MURIHIKU LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 19502, 17 March 1925, Page 8

MURIHIKU LEAGUE

THE YEAR’S WORK. The following report was adopted at the annual meeting of the Murihiku League held at Bluff on Saturday night:— The year just ended marks the close of the first year of the League’s activities. In addition to the fact that the League as an organisation is ready at all times to give its assistance in any movement for the welfare of the district, it has also been able to take an active part in promoting the welfare of the Maoris resident in Southland. Since the formation of the League, branches have been established in Riverton, Colac Bay and Tuatapere. During the present year branches have also been established in Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson and Westland, while in all probability the movement will extend to other parts of the Dominion. Action was at present being taken with this object in view, and it was hoped that all provinces would be consolidated before the next election. The Southland branch was fortunate in having 17 of its members elected to the Executive and four of these were chosen as delegates to the Ngaitahu Claims Commission. These delegates represented the Southland Natives at the sitting of the Commission held at Tuahiwi on January 14. Four members were also elected to the Ngaitahu Claims Committee. These were: Messrs J. H. Wixon, T. Spencer, A. E. Wixon (Ssecretary) and J. Te Raki.

With the authority of the Executive, it was the intention of the League to inquire into the sawmilling industry in so far as it concerned the Maoris, and also to endeavour to obtain a more satisfactory understanding in regard to Native Reserves. “The Committee desires to thank the Chairman and all those who assisted with the social held at Bluff last year, for their untiring efforts towards making it such a success.

“Throughout the year the members have worked in harmony and have devoted a great deal of time and energy to the affairs of the League. The aim of the League is to consolidate the Maori race and to use its influence in directing and assisting them in anything that would make for their advancement.”