MAORI ORGANISER'S REPORT.

White Ribbon, Volume 20, Issue 239, 18 May 1915, Page 14

MAORI ORGANISER'S REPORT.

Since* I once more started work I have visited quite a number of old Unions. On my arrival in the Hawke’s Bay district 1 was sopy to hnd my visit inopportune, hut was invited by all to return there after Convention. Strange to say, 1 find that most of our Hawke’s Bay Maori Unions have been transformed into Mothers’ Unions instead. On my return there 1 hope to have a full investigation into the why and wherefore of this alteration. 1 visited some of the Maoris around Palmerston, but though the individuals were greatly impressed with our l nion principles, I was unable to form a Union, as these people are scattered and too far apart. 1 next visited Otaki, where l stayed a few days, going from house to house, speaking to the women, and arranging for a future meeting. I Ins has been definitely arranged, and i> to be held on April the 4th. This place has never before been visited by the Maori Organiser, and needs help badly. I theft came down to Wellington, where 1 received hospitality from Mrs Cummins, of Newtown W.C.T.I ~ and he* kind friend, -Mrs Wills, of Hiropi Street. During the time spent hctc 1 was able to get my ccrrespondence finished. Then we all proceeded to Christchurch to Convention, where we were entertained by most kind and generoiP hostesses. The last day of Convention, after Mrs Walker reaq our Maori report, that is to be sent to the Australasian Convention, 1 spoke to Convention about my work, and read also a letter 1 received from Neta Paraone, Secretary of the Raumate Parenga Union. 1 explainer! the difficulties these good people have in procuring medical assistance, and asked that we might make an effort to move the Government to send them a trained nurse. It was then decided that Mrs A. K. Atkinson, Mrs Walker and myself should be a deputation to Dr. Valentine, Government Health Superintendent and Inspector. We met him the following morning, and he gave us a long interview, and was most sympathetic, and promised to do his utmost to help us. On the evening of March 25th twenty one of us, delegates and friends, went out bv train to Lyttelton. We were there met by Miss Smith, who took us to a launch, which was waiting to take us up to the Maori

settlement at Kaupaki. W<* were put ashore in a punt, and then ensued a merry scramble over the rocks. When all were landed safely, we proceeded to the hall, where Mrs Smith, of the Lyttelton Union, who had kindly arranged everything for the meeting, was waiting for us. With her was Te Kao, the chief of this place. He extended a hearty welcome to us all, and the meeting was opened by the singing of the well-known children’s hymn, “Come to the Saviour,” and I led them in Maori prayer. Then I was introduced to the people by IV Kao, and gave the Maoris an address on W.C.T.U. work amongst the Maoris. After my address, a young Lyttelton lady sang very sweetly to us all. Then some of (he Maori young men and girls sang us a very pretty Maori song, and immediately afterwards three girls gave us a shori “poi” dance, which was much enjoyed. Mrs Atkinson gave an encouraging and touching address to these young people, telling them of the harmfulness of alcohol to the human body, and s.iid that though years ago the Maoris fought against us, now, in th.* great war in Kurope, the Maori men have gone out to fight side by side with the British, to help defend the British Empire, and through this Maori and pakeha are now bound together (loser by a great bond of sympathy. So. even here in New Zealand may the Maori people and the white join together in fighting another enemy diink. l'he young people enjoyed her address very much Te Kao thanked us all for a very enoyable evening, and also expressed a wish for another visit some day. Most of the young people here belong to the Band 6{ Hope. FLORENCE WGODHEAD