In the meeting house lighting his pipe is Father Wanders, the priest from Panguru, who has wholeheartedly supported the investment project. First came the suggestion that the Department make John Booth available as promoter in a wider field. This was met by strong feeling that the movement could be and should be a Maori one, supported as need be by Maori effort and Maori money. In the process tribute was paid warmly and frequently to Mr Booth's faith, patience and guidance during the three years that he had worked in the Hokianga area. His help was still wanted, but it was self help first. Two interested listeners were Mrs Maraea Morunga (left) and Mrs Lucy Ngaropo (right). Discussion crystallised into the setting up of the following committee of ways and means: … Chairman: Steve Ngaropo (Lower Waihou); Secretary: Norman Perry (Te Kaha); Members: George Sutherland (Auckland), Waata Tipene (Ahipara-Kaitaia), John Waititi (Raukokore), Wi Reweti (Whangarei), Robert Proctor (Pawarenga). This committee was directed by the conference to give urgent attention to the propogation of the aims and objects of investment societies among the Maori people, and to make provision of funds from Maori sources for this purpose.

Endless Possibilities And so came to an end a memorable meeting of which the flavour cannot be captured on papeer. It was interesting that there were two pakeha visitors from outside the district who could and did speak Maori…Mr Ron Crocombe and Mr Norman Perry from Te Kaha. It was good to watch the deft chairmanship of Steve Ngaropo who saw that though no time was wasted there was always plenty of time (the meeting ended some comfortable hours ahead of schedule). The social arrangements, despite the weather, were almost flawless. But the main theme evident from the beginning was a sense of purpose. This was a conference of people most of whom for once had practical experience of a piece of pakeha wisdom that offered endless possibilities for the good of the Maori people and they were fired as some of them said, with the desire to spread the gospel. Taken up in the spirit which was roused at Lower Waihou, the investment society movement could well lead to another Maori renaissance. * * * A tribal executive in the timbermilling district around Tokoroa was formed recently. It is called Te Rahui and is centred on Tokoroa. * * * A new community centre, tennis court and basketball courts are planned for Wairaka Pa, Whakatane, by the Wairaka Tribal Committee. A government subsidy has already been granted.