The hostel and meeting-house, said Mr Nash, were helping the Maori people to adjust socially as well as economically. Pakeha as well as Maori had laboured on the project, both in the building of the meeting-house and in organising the opening ceremonies. In this way the meeting-house had already brought Maori and pakeha closer together. The pakeha, along with the Maori, was interested in learning of Maori culture and in sharing its riches with the Maori people. “The building of a Maori meeting-house can perhaps be the strongest peace-time force I know of for bringing Maori and pakeha together on terms of mutual respect, goodwill, co-operation and friendship,” said Mr Nash. The new meeting-house is to be available for the recreational and cultural activities of residents of the Christchurch Methodist Central Mission's Rehua Maori Apprentices Hostel and as a centre for all Maori people. The house incorporates the best of traditional Maori art forms, perpetuating the art of all the major tribes. Although not traditional, there is a stage at one end. The house stands on one and three-quarter acres in Springfield Road, St Albans, which have been planted with native flora, including such trees as totara, rimu and kauri. The house is to be used as a Maori centre for all Maori people. Activities will include tribal and other committee meetings, Maori Women's Welfare League functions, welcoming important guests, cultural and educational pursuits, approved social functions, and Christian worship. The Rehua hostel was established seven years ago to provide supervised accommodation and a Christian atmosphere for up to 50 boys. It was from the need for indoor recreational facilities that the idea of the meeting-house grew. Now the idea is fulfilled. Maori Carvers at work in the new meeting house. Photo: Mannering & Donaldson