MEMBERSHIP

Officers: Patroness, Mrs Reremoana Hakiwai; President, Mrs Maata Hirini; Vice-Presidents. Mrs Tina Ripene and Mrs Mary Christie; Secretary, Miss Ahi Heperi; Treasurers, Miss Ahi Heperi and Mrs M. Logan.

League Branches: (a) Senior. (12): Aotea, Karamu, Mangamaire. Moteo, Omahu, Porangahau. Pukehou. Takapau. Te Awhina. Te Haroto, Waipatu, Waiohiki.

(b) Junior (2): Porangahau and Takapau. Total membership (financial): 178. Executive meetings were held quarterly.

EDUCATION

Bursaries: In the past years the various branches have been raising funds for Education purposes. One branch has two children attending Boarding School and has raised towards their upkeep, £30, by way of dances, bring and buy and raffles. The members of this particular branch appreciate very much the Government subsidy.

A young branch raised £50 towards assisting two children in their area. One of their parents is a pensioner and the other is buying a new home; if it had not been for this kindly help the children would have had to leave school and both are very brilliant.

School Affairs: We encourage our members to become members on School Committees and Parent and Teachers Associations and get an insight into the work that is being done for the betterment and welfare of our children. The following figures show the very satisfactory number of mothers who have resigned: Porangahau 4, Omahu 2. Mangateretere 2. Parkvale 2. Te Hauke 2. Pukehou 2. Takapau 2.

Adult Education 1957: Classes so far have not been arranged through Adult Education, but our Welfare Officer. Mrs Otene, has been keeping the branches active in weaving, pottery, home furnishing, upholstery and millinery and the members appreciate very much her efforts to keep the work ahead.

Scout Jamboree: One of the highlights of the year was the selection of a member's son to attend the Scout Jamboree in England. The branches were so proud that they gave donations amounting to £26 towards the cost of the trip.

HEALTH

Crippled Children: Two members have been most co-operative with the Officers of the H.B. Crippled Society in having their children attend the Physiotheraphy for “Falapes.” I am pleased

This class in the Maori language meeting every Saturday is one activity of the Hastings branch. The teacher is Mrs M. Hirini (left), president of the Heretaunga District Council. On the right: Mrs B. Otene, Maori welfare officer. Hastings. (Photography by Russell Orr.)

to report that these two children's feet are almost normal and they can take part in any sports or folk dancing at school.

Hospital Christmas Cheer: October and November are busy months, members get together a working bee and make fancy boxes, gifts and sweets to put in them when they are distributed to every inmate in hospital during the Christmas period. Christmas cheer flowers are also given. We remember those words “Peace on earth, goodwill towards men.”

Friends of Hospital: Tray cloths, face cloths and plastic toilet bags are made for Hastings. Napier and Waipukurau Hospitals. Knitted garments, baby coverlets, jug covers, singlets, pilchers, jerseys and cardigans also are made and pan covers and patchwork quilts for the staff quarters.

Rest Home, Waipukurau: One of our branches has “adopted” this home and jams, pickles, jellies, cases of apples and cakes have been sent to the patients. They have also sent shell food for the Maori patients.

GIFTS FROM THE LEAGUE

Distress: A disastrous fire, occurred at one of our Pa's resulting in the death of one of Mr and Mrs Hakiwai's children. Every assistance was given throughout the night of the fire. A Distress Fund was opened by the Omahu Tribal Committee to which the League Branch contributed the sum of £30.

Bereavement: The Welfare League branches come to the fore when there is a tangi at their respective marae. They help financially and physically. In one area the bereaved families of that locality were assisted to the extent of £100.

April Showers: A Gift is given to every baby born to League Mothers in one branch.

Mother's Day Honour: Mother's Day is celebrated by one Branch where the mothers are honoured by the presentation of a white rose from the fathers.

Gift Evening: A Gift Evening is held for League Mothers moving into new homes. Each member of the particular branch takes along a Gift and one is given from the branch itself.

Hospital Visits: Hospital visits are made regularly. Gifts of flowers, books, fruit and sweets are taken and distributed among the patients both Pakeha and Maori thus fufillling our motto: “Tatau tatau.”

Kindred Organisations: The branches and District Council gave donations to the following organisations: H.B. Crippled Society, H.B. Children's Home. Leper Fund. Hard of Hearing. Plunket Society. Friends of Hospital and Manning Street Appeal, Red Cross Society, Old Folks Association. Free Kindergarten. Maori Missions.

MAORI LESSONS

A Maori class has been formed in our area for children from 5 to 14 years. Sixteen children attend the class which is held on Saturday mornings and all show a keenness to learn the language. The children have in many cases given up their pictures to attend these classes.

COMMUNITY WORK

Blossom Festival: We took part in this great Hastings week, held last September with visitors coming from all parts of New Zealand. We entered a Maori float and are happy to say it came second. A stall also netted us £180.

Building Project: In dire need of a meeting house, the Waipatu Community got together with the full support of the Welfare League Branches and worked on weekly euchre nights and Sunday night dinners and concerts at the pa to raise funds for this worthwhile project. The League members worked hard with the others and

through their efforts a sum of £1300 was realised. At this stage owing to shearing and freezing works all money raising was held in abeyance. We have started to raise funds for the project by having dances on the “Green” at the home of Mr and Mrs O. Otene, Ruahapia Road, Hastings, and quite a sizeable amount has been collected. Hail to this good work, so much of Maori History and Culture is entwined in our Meeting Houses and Maraes.

Community Centre: It is the aim of one of our branches to build a Community Hall for Hastings City. Being a City branch they find it necessary to have a building such as this.

Renovations: Much work is being done by several branches in the district in renovating their “Whare puni” and dining room, the maraes and also buying crockery for the dining hall.

Church Work: “Lawn dances” are held annually at one of our member's home. These dances have been very successful and large amounts have been raised for the Parish.

Gardening Competitions: A Silver Cup for the Best Kept Home and Garden was presented by Mrs Whyte. This has been competed for for four years. Mrs Whyte has offered prizes for 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th places. Mrs Whyte has also offered another trophy which is called the “Daisy Whyte Special Project Cup” which is presented for the best vegetable garden.

The Norah Edwards Rose Bowl is competed for by the Takapau Branch annually, for the Best Home and Gardens. Many thanks are extended to the donors of these trophies, as they have been the means of inspiring the Maori residents to beautify their homes.

Christmas Tree Parties: Christmas parties were held at various meeting places where gifts, sweets, drinks and ice cream were distributed to the children. At Waipatu alone children numbered 127 between the ages of 12 months and 11 years.

APPRECIATION

On behalf of the Heretaunga District Council I wish to tender my thanks and appreciation to the Maori Affairs Department without their loyal support we would not have attained the standard we have today.

I also wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to our Welfare Officer Mrs E. Otence, whose help and guidance is a tower of strength and inspiration to the Heretaunga District Council Branches, Officers and Members.

Also, I wish to thank the District Council Secretary, Miss Ahi Heperi, who has worked so tirelessly for our cause during the past twelve months.

Tatau tatau i roto i te whare kotahi.

Maata Hirini, President.