Huntly The Dominion President, Mrs Sage, was also present at the Tainui Regional Council's annual conference, which was held in Huntly last March. Delegates from as far as Tauranga, Paeroa and Pokeno joined those from surrounding districts on the marae, where they were welcomed by centenarian Mr Hori Paki. Mrs E. Paki presided. The conference was opened by Mrs Carter wife of the M.P. for Raglan, Mr D. J. Carter, who later spoke at the ceremony. He paid tribute to the great part Maori women were playing in retaining the traditions of their race as well as assisting in the progress of the Maori people. Particular interest was shown at the conference in the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Laws Affecting Maori Land and Powers of the Maori Land Court, especially in the clause relating to the rights of inheritance. This clause recommends that the law on Maori inheritance be brought into line with European law. As it now stands the Maori widow has no right of inheritance and can be left destitute if her husband dies without leaving a will. The child inherits everything and theoretically the widow can then be turned out of her home. Mrs S. Murray, area representative, spoke of her work. She reported visits to Wellington and to outlying branches and the formation of new branches in Tuakau, Pokeno, and Mercer. She urged members to a greater understanding of the aims and objectives of the league and its constitution. The conference congratulated the regional president, Mrs Paki, on her appointment as a Justice of the Peace.

Gisborne Mrs Sage spoke to members of the Turanganui, Kaiti and Te Hapara branches of the League. She pointed out that the League had been fostered and financed by the Department of Maori Affairs on the understanding that it would eventually become self-supporting. While in its 13 years of existence the League had won considerable status and was recognised by the Government, it was still financially dependent on the support of the Department. Over past years, said Mrs Sage, income from the branches had been low, but so far Mrs E. Taylor and Mrs M. Taylor at the Waitara ‘Maori Council’ conference this year £2,500 from a possible income of £3,000 had been collected. It was hoped that the full amount would be collected to show that members honoured their responsibilities. “The strength of our organisation must come from each one of you,” said Mrs Sage, “and we must work as one big family.” Mrs Sage appealed for an increase in membership and said that from the probable 52,000 Maori women in the country only 3,000 were members of the League. She emphasised that financial independence from the Department of Maori Affairs would not mean an abandoning of the advice and guidance of Departmental officers.

Whetu Pa The first meeting of the Tauranga East District Council for this year was held at Whetu Pa, Waitao. The ‘Mauao Cup’, donated two years ago for branch quarterly reports by Mrs R. A. Harris, Mayoress of Mt. Maunganui, was presented to its latest winner, the Waitao branch. The presentation was made by Mrs H. Te Kani on behalf of the previous holders, the Tukairangi branch. After the presentation the election of officers took place. Mrs Mabel Gear was re-elected as president, Mesdames H. Te Kani and M. Karauria were elected 1st and 2nd vice-presidents, Mrs G. Walker was elected secretary and Mrs W. E. Paraire treasurer.