MAORI WELFARE LEAGUE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 716, 16 July 1929, Page 16

MAORI WELFARE LEAGUE

Delegates representing the five subtribes of the Ngapuhi assembled in Kaikohe o nSaturday to organise a Maori Welfare League. The Wev. W. N. Panapa was appointed chairman, and Mr. Eru M. Pou secretary. Letters of greeting were received from Te Akarana Maori Association and from chiefs of the various parts of the district. It was unanimously agreed to form the league under the Treaty of Waitangi Maori Welfare League. The aims and objects of the league are: the whole of the Maori people under the principles of the Treaty of W'aitangi, and to work for their general welfare. (2) To conform and carry out, both in the letter and the spirit, those foundation principles contained in the sacred pact agreed upon by the Maori chiefs and the representatives of the Queen of England by fostering the spirit of goodwill and true friendship between the Maori and the Pakeha; and (3) To preserve for posterity the best elements in old Maori life, traditions, history and genealogy, arts and crafts and Maori lore. The following officers were elected: Patron, the Hon. Wiremu Kikihana, M.L.C.; president, Mr. Tau Henare, M.P.; executive committee: It was decided that the executive committee consist of 40 members to be selected by the five tribes with Mr. Ripi Wi Hongi as chairman, and Mr. Eru M. Pou secretary. The first work to be undertaken by the league is the completion of the work of the Maori Land Consolidation Commission and the better utilisation of the lands so consolidated.