MEETING OF OTAKI MAORIS

Chronicle (Levin), 5 March 1947, Page 2

MEETING OF OTAKI MAORIS

REVIEW OF RECENT CONCERT Members of the Otaki TribaL Committee, with others interested in the 'Maoris and those who helped at the recent coneert by lnia Tewiata, met at the meeting house on Monday night, when the president of the committee (Mr. A. Knox) presided- Business in connection with8 the concert was fuily discussed, and hearty thanks were accorded to all helpers and those who had given generously in donations or work. Credit was also given to the committee for its labours. Special tribute was paid to the work accomplished by Mr. Wi Nicholls, who had prqved an able organiser. The Rev. Paora Temuera paid a glowing tribute to all helpers. He advocated advancing the welfare of the Maori race by promoting sport. He referred to the tennis tournament at Ngaruawahia on March 29 and expressed a hope that this district would he represented. It had some good players and he saw no reason why Otaki and district should not participate. It was agreed to do all ■ possible to get players to make the journey. Mr. Enoka, secretary of the concert committee, stated that the proceeds of the lnia Tewiata concert amounted to £248. Ex;penses totalled £38 13s ld, leaving a profit of £209 6s lld.

Mr. Knox, after complimenting the committee on its labours, expressed thanks to all who were responsible for this satisfactory state affairs, and hoped that the young people would join togefcher and help in the work of their race. He considered that the younger ones had done splendidly and should be given every encouragement to help promote matters in connection with their race. It would be regrettable to allow things to lapse. He expressed a desire to see all carry on in true Maori style, and not allow the race's customs to go back. They had to .a certain extent to avoid the European customs. To see the Maoris ocrform as they had done at the concert took their minds back to rnany years ago, and it was a pleasure to see the way the traditional items were carried out. They would ■e hailed on any concert platform in any part of the Dominion. Mr Knox .advocated encouraging the younger generation in Maori ways, and promised that in this connecion the tribal committee would help. Mr. Knox offered his congratulations to Mrs. Te Hana, who watched over the Maori performers, and congratulated Mr. Wi Nicholls on the able way he had carried out his duties. Referenrwas also made to the great sacrifice made by Mrs. Tewiata, who had allowed her husband to make ' he trip, leaving her and her little children behind. This was indeed a ~acrifice. but had Mrs. Tewiata not done so the trip would have been impossible. Reference was also made to the p,reat help of Mr. Carr, Mayor of Hamilton, and it was decided to write him a letter oi appreciation for his fine work. Mr. Bun'ny Carkeek also expressed his pleasure, as a member of the committee, for the help given by the Mayor of Hamilton, and heartily agreed that a letter of thanks be forwarded. Mr. Carkeek made reference to the snlendid work of Otaki Natives in connection with the concert, specially mentioning that of Mrs. Te Hana. The Rev. Paora Temuera paid tribute to the workers and to the Press for its help, and to others who had also generously assisted. They would now watch lnia with considerable interest and wait anxiously for his return. Reference was made to the good work of Mr. Wi Nicholls, who had proved a capable organiser. In paying a tribute to the performers, he said he was delighted, considering a better combination would be hard to get. The j'ob done exceeded all expectations, while to the secretary, who was a silent but splendid worker, much credit was due. Pleasing reference was also made to the fine work of the chairman (Mr. Knox) . It had been gratifying to know that they had had such a. happy band of workers. Mrs. "Te Hana, in returning thanks, said the Natives under her

yere always anxious to help in any worthy cause, and all would be pleased to hear of Inia's success. Referring to the suggestion that the Maori Club be revived, she hoped this would be accomplished, it would help to keep the young Maoris together. Thanks were also extended to Mr. Rangi Nicholls and Mr. Cooksley for help rendered. A motion that the Mayor of Hamilton be thanked for his work and that a cheque of approximately £209 be forwarded, was heartily carried. Thanks were extended to Mrs. Knox for help willingly • given, and to Mr. and Mrs. A. Wilson for the use of their piano. It was announced that Mr. Joe Ransfield would be entertained before returning to his duties in the Pacific. Social Evening An adjournment was then made to the hall, where dancing, action songs, etc., were indulged in to the enjoyment of all. Supper was also provided. During the evening the Rev.. Paora Temuera again expressed thanks for the wonderful work accomplished in connection with the coneert, and explained to those present what had been done at the meetirig. Thanks were accorded to

Mr. Doug Holling, who had giver fine assistance during the concer period. It was also stated that i was hoped to take a party of performers to Foxton or Palmerstor North at no distant date.