WOMEN IMPRESS MINISTER

Te Ao Hou, Summer 1953, Page 46

WOMEN IMPRESS MINISTER Every year the Waikato branches of the Maori Women's Welfare League enter a court for competition at the Waikato Winter Show. This year the challenge shield was won by the Maniapoto District Council. The president, Mrs Te Ra Joseph, received the shield from Mr R. J. Church, the president of the show association, in a ceremony on the marae at Tokonganuianoho, Te Kuiti. Among the guests was the Hon. Mrs Hilda Ross, Minister of Social Welfare, who congratulated the Maniapoto women, and referred to the valuable work being done by the Welfare League. A letter was received from the Hon. E. B. Corbett, saying: ‘As Minister of Maori Affairs, I wish to extend to you my good wishes and congratulations on the success of your work. The achievement of the Maori Women's Welfare League organisation in the struggle for the betterment of their people is one of which they can justifiably be proud. ‘The display of handwork and home craft at the Waikato Winter Show would have been a credit to any body of European women. I was especially pleased to see so much typically Maori among the exhibits. It helps to preserve the “Maoritanga” without which you, as the people, would be the poorer. The better world we seek must come from the home. Therefore, I wish you good luck and God's blessing on your endeavour, both at conference and in the days ahead.’