WELLINGTON MAORI CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1938, Page 17

WELLINGTON MAORI CLUB

-The Wellington Maori Club held its ; monthly meeting at the club room/ "Evening Post". Chambers, on Monday last. The president, Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, was in the chair. The Maori language class conducted by Mr. W. W. Bird made progress in the difficulties of the language. Mr. J. D. Peart, who is well acquainted with, the 'Maori'history of Tasman Bay and the coast line to the French pass, gave an interesting lecture on the place names arid their Origins and related many incidents associated with the early settlement of the Coast. By means of maps the audience was : enabled /to follow the lecturer in his reriiarks: Much of the information had been -given' to Mr. Peart by -Maoris who. had -resided" in the district for many years, and by first-hand knowledge the lecturer had been able to correct the -names'; of places which had been - Wrongly 'recorded -by. > early settlers./- Mr/ Peart deplored'the fact ; that the district which had once cariried a large population and numerous 1 villages had. become: almost deserted, ;:.only a" few scattered hamlets remainTing. \ Mr. H./M..Christie: also spoke of /place., names, their / meariings. .and origins, in the Wellington district, and I related items of history associated with ' the same. Reference was made by the • speaker/-to,ancient Maori pas close to .- Wellington city and the various tribes which had occupied' them down the : ages from the thirteenth century. Both lecturers were accorded votes -. of thanks; for their addresses.