage the younger generation to interest themselves in their own language, and, further, to assist and encourage them in sport. The society was then known as Nga Pani o te Whanganui a Tara (the Orphans of the Big Bay of Tara). Under the patronage of th© lata Sir Maui Pomare good work was done. . ncr in its second year of the thud^grado championship. A concert party was, started, and numerous concerts held. A iunior football team was also formed, and, although it did not win the chanipionship, proved itself on the hclds of Bui'by. All, quarterly Maori services held in the Valley were assisted by providing funds for tho food for the day. During the visit of H.E.H. the Prince of Wales this organisation assisted in the celebrations. ACTIVITIES WANE: SOCIETY , EEVIVED. In 1929 the activities of the Eopn had somewhat waned, and at a meeting of the Maoris of Wellington and the Hutt Valley held at Petone in August it was decided to revive the old society, and rename it as Te Eopu o te Whanganui a Tara (the Assembly of the Big Bay of Tara). A committee was formed to carry on,the work of the old society. The aim of this society was "to foster the social, moral, physical, aud general welfare of the Maori people, regardless of creed or .political views, and to preserve the traditions, arts, and craits of their Maori ancestors." Under tho auspices of this committee several.Maori functions were held, some of which were the entertainment of Maori celebrities visiting the district, social functions for visiting Maori football teams, _ a donation of £40 towards the entertainment of the English Eugby football team, and several other functions. In 1930 it was decided to add the following aims and" objects:—The fostering and encouragement of literary, musical, or other talent that may be ' discovered among the members, and more especially among the younger members, and the publication of such literature as may seem suitable; the upholding of the status of the members and the continuance and improvement of the social and'friendly relations with the rest of the community; the promotion of such games, sports, recreation, and other activities as may be suitable for the benefit or well-being bf tho members, and the fostering and binding together of the tribes and sub-tribes known as Te Atiawa, Taranaki, and Ngatiruanui. ACQUIRING A KAINGA. In 1932 the new executive immediately set about discussing ways and means of acquiring a "kainga" (home). Their efforts were not in vain. Several of the Maori members agreed to hand over a section as a rtiarae (reserve). The legal formalities have been duly carried out, and on May 26,1933, the notification appeared in the Gazette. Plans and specifications were drawn up and funds were acquired per medium of concerts, etc. The Taranaki Trust Board, appreciating the objects and aims of the Eopu, and realising that ia order to carry them out a meeting placa was required, made a grant to ■ assist the Eopu in building a Kainga, as tha "tangata whenua" (the residing Maori population) ' are of Taranaki .descent. The recent statement of the Gover-nor-General, Lord Bledisloe referring to his Majesty's instruction, which was: "Do all in your povjer to induce tho Maori people \o take a pride in their race, to keep up their beautiful language, and to continue to pursue so far as it is possible their own peculiar accomplishments," has infused into the members the spirit of action. With the small amount of funds in hand, the society immediately, began constructing its kainga, where the local residents may be able to cai-ry out to the letter, if possible, the aims and objects of tha Ropu and may assist Lord Bledisloe to carry out to the letter his Majesty* pission. , . It is expected_ that the kainga will bt completed within the coming month.