HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Te Ao Hou, Winter 1954, Page 63

HAPPY BIRTHDAY by Peggy Stanton On the Chatham Islands, on January 8, 1954, I had the privilege of attending the first birthday of the only Maori women's organization ever to be formed in this isolated outpost. Known as the Chatham Island Maori Women's Welfare League, this organization came into being through the efforts of a young Maori woman living on the mainland, but whose birthplace is the Chatham Islands—Mrs M. Kamo. Although no longer a member of the community, Mrs Kamo has never ceased to take a keen interest in the welfare of her people, and as a representative of the Health Department, Christchurch, she makes occasional trips to the Chathams. “But we haven't the knowledge to conduct such meetings,” said the women when she urged them to organize. “You can learn,” was the reply, and a few weeks later the first branch was formed. Now, one year later, there are three branches and a district council, no mean achievement in such a small and isolated community. The function was held in the Hall of Memoriies, Te One. The stage was tastefully decorated with canterbury bells and carnations of various shades, and on the president's table I noticed a cloth made of linen and exquisite hand-made lace. On display, were hand-woven Maori kits and embroidery work. I saw a length of glorious hand-made lace, six yards long and three inches wide, a donation to be used for decorating the Te Roto branch table-cloth. Button holes, obviously the work of a professional, had been made by Mrs J. Tuuta. She learned her art at the School for the Deaf, Christchurch. On a table apart stood a symbol of achievement and goodwill—the birthday-cake with one candle. The cake was baked and decorated by Mrs K. Murphy, Waitangi. Eileen Page, Laura Pirika and Rana Tewiata, three pupils of Te Waipounamu College, Christchurch, entertained members and guests with traditional Maori songs and poi dancing. Prizes were presented for work accomplished during the year. Following afternoon tea, the assembly sang ‘Happy Birthday’ as Mrs N. Page, president of the Te Roto branch, cut the cake.