MORE FUN FOR COUNTRY BOYS AND GIRLS “INSTITUTES” FOR THE YOUNG FOLK THE KUPE HAPU: HOW IT WORKS

Northern Advocate, 26 July 1938, Page 2

MORE FUN FOR COUNTRY BOYS AND GIRLS “INSTITUTES” FOR THE YOUNG FOLK THE KUPE HAPU: HOW IT WORKS

\\7HEN Kupe, hero of Maori mythology, sailed out from his home, many centuries ago, it was to lead his people to Aotearoa, a land of plenty ami happiness. When, the Young NortlAlamler made its bow in the “Advocate” four years ago, your cliieftain chose for himself the name Kupe. He pledged himself then to lead bis Tribe to happiness, as did the Kupe of old. Step by step the Young Norlltfauder has progressed. From a half-page weekly it has grown to a fail page on Tuesdays and a half page on Thursdays. Then the Kupe L'lub was born, linking together young folk of Northland into a solid band whose aim In life was to find happiness. A great, lesson has been learned—that true happiness comes from helping others. And so the aim of the Kupe Club has been to make Northland a better place to live in by members being happy themselves and bringing sunshine into the lives of others. So far the Kupe Club has been a great success. During the depression years Happy Quilts made by members were distributed to bring warmth and comfort to those unfortunate ones unable to help themselves; dozens of Northland, babies were made snug by dainyi woollies knitted, by maidens of the tribe; clothing contributed by warriors helped many a family over a lean period. Truly in those years of stress the Kupe. Club brought sunshine into many Northland homes. This year young folk have taken the lead in a campaign to raise CGOO necessary to complete the cost of erecting an orphanage at Tikipunga—a borne for the homeless that will serve the needs of the entire North. - ' ‘ ' It is not a passive happiness that your Chief fain would give you; rather it is an active joy in DOING that must stir the enthusiasm of every healthy boy ami girl. Our Club has been active. Warriors and maidens through the “Young Northlander” have been given the opportunity of finding increased happiness— through our stories and competitions, and through our club efforts to assist those less fortunate than ourselves. But the aim of your chieftain does not stop there. In recent weeks there lias been, announced the Hapu scheme, WHAT IS A HAPU? And what is a Hapu? A Hapu Is a band of Kupe Club members living in the same district who may meet! from time to time to get the best fun out of life. By—(a) Being happy themselves and enjoying games, competitions, reading, tramping, hobbles—in a word. DOING all the things they like doing best/. And—(b) By bringing sunshine into the lives of others by planning good turns for people In their district; by HELPING any good cause; 4 by studying simple first aid; by learning what they can about animals so they may treat them kindly and prevent unnecessary suffering—in short, to be prepared to give any service that will further the Kupe Club’s aim of making Northland the happiest possible place to live in. The Women’s Institutes have meant companionship and social life for thousands of New Zealand women; have given .women countless opportunities of doing good. The Women’s Institute is a splendid organisation. It is our aim that the Kupe Club Hapu may be to Young Northlanders what the Women’s Institute is to their mothers.