New Hostel for Tauranga

Te Ao Hou, October 1956, Page 48

New Hostel for Tauranga Some three years ago the old Maori hostel in Tauranga which has been in existence since the ‘eighties of last century was condemned by the Health Department. For many years it had been used as sleeping quarters by the residents of Motiti Island and, on occasion, by the Maoris of Matakana Island or from the surrounding district who might require to stay overnight in Tauranga. However, it had become very dilapidated and, being in the main street, it really was an eyesore. Several meetings of interested bodies were called to form an organisation to raise funds to replace the buildings and, at last, the project got under way. Members of the Maori Affairs Department, representatives of the Maori Women's Welfare League, a representative from Maori Schools, two nominees from Tauranga

Rotary Club, and delegates from all the surrounding marae formed an executive and the project was in hand by October, 1954. Mr. I. Tangitu, Welfare Officer, was appointed chairman, Mr F. M. Pinfold of Papamoa Maori School organiser, and Mr W. Ohia secretary. The success which has crowned the efforts of this committee has resulted not only from this wide representation but also from the unity engendered thereby. In the fifteen months of activity the Appeal Committee has raised a fund of about £3,700. It is hoped that this money with government subsidy, along with monies from the sale of the old property, will provide a hostel and community centre worthy of the town and of inestimable value to the Maori people whom it is to serve, as well as a home from which those people may entertain their friends both Maori and pakeha. Money was raised by Maori entertainment for the public and a carnival of some kind among the Maori community. There were, of course also minor activities. The 1954–55 season consisted of a series of five concerts in the Tauranga Town Hall, a baby contest and a concluding Maori Cultural Championship day at the soundshell in Memorial Park. This entailed the formation of concert groups throughout the whole district and the practice of the Maori cultural arts. In the concert programmes it was laid down as policy that the items be genuine Maori. Another policy matter having a material influence on success was that admission charges be kept as low as possible. Consequently on practically all occasions two shillings was the charge. That first campaign netted aproximately £2000. This 1955–56 season was organised on a similar policy except that a Queen Carnival was substituted for the baby contest. Entries to these contests were made by practically all the surrounding Maori districts: from Matakana Island, Judea, Wairoa, Bethlehem, Cambridge Road, Te Puna, Maungatapu, Papamoa, and Matapihi. Nett takings reached £1700. In each year the All-Maori Championships Day, being also the concluding day of the contest, brought in about £1100 of the total. Much planning was put in by the central committee but the success would never have been attained without the wholehearted co-operation of the local committees behind each candidate. The fact that true Maori entertainment is appreciated by the general public was shown by attendances. Never was there less than a packed house at entertainments and, on several occasions, many people were unable to gain admission. As can be imagined, such conditions brought about an enthusiasm, both among performers and audience, which carried the show with it. With each succeeding concert, performing groups improved until, finally, the standard of performance and the techniques were excellent.