MAORI REPORT.

White Ribbon, Volume 27, Issue 319, 18 January 1922, Page 8

MAORI REPORT.

Dear Comrades, — 1 have to report:—Oct. 31st—Tokomaru Union visited by Mrs Poraumati; meetings held, and collection sent this department, 8/6. Nov. —Three weeks spent working for Auckland Union; much pood work done, which Auckland will report; collection made by Mrs I'omumati; £lO sent to Maori Fund. Dec. Bth In res pons; to an invitation from Mrs Edwards. l’ort Albert, who had arranged a big meeting of Northern Unions, Mrs Poraumati visited Hatley. I wa* sorry that their kind and mast pre.ssinp invitation to me to accompany her there came too late to get away from here in time, so I communicated with Auckland Union, who appointed Mrs Fulljames in my place, who kindly left with her at very short notice, and has furnished me with the followinp interesting report <which I have condensed for “White Ribbon"): Long and tedious journey by train, then one hour in launch, then punt, and across rainsoaked paddock to Maori settlement; thence up a hill to native house unfortunately heavy rain had set in. At last the meeting was assembled; about 60 or 7o men and women, four Maori Unions represented. First, welcome, lasting about hours, meeting altogether taking about four hours. All very interested and eager for information about W.C.T.U. work. Many of them are mast anxious for the Christian influence to brought to their young people. At Saturday’s meeting II new members were enrolled, and at another little me* ting on Sunday evening three more enlisted. An impressive Rible address was also given by Mrs Poraumati on Sunday afternoon. Mrs Fulljames reports that they now realise more than ever the great difficulties this department has to contend with, but are much pleased and encouraged by the reverence, earnestness, and great value for spiritual things shown by the natives they visited. Mrs Poraumati left Auckland on the 22nd December to attend Ratana’s gathering at Wanganui, as representative of the W.C.T.U. Thanks are due from this department to Mrs Noda's parents, who provided haspitality; to Mrs Edwards for arranging the gathering; and to Mrs Full-

jarne.s for accompanying and assisting Mrs Poraumati; also to the President and Secretary of the Auckland Union. Mrs Cook and Miss Dewar, for the able assistance they have rendered thus department. Yours in Union service N. F. WALKER. N.Z. Supt. Maori Dept, "Gortgowan,” Upper Fox St., Gisborne.