This class in the Maori language meeting every Saturday is one activity of the Hastings branch. The teacher is Mrs M. Hirini (left), president of the Heretaunga District Council. On the right: Mrs B. Otene, Maori welfare officer. Hastings. (Photography by Russell Orr.) to report that these two children's feet are almost normal and they can take part in any sports or folk dancing at school. Hospital Christmas Cheer: October and November are busy months, members get together a working bee and make fancy boxes, gifts and sweets to put in them when they are distributed to every inmate in hospital during the Christmas period. Christmas cheer flowers are also given. We remember those words “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.” Friends of Hospital: Tray cloths, face cloths and plastic toilet bags are made for Hastings. Napier and Waipukurau Hospitals. Knitted garments, baby coverlets, jug covers, singlets, pilchers, jerseys and cardigans also are made and pan covers and patchwork quilts for the staff quarters. Rest Home, Waipukurau: One of our branches has “adopted” this home and jams, pickles, jellies, cases of apples and cakes have been sent to the patients. They have also sent shell food for the Maori patients.

GIFTS FROM THE LEAGUE Distress: A disastrous fire, occurred at one of our Pa's resulting in the death of one of Mr and Mrs Hakiwai's children. Every assistance was given throughout the night of the fire. A Distress Fund was opened by the Omahu Tribal Committee to which the League Branch contributed the sum of £30. Bereavement: The Welfare League branches come to the fore when there is a tangi at their respective marae. They help financially and physically. In one area the bereaved families of that locality were assisted to the extent of £100. April Showers: A Gift is given to every baby born to League Mothers in one branch. Mother's Day Honour: Mother's Day is celebrated by one Branch where the mothers are honoured by the presentation of a white rose from the fathers. Gift Evening: A Gift Evening is held for League Mothers moving into new homes. Each member of the particular branch takes along a Gift and one is given from the branch itself. Hospital Visits: Hospital visits are made regularly. Gifts of flowers, books, fruit and sweets are taken and distributed among the patients both Pakeha and Maori thus fufillling our motto: “Tatau tatau.” Kindred Organisations: The branches and District Council gave donations to the following organisations: H.B. Crippled Society, H.B. Children's Home. Leper Fund. Hard of Hearing. Plunket Society. Friends of Hospital and Manning Street Appeal, Red Cross Society, Old Folks Association. Free Kindergarten. Maori Missions.

MAORI LESSONS A Maori class has been formed in our area for children from 5 to 14 years. Sixteen children attend the class which is held on Saturday mornings and all show a keenness to learn the language. The children have in many cases given up their pictures to attend these classes.

COMMUNITY WORK Blossom Festival: We took part in this great Hastings week, held last September with visitors coming from all parts of New Zealand. We entered a Maori float and are happy to say it came second. A stall also netted us £180. Building Project: In dire need of a meeting house, the Waipatu Community got together with the full support of the Welfare League Branches and worked on weekly euchre nights and Sunday night dinners and concerts at the pa to raise funds for this worthwhile project. The League members worked hard with the others and