AMONG THE DEPARTMENTS

White Ribbon, Volume 19, Issue 7, 1 August 1947, Page 2

AMONG THE DEPARTMENTS

ORGANISING DEPARTMENT HERE AND THERE WITH THE MAORI ORGANISER—CATHERINE McLAY Continuing in Hawke’s Bay, and after some very interesting experiences in Dannevirke, I turned northward, en route to Napier. At Waipawa, Mrs. Bibby met me, entertained me to dinner, and motored me to a meeting of the P.W.M.U. at Otanc. After the address, three new members were enrolled for the Waipawa Union, and feeling that the break had been worth while, I caught the train at the little station and reached Napier that night. Resting there for four days, I addressed the 8.W.M.U., and also a Youth Rally of about 100 on the Sunday evening, and met the Executive of the local W.C.T.U.

Proceeding by railcar to Wairoa, 1 chummed up with two very mce Maori girls, and through one of them made some helpful contacts in scattered Maori districts, where literature is now being sent. Next day, Wairoa Union held a very good meeting for me, at which the possibility of forming a Maori Union was explored, a few Maori ladies being present, in the evening a film meeting was held, and an address given to about 35 young people and some adults. “Y” work was suggested, but could not be undertaken at present. A fine Maori meeting, with films was held at Takatima Pa. Literature distributed to Y.P., and much interest shown. Several visits were paid to lapsed members and others; and some new members promised. Help given to new officers. Going on to Gisborne, five days were profitably spent. On Saturday morning I was invited tor a meeting of the District Maori Tribal Committee, and asked to speak on our work, especially the Maori Hostel Movement in Auckland. Great interest was shown, questions asked, and appreciation expressed. The Welfare Officer, a very fine Maori gentleman, told the meeting he had signed the pledge 40 years ago, on a visit by Mrs. Hera Munro to his school, and that he had kept it. The local Union was met and addressed. Bible Classes, Youth Rally, Girls' Club, League of Mothers, Home League, w T ere addressed, two new members and promises gained, and visits paid. Frequent earthquakes created and maintained an atmosphere of expectancy.

I was very interested to meet the Presbyterian minister, who had recently arrived from Clydebank, Glasgow*. The Bible Classes in his church were the largest I have contacted, and very fine training is being given the young people for service—local preaching, etc. Time did not permit of introducing “Y” work, but their programme is very full. I was also interested to find that the Methodist minister is our ex-orcsident from Karori. I met quite a few ex-

members, girls now married, and have linked them up with local W.C.T.U.’s. I have introduced the “Y.P. Supplement” to several Maori ministers and deaconesses for distribution to children. In one Maori Sunday School I addressed, one little girl had with her several Supplements, neatly bound into a folder, and apparently brings them every Sunday in expectation of another to add. Returning to Napier, which was my headquarters, I had a busy week, commencing with a Morning Tea talk to girls in a steam laundry. Smoking is so prevalent among girls today that 1 felt constrained to deal with it very plainly, pointing out the terrible consequences of the habit. Several have thanked me, and some have said, ‘‘l often wish I had never started.” There is great need for “nicotine education.” The expert advertisements are the curse of the young people. A very fine gathering of Maori girls at Hukarere College was addressed; at least 110 being present. There is a large “Y” branch with most efficient young officers. I spoke for an hour, with a lull, at half-time, during which the girls gave beautiful Maori items. A talk was given to a small group of Maori YAV.C.A. club, Temperance talks given at Sunday School, Bible Class, Torclibearers, “Y’s,” women's Hirelings. Sixteen new members were gained for the Union, mostly through personal visits. I am deeply indebted to my many kind friends and hostesses throughout Hawke’s Bay for the loving rare and sympathetic help given to me, which made the work possible. At present l ant combining, General Organising with Maori. In the August or September issue, 1 shall contribute a t article on “Maori Work in the King Country,” which might be useful to read on Maori Dav.