Patriotic

Levin Daily Chronicle, 31 July 1917, Page 3

Patriotic

SUCCESSFUL .FUNCTION AT POROUTAWHAO. IN' AID OF MAORI PATRIOTIC FUND. Maori Patriotic Social Entertainment under the auspices of the . West Coast .Maori Patriotic Association in aid of Maori Wounded Soldiers. A very successful gathering of the above was held at Poroutawliao in the meeting house "Huia" last Wednesday night.. Maoris and 'Europeans from Wellington, Otaki, Levin, Foxtin, Shannon and Wanganui wore present. ( Mr Roto chairman nf the West Coast Maori Patriotic Association presided, and the spirit that was mmfest between the Maori and their pakcha. brethren was one: bound together by patriotism to their King and country. The chairman, in a brief address, said it gave him very great pleasure to preside' over a very representative gathering ar.d in the words of tlieiv Maori ancestors he would say "Weloom'c. w.elcomo, welcome*!" Haero mai, Haere mai, Haero'mai! This being the first social gathering held under the authority of the West Ooast Maori Patriotic Association he (Mr Nicholson) felt it his duty as chairman to explain their, position. Tire association is legally set up and have-received authority from the (Minister of Internal Affairs to collect funds for Maori wounded soldiers. His district includes the whole of the Western Maori Electorate: from along the Tararua and ißuahine ranges to Lake Taupo, from Taupo to ißotorua and Tauranga, from Tauranga ,in a western line to Waikato river, theiicr. to the mouth, from there in a southern direction along the coast to Wellington. The funds collected from the natives of Otaki, Levin, Koputaroa, and Rangitikei are about £400; it is expected to raised about £4000 by the end of the year. Tn explaining his position, he also wanted to make it clear that the Maoris wiiliin his district will not in any way be influenced in not helping other organizations for the benefit of our pakeha brethren who are fighting for freedom and justice. Ho hoped that any wrong impression that might exist in the minds of our European friends with regairds to -any entertainment Qr subscription in aid of Maori wounded soldiers under tlve authority of the Mlaori West Coast Patriotic Association would be set aside through this explanation. Continuing, .he said it is the duty of botir Maori and Pakeha nott fit and able to go to do their best and assist those who' had gone, and are ?oing, to help them when they return, Jnd to show them that we recognize ind appreciate what they have "done in helping the Mother Gentry, fighting for freedom and justice.; and "the only practical way u . aescribe liberally to funds set apart for their benefit. (Applause).

Mr Tuiti McDonald said that he was pleased that Mr Nicholson bad placed the position of the Association/nefore the gathering, and' no .doubt any misunderstanding in the minds of the public would! be set aside; he also gave" Mr Stanley Morgan a welcome in accordance with Maori custom, and referred to the part Now Zealand 'warriors had done in this great fight for freedom, and the determination of the Maori and" Pakcha in helping the Mother Country to see the war tli'roug.lr to the end.

Mr cßroacWielt replying on behalf of the Europeans present, said that it gave him great pleasure to be present and to hear the remarks made by Mr (Nicholson and Mt MoDonald. V ith regards to the natives assisting in raising funds for our wounded soldiers ho could say that (form „ bis own experience) they have done well and worked bard with tlier European friends towards raising funds for the good cause; and no doubt now that the natives have their wounded solders.. fund, tlieir European fri-ends would also help in that cause. (Applause).

Songs were- given by Messrs iMahinm , Ben Enolta, J. Utiku and Carter from Otaki; Misses Tatana and /Hakaraia. (Poroutnwhao), and Mr Archer (Foxton).

Mr Scott, of Levin, gave an exhibition in trick. conjuring, which received a round of applause.

Hakas wore given liy four toon Mfiori boys, the famous war dance given by the Maoris at Gallipoli in :itattacking the Turkish trenches. Great credit is due to Mr T>avid Tatana and Maihi Hangina and the ;Porout*wvhao natives in arranging matters for the entertainment. The ringing of "Auld Lang Syne"

at 6.30 in the morning brought most enjoyable entertainment to close.

It has been decided to hold another concert at Levin at a date to be notified later in aid' of the Maori (Red Cross Society ,of which (Her Excellency •Lady Liverpool is president, and Mrs (Dr) Pomare, lion, treasurer and secretary. ' Mrs Hono McMillan is the the lion, treasurer and Mrs Tuiti iMoDonald, lion, secretary;' of the ladies committee for the Levin district.