W.C.T.U.

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 160, 8 July 1943, Page 2

W.C.T.U.

The monthly meeting was hold on Tuesday afternoon, commencing with devotional exercises led by Mrs. Wrigley. Welcomes were extended to Mrs. Tahiwi, the guest speaker, also to Mesdames Holland, Allan, and Dorset, who had been ill, and to Mesdames Scott and Giles, new members.

Miss Connelly and Mrs. Hardisty were appointed to take charge of the Cradle 801 l Department. The retiring superintendent, Mrs. Stuart, was thanked for her faithful services over a number of years, and was presented with a bouquet as a token of appreciation. Mrs., Tahiwi, a trained nurse, who has been doing special work among the Maoris, commenced her talk by saying that Maori life in the past was communal, which tended to unselfishness. But they were ruled by fear, the tohunga wielding almost absolute power. They had a high moral code,] offenders being severely dealt with.] They were skilful in arts and crafts,' and in music. In carving and weaving, 1 the best history of tho Maori was preserved. They were a religious people, worshipping many gods —of the forest and the sea. Because of their outdoor life, and tribal wars, they were phyically strong and robust. Tho speaker went on to say that she had been employed by the Government, her duties being firstly, to compile a census of Maori women in Wellington; secondly, to assist tho recruiting officer to form tribal committees, who were the mouthpiece of the executive, who in turn were the mouthpiece of the Government. A third duty had been to organise Maori women in avenues of service for the useful employment ol their spare time. She had commenced by visiting 80 or 00 factories, and had next visited the hotels, restaurants and brothels. She had been successful in forming Red Cross units and choirs, ana inducing Maori women to take up gardening and vegetable growing. The Maori race now numbered 95,000. The chief problems were the influx of women and girls to the cities, tho finding of suitable work for them, and worst of all, the liquor evil. Lack oi proper accommodation in tho cities was the cause of many Maoris being lea astray. What was urgently required was a hostel, under Christian control. Kind Christian influence could do a great deal to help. Mrs. Shearman thanked tho speaker for her interesting address. Sister Irene Hobbs, deaconess in Batana Pa, proposed that the Government bo urged to erect a hostel immediately. Mrs. Tahiwi replied that they were contemplating such a step, but thought a letter would not hinder, but rather hasten on the good work. It was agreed to write to the Minister in Charge of Native Affairs. A quantity of used clothing had been brought to the meeting, and was taken by Sister Hobbs to Batana Pa for the benefit of the Maoris there.

Four girls from Turakina Maori Girls' College gave very pleasing action songs, and then the meeting closed with prayer.