Welfare officers take every opportunity to stimulate Maori arts in a practical way…some lady welfare officers give a demonstration at the league conference in Christchurch last April. (Green and Hahn Photography). To us who attended the Course at Paraparaumu the scientific approach is recognised to the full and we fully appreciate the very good people who in every way contributed the worthwhile addresses and arranged the very stimulating discussions that took place and if we in our lifetime can fully apply all that was put forward, then the success of the Course is assured. Our special thanks to Professor Minn, John McCreary, John Booth, Charles M. Bennett and Bill Herewini for the splendid manner in which they controlled proceedings and to all the other lecturers who gave of their time to address us in the very able manner that they did. In the absence of the Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Corbett, we were honoured with the presence of the Minister of Welfare. Dame Hilda Ross, who in the short time at her disposal gave the impression that she enjoyed our company.

Extravaganza too For the lighter side of proceedings, yes we had time for that. A concert programme was arranged for the night prior to our departure. What Maori gathering overlooks this important function? As a member of the second intake of Welfare Officers I cannot comment on the programme of the first group but I understand that they had a first class programme under the leadership of Peter Awatere, Brownie Puriri and Jimmy Pou. For the second group the organisation was in the capable hands of Waka Clarke, Peter Kaua, Maud Tamihana, Sam Mitchell and Wi Amaru. To an audience who literally dropped out of the sky (fifty plane passengers were marooned at 6 p.m. because of the wet weather and had to spend the night at the hotel) Waka Clark, compere, introduced the “Musical Extravaganza of 1957” with the first number “Down at Paraparaumu” conducted by Professor Amaru and rendered by the Eight Singing Fools “a la” Platter style. The programme varied from singing to magic mysteries of the East with thirty six items to complete, the final being a stirring haka led by John McCreary in full cry “Koko Ma Ko Koko Ma” less the bagpipes of course. We are grateful also to the Management of the Majestic Hotel for the splendid service rendered and the wonderful supper they provided not only for the Conference Group but also for the plane travellers who, with the Management, were our guests for the concert. This week was a really great deal of benefit to us all personally and I sincerely hope that in time our people will also gain by our renewed outlook, shown and demonstrated. * * *

TARANAKI RALLY Many visitors from New Plymouth and coastal districts as well as from the South Taranaki area took part in the Methodist Maori Mission's June rally held at Wesley Church and Hall, Hawera, recently. Choir competitions held during the rally were judged by Mr Lynch of New Plymouth. The winner of the Emma P. Rangi Memorial Challenge Cup for the junior competition was the local Ngatiki choir under the leadership of Mr Morehu Whareaitu. The Te Mutunga Challenge Cup for senior groups was won by Te Awhina club from New Plymouth under the leadership of Mr K. Euruiti.