A Maori Branch Formed at Putiki.

White Ribbon, Volume 10, Issue 119, 15 April 1905, Page 11

A Maori Branch Formed at Putiki.

Miss Hughes writes : —Having been appointed superintendent of Maori work, I spent sometime with Miss Stirling on Wednesday, March 22nd, and, according to arrangement, spent all morning on Thursday among the Maoris at the Putiki pah. On Thursday evening fourteen other friends went over from town with me. The Maoris assembled in the old Maori meeting house, and seated themselves on mats on the Hoor, an audience of about 60. The visitors were provided with seats. The chair was taken by Mr. Hori Grey. After owning with two hymns and prayer in both Maori and English, addresses were given by Mr G. Carson and myself, with the assistance of a very good interpreter. I’he pledge cards were then brought forward, 32 Maoris signing, white bows being pinned on the women and blue on the men.

It was decided to hold the meetings of the “ Putiki Maori Christian Temperance Union ” monthly. The following officers were elected: -President, Mrs R. Davis ; secretary, Miss H Stirling; treasurer, Mr Mark Peneaha ; assistant secretary, Mr Matthew Patopu. After our meeting closed the town visitors were kindly entertained at a coffee supper in the houseof Mr I'akarangi, of the pah. We are most fortunate in securing the assistance of Mrs U. Davis as President of the Union. This lady is known to he a strong Temperance advocate ; she is the greatest chieffcainess of the Wanganui River, being a daughter of the late Major Kemp and has great influence among her people. Miss Stirling will also he of great value to our work : she became well known throughout the colony through the Salvation Army, being one of the Maori singers.