MAORI MISSIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 108, 3 November 1937, Page 26

MAORI MISSIONS

NGATI-PONEKE BAZAAR

It is delightful to come along to a Maori entertainment, there is such an atmosphere of thorough cheerfulness about it, and yesterday at St. Paul's Schoolroom the Ngati-Ponekes were in full force with their many friends, and enjoyment was the order of the afternoon. To begin with the decor was bright and charming, arranged for the occasion by the New Zealand Display Service, under charge of Mr. Burd, who succeeded in pleasing all' the Maori friends greatly. Long handsome flags were draped crosswise over the ceiling of the schoolroom, and round them was well-arranged greenery. The stage was backed with some beautiful feather mats (lent by Lady Pomare) and on the floor were island mats with designs in natural dyes. At each side was a typical Maori figure with a large and well-arranged stand of flowers. Some of the stalls were fronted with the typical Maori scroll designs and others were bright with crinkled paper and flowers, and with a very well-stocked flower stall right across the end of the hall' the effect was most cheery. All the stalls were well stocked. Her Excellency, Lady Galway, opened the sale, and was accompanied by Mrs. Purvis. She was received at the door by Bishop and Mrs. Sprott, Lady Pomare, the Rev. P. Temuera, Mr. H. Park (president of the NgatiPoneke Mission Society), and a real Maori welcome was given, led by.Mrs. Heketa. They were all escorted to the stage, where little Doreen Tarrant presented Lady Galway with a basket of native flowers and foliage, charmingly arranged, and Mrs. Sprott with a basket of roses. The little girl looked very well in a Maori mat and piupiu, and did her part gracefully. Mr. Temuera voiced the welcome of the Maoris to her Excellency, saying that it was eighteen months since she had kindly officiated in opening their bazaar before, and since then'she had been in England, and they all hoped that she was quite restored to health. The Maoris were delighted to feel that they had a representative of the King and Queen with them. The purpose of the fair, which had been got up by both Maoris and pakehas, was to enable the spiritual work among the people to be carried on. Good work was being done throughout the diocese, but funds were always being needed, and all were grateful to her Excellency for coming along and helping their good cause. Lady Galway spoke of her pleasure in being among the Maori workers again, and said that she knew that good work was being done. She thought it was particularly fitting that ihe Maoris should have clergy of their own race; they understood best how to minister to their needs. She then spoke of Lady Pomare's kindly work among them and that of her late distinguished husband, Sir Maui Pomare. She' was glad to know that there was. a reward for all the wdrk being done, as there was a 28 per cent, increase in the Maori population in the last ten years. This was a most satisfactory state of affairs, and she was sure that the work accomplished by the missions through the country had helped greatly. Her Excellency said that she hoped the work would increase, and was pleased to declare the bazaar open, wishing it every success. After the speeches the official party lock seats in the front of the hall and i omo pretty poi dances were given by I ihe Ngati-Poneke "girls. Her Excellency then went round the stalls, and afternoon tea was served. The stall-holders were as follows:— • Maori stall, Mesdames Oka Heketa, Te Hiko, Love, J. Winiera, and Misses M. Heketa and L. Kettlewell; disabled soldiers, Mrs. B. W. Irwin; fancy goods, Mesdames Henry Tahiwi, Curtis, and Black, and Miss M. Pitt; flowers, Mrs. potiki, Misses Meta Kingi, Sinclair, and Mowbray; cool drinks, Mesdames Harfoot, Vidulich, Te Miha, and Miss Mere Black;' produce, Mesdames wallis, Stevenson, Williamson, and Miss Watson; sweets, Mesdames H. Park, Shephard, Miss Lane; cakes, Mesdames B. L. Hammond, Smith,' and Pelham; refreshment room, Mrs. Walter Blundell and friends. The tables were brightly decorated with Iceland poppies, and a delectable tea was a popular item during the afternoon and evening. . A good entertainment was given m the evening by members of the NgatiPoneke Young Maori Club, one which does work in the interests.of Jhe younger native people in Wellington and suburbs, keeping alive their special games' and amusements. They gave several poi and other dances, !dth items by Miss Shirley McDonald and Miss Roberts. . The bazaar was organised and carried out by several branches of Maori of which Lady Pomare is the head, helpers, including the welfare branch,