The Conference hall he had seen it all before, though if he were a sensitive visitor he might have felt that here in the chants and speeches was a delightful and somewhat unusual sense of style and a specially nice touch of timing. There were representatives present from the investment societies of Lower Waihou, Panguru, Te Akau (Mitimiti), Pawarenga, Rawene, Motukaraka and Nukutawhiti (Rangi Point). There were visitors from all over Northland, and one party, comprising most of the directorate of the Te Kaha Dairy Co, came all the way from the Bay of Plenty. From Wellington, there was Mr Ron Crocombe, of the Department of Island Territories.

A Way to Help Yourself Most of the first day was given over to general discussion. Mr Booth spoke of his belief in the need for a new approach to the economic problems of the Maori people, and of the part that co-operative investment societies could play in this. As most of his audience were well aware of the crucial part he has played as an officer of the Department over the past few years in fostering and guiding the establishment of investment societies in the Hokianga his words carried special weight. The societies were, he said, an attempt at self help, an encouragement to saving, and an example of the benefits of practical co-operation. They were not a new idea, but had flourished Canada and the U.S.A. for many years. Groups started in Fiji only three years ago, with some initial Government backing, had saved over £100,000 and had loaned over £23,000 to members In a general outline of the rules Mr Booth said that membership was entirely voluntary and open to anyone over 16 years of age, though members under 21 could not sit on the committee. Each member was required to state how much wished to save each month, and a minimum 5/- had been set. The money saved by each group was invested at 3%, and if the business warranted it, a bonus was paid at the end of each year. Profits were derived from interest on loans to members, and in the existing societies the rate charged was 8%.

Shower of Questions This brief outline brought a shower of question What part will the Department play? None, the business of the society is a matter for members only. In any case the Department hasn't the staff or the money to establish societies. What happens if a loan is not granted? This sometimes is a hard job, and it shows the importance of electing suit able people to the committee. It is made some what easier by restricting loans to productive and provident matters, provident meaning for instance