Maori Women's Welfare League Conference

Te Ao Hou, December 1966, Page 30

Maori Women's Welfare League Conference A Wainui-A-Rua District Council delegate speaks National Publicity Studios The 14th Annual Dominion Conference of the Maori Women's Welfare League held in Wellington Town Hall from 26 to 29 July 1966 was opened by the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Fergusson. Before the official opening, delegates and observers were welcomed by the Mayor of Wellington, Sir Francis Kitts, and by Mr Ralph Love. The Minister of Education, Mr A. E. Kinsella, spoke of the increase in the number of Maori pupils at school and the greater educational opportunities now available. Mr D. J. Riddiford, M.P. for Wellington Central, and Mr N. P. Kirk, Leader of the Opposition, also spoke briefly. After being challenged at the door and proceeding into the hall, the Governor-General was welcomed on behalf of the League by Sir Turi Carroll and the League's president, Mrs R. Sage. His Excellency replied in both Maori and English, speaking of the League's past achievements and future work, and leaving with members the same advice his grandfather had given: ‘Be thirsty for education.’ Gifts were presented to Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson, and Her Excellency accepted the League's Life Membership badge. The Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club then entertained the guests, and many members of the audience rose spontaneously to join in the songs of welcome, after which afternoon tea was served. Greetings from other women's organisations and a full and interesting report from the President occupied the evening session. The second day's programme included discussion of remits, a talk by Miss J. Howland, Supervisor of the Arohata Girls' Borstal, travel talks given by Miss N. Te Uira and Mrs P. Grice, a ‘City Lights’ tour, and supper served by members of the Wellington Anglican Maori Club. More remits were discussed on the third day and short explanatory talks were given by the Secretary for Maori Affairs, Mr J. McEwen, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr C. L. Spencer. The decision was made to hold the 1968 conference in Whangarei and the 1969 conference in Gisborne. A highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of Rotorua District Council as winners of the Te Puea Trophy after a helpful talk by the judge, Miss M. Riley, principal of Wellington East Girls'

Some of the delegates at the conference National Publicity Studios College. Morrinsville Isolated Branch came second, winning the Penrhyn Trophy. The day concluded with a Grand Social and supper. On the busy morning of the fourth day, two new vice-presidents, Mrs T. Potaka and Mrs M. Penfold were elected, the Area Representatives were declared and the Evaluation Committee members made their comments on the running of the Conference. A pleasant surprise was the presentation by Mr J. McEwen of a new trohy, a feather box he had carved in a Nga Puhi design, using a piece of wood brought back from Niue Island. It was won by Tai Tokerau, who showed the greatest membership increase, with 101 new members. This box, the Whaka Huia trophy, will be competed for annually. Following the conference, 40 League members toured Victoria University of Wellington, where they saw classes in session, were televised in the Geology section, and were entertained by the University Maori Club. Dominion Executive members were entertained by Sir Bernard and Lady Fergusson at an informal afternoon tea at Government House, where they saw Raukawa's cloak and many of Sir Bernard's greenstone artefacts. They felt honoured to represent the League, and the visit brought to a climax a successful conference. Miss M. Riley presents the Te Puea trophy to Mrs Maureen Waaka (a former ‘Miss New Zealand’) a delegate from the Rotorua District Council National Publicity Studios