Progress Day held by Wellington M.W.W.L.

Te Ao Hou, March 1964, Page 40

Progress Day held by Wellington M.W.W.L. A most successful and enjoyable Progress Day was held by the Wellington District Council of the Maori Women's Welfare League in the Upper Hutt Primary School hall on September 28. The function was officially opened by Mrs J. Webber of Paraparaumu, recently elected Ikaroa area representative of the League. Mrs J. McEwen, president of Wellington District Council, extended a warm welcome to the large gathering of guests and League members. The Minister of Maori Affairs, the Hon. J. R. Hanan, and Mrs Hanan were greeted by a powhiri party led by Mrs Clark of Wellington. In the morning, members of five branches—Poneke and Rangatahi (Wellington), Petone, Karangatui (Stokes Valley), Awakairangi (Upper Hutt) presented entries for competitions in Maori arts and crafts, Maori cooking, European cooking, sewing, knitting and floral art. The large number of entries kept six judges busy for well over an hour. Highlights of the afternoon programme were the action song competition, won by Rangatahi, and a kono-making race, won by Mrs M. Love of Petone. The judge, Mr W. Parker from Adult Education, confessed this was a new one on him! It was also a new one for some of us! Later, Mr Parker inspired us all with an excellent film on Maori Arts and Crafts made by the National Film Unit last year. We understand this film is to be sent to London for use in New Zealand House. The Hanan Rose Bowl, presented to the Wellington District Council by the Hon. J. R. Hanan three years ago and awarded each Progress Day to the branch gaining the most points in the competitions, was won by Awakairangi and presented to their president, Mrs J. McEwen, by Mrs Hanan. J. C. Baxter, Hon. Sec. Well.D.C. M.W.W.L.