MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9185, 7 September 1908, Page 5

MASTERTON Y.M.C.A.

A RECORD "STRANGERS' TEA" Gathering. The most successful institution in connection with the Masterton Y.M.C.A. is undoubtedly that styled the "strangers' tea," which follows on the evangelistic meeting held every Sunday afternoon in the Association rooms. Last night saw a record of records in regard to attendance, and to the class of "strangers" present. Each succeeding week has seen the attendance mount up until it just, about touched fifty last night, while included in the gathering were Mr T. Parata, M.P. for the Southern Maori District, the Rev. A. Hodge (the new resident Congregational Minister at Masterton), and Mr R. Burgess, who is to meet the Board of Management this evening in reference to the position of General Secretary. Over a dozen young Maori men were also present. Mr J. Hunter occupied the chair, and extended a very hearty welcome to the "strangers." In regard to tho appearance at the gathering of Mr Parata and the large number of young Native friends, the Chairman said nothing could be more entirely satisfying to the Association than to find that the Maori race wasshowing such appreciation of the efforts or" the members to extend the sphere of its work to the Natives thefnselves. He hoped that the patronage jof the distinguished Parliamentary stranger at °the tea that evening • would still further strengthen the bonris of brotherhood and sympathy between the two races. (Loud applause). To Mr Burgess, as a busy worker in the Association's ranks,' Mr Hunter also gave a warm welcome, and wished him success in hia mission. To the, Rev. Hodge, the Chairman addressed similar words of welcome, and expressed a hope that the Association would be materially benefited by the assistance of the rev. gentleman. (Applause.) Mr Parata, in reply, said he was pleased and impressed to witness such an admirable system of bringing into social intercourse the members of the white and Maori races. In his opinion, the present idea of the Association was one of the best things ever done to join in brotherhood the young Pakeha and the young Maori, and the only regret was that it had not been taken in hand years ago. Personally, he had always endeavoured to give good ad vice to the young members of his race, and to set them a good example. (Applause.) He sinc3rely hoped the opportunity being afforded by the j present function would be warmly embraced by young Maori men, and that it would foster the good spirit which should exist between the two races. He thanked them very heartily for their kindly welcome. The Rev. Hodge and Mr Burgess also made brief speeches of thanks, and referred to the obviously valuable work being done by the Association among the Maoris of the district. Last Sunday evening Mr J. G. W. Aitken, M.P. for Wellington East, was among the "strangers" at the tea, and on the 20th instant (Sunday week next) Mr A. T. Ngata, M.P., will probably be a guest of the Association.