HAPPY BIRTHDAY by Peggy Stanton On the Chatham Islands, on January 8, 1954, I had the privilege of attending the first birthday of the only Maori women's organization ever to be formed in this isolated outpost. Known as the Chatham Island Maori Women's Welfare League, this organization came into being through the efforts of a young Maori woman living on the mainland, but whose birthplace is the Chatham Islands—Mrs M. Kamo. Although no longer a member of the community, Mrs Kamo has never ceased to take a keen interest in the welfare of her people, and as a representative of the Health Department, Christchurch, she makes occasional trips to the Chathams. “But we haven't the knowledge to conduct such meetings,” said the women when she urged them to organize. “You can learn,” was the reply, and a few weeks later the first branch was formed. Now, one year later, there are three branches and a district council, no mean achievement in such a small and isolated community. The function was held in the Hall of Memoriies, Te One. The stage was tastefully decorated with canterbury bells and carnations of various shades, and on the president's table I noticed a cloth made of linen and exquisite hand-made lace. On display, were hand-woven Maori kits and embroidery work. I saw a length of glorious hand-made lace, six yards long and three inches wide, a donation to be used for decorating the Te Roto branch table-cloth. Button holes, obviously the work of a professional, had been made by Mrs J. Tuuta. She learned her art at the School for the Deaf, Christchurch. On a table apart stood a symbol of achievement and goodwill—the birthday-cake with one candle. The cake was baked and decorated by Mrs K. Murphy, Waitangi. Eileen Page, Laura Pirika and Rana Tewiata, three pupils of Te Waipounamu College, Christchurch, entertained members and guests with traditional Maori songs and poi dancing. Prizes were presented for work accomplished during the year. Following afternoon tea, the assembly sang ‘Happy Birthday’ as Mrs N. Page, president of the Te Roto branch, cut the cake.

A POLYNESIAN QUEEN WHOSE DREAM CAME TRUE (continued from page 29) but the special honours and prerogatives of the office were transferred to Taufaahau—King George Tubou I. He was a big man, wise and strong. At 95 years of age he was unbowed and vigorous, but an early morning swim in the sea in front of his palace during an attack of influenza was too much even for his Herculean strength, and his death occurred in 1893. His son and grandson died before him, and he was succeeded by his grand-daughter's son, who thus became King George Tubou II—Tubou being the title of the Tui Kanokupolu. Like his great-grandfather he was a tall, well-built man over 6ft tall. He died in 1918 still a comparatively young man, and he was followed on the throne by his daughter Salote, a tall and handsome girl not long returned from her schooling in New Zealand. The year before her accession she married Tungi (Tu'i), head of the house of Takalaua, whose ancestor and mid-fifteenth century Sacred King had made ruler of the land. Tungi, was very strong but he died while seemingly in the prime of mid-life.

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