MAORI ALL BLACKS

Southland Times, Issue 19462, 29 January 1925, Page 6

MAORI ALL BLACKS

RECOGNITION FOR NATIVES Members of the Native race in the South Island have opened a fund for the purpose of making a presentation to the Maori members of the All Blacks. The matter was discussed with a gathering of Maoris at Tuahiwi, near Christchurch, on Tuesday, by Mr W. T. Parata. At the conclusion of Court proceedings at the hui Mr R. M. (Dick) Taiaroa, a member of the original Native team in 1887, addressed the Maoris assembled, and spoke enthusiastically of the performances of the Maori members of the team. He introduced Mr Parata, representative of the Native race on the New Zealand Rugby Union, who was warmly received. Mr Parata referred to the constitution of the Maori Advisory Board, which was a valuable adjunct to the New Zealand Rugby Union. He stated that Mr Piki, one of their own people was the first secretary, and, with others, was instrumental in obtaining recognition of the board. He was pleased to see that Mr Taiaroa was present, as he considered that the original Native team held a record which would never be equalled, and was really the foundation of the Rugby game in New Zealand. The record of the Native members in the present All Blacks was one that all Maoris should be proud of. He suggested that a subscription list should be opened to present those members with a token of esteem and appreciation from the Maori people ot the South Island. Mr T. McDonald supported the proposal and eulogised Mr Parata’s efforts on behalf of Maori football. Mr J. T. M. Piki also spoke, and detailed Mr Parata’s efforts on behalf of “the good old game of amateur Rugby,” not only among the Maori people, but also among pakeha brethern. The proposal was enthusiastically received and within a few minutes after the list was opened the sum of £25 was subscribed. It is anticipated that this amount will be considerably augumented before the conclusion of the hui. Mr Parata was elected chairman of the committee in charge of the movement, and Mr Piki was elected secretary and treasurer.