Work Among the Maoris.

White Ribbon, Volume 3, Issue 30, 1 December 1897, Page 8

Work Among the Maoris.

We have received the following from Mrs J. D. Hewett, our N.Z. Superintendent of this department 44 1 have been spending a short time at Tauranga, where I had the pleasure of attending the W.C.T.U. meeting. Too much cannot be said in praise of Mrs Br'ttan, the President, and of their earnest and energetic Secretary, Mrs Chapefle. The Social Purity Department is taken up strongly by the members of that Union. It was at their request that the leaflet 44 Whose Daughter ? ” was printed for distribution, and I know of no other Union that has taken such a deep interest in the Maoris as the Tauranga W.C.T.U. The annual Maori Temperance meeting and tea are to be held at the President’s (Mrs Brittan) place. I had the pleasure of adding 3 more names to the already numerous list of Maori members. I think Tauranga one of the prettiest and most picturesque places in New Zealand. The streets are wide and planted with willows and other variety of trees, and the grass on the sides of the road is kept perfectly smooth and short by the well-behaved horses and cows that walk about with quiet dignity (l quite expected to see them looking in at the shop windows!). Among the very many pretty homesteads in Tauranga, Mrs Maxwell’s is conspicuous not only for its beautiful flower garden and magnificent old trees, with an uninterrupted view of the sea and the wonderful mountains, but from the interesting and old associatious of early missionary efforts and Maori war. Tauranga is rich in philanthropic workers, and at Mrs Maxwell’s house thereis a meeting every weik of a band of workers for Dr. Barnado’s Homes for waifs and strays in London. Tauranga has the benefit of a most

patriotic Mayor. He and his genial wife, Mrs Clarke, spare themselves no trouble in promoting the interests of the place, and since the recent disI coveries of gold at Te Puke there seems to be every prospect of the place rising in importance.” November 22nd.