MAORI STUDENTS ORGANISE

Te Ao Hou, December 1955, Page 10

MAORI STUDENTS ORGANISE IN the second weekend in August, there was held in Ngati Poneke Hall a conference of Maori students from the Auckland University College and Victoria University College. The Auckland students, about forty strong, arrived in Wellington by bus on the Friday evening and as soon as the meal was over the girls were taken off by their respective hosts while the boys prepared to doss down in the hall. That night they were welcomed at the dance and a very happy evening of dancing and items was spent. The week-end was devoted entirely to the sort of activities the student committees of the two colleges wanted; it aimed at beginning a pattern of student visits. The chief enjoyment of the weekend was in the sense of fellowship attained; its main value in the long and detailed discussion of many of the practical difficulties students face; and its chief and permanent contribution was that each person realised that his efforts are part of a wider picture of Maori people earnestly preparing themselves for public life as good Maoris and good citizens. In our programme we attempted to strike a balance between an organised programme and informal social activities. In the afternoons there were organised discussions under a student chairman. There was an organised tour of places of Maori interest around Wellington and a students' service conducted by the Rev. Bennett. While these activities had their value for many of us the personal friendships and mutual understanding was of greatest importance. While many of the topies covered in discussions were of special student interest there are some I would like to mention which might be of wider interest. One of the more special aspects was covered when the Maori Trustee gave us a good deal of encouraging information on financial matters. The many items of expense students meet in their daily lives and in their studies are not always well covered by bursaries and it is good to see that since the week-end not only has there been an improvement in the provisions of bursaries but also many students have accepted Mr Ropiha's invitation to put their financial problems to him for special consideration. The activities of women's welfare leagues in this matter is another sign, for which we are grateful, that the needs of students are not only becoming more recognised, but are, in fact, being met by active programmes of assistance. No student need suffer hardship.