Ngati Hamutana Hamilton

This club was originally founded in 1933 by a group of Maori and Pakeha (among them, the late Dame Hilda Ross), with the object of promoting closer social relations and better understanding between the two races in the Hamilton district. The constitution states that one of the aims of the club is to work toward the building of a Maori community centre which is to be for the use of both Maori and Pakeha. During the war the club was inactive, but it was re-formed some 12 years ago.

At present there is an action-song and choral group with about 30 active members, and there are also many more financial members who take part in such other cultural and sporting activities as lectures on subjects of Maori interest, basketball, badminton, bowls, rugby and league football.

Most members are Maori, but there are many Pakeha members also; this year, as it happens, half of the members of the club's executive are Maori and half of them are Pakeha.

Among its other activities, the club is actively concerned with raising funds for its projected community centre.

Last August, Ngati Hamutana, together with members of Hamilton's Jaycees (and with the sponsorship of Waikato Breweries), organised the outstandingly successful Hamilton Maori Cultural Festival at which competing teams from far and near performed before packed audiences.

The club's practice nights are held every Tuesday evening at Frankton Town Hall.

President and Secretary: Canon Wi Huata, 326 Peachgrove Road, Hamilton.

Vice-president: Mr J. Mitchie.

what other word than the over-worked ‘Integration’ can be used to describe Wikitoria, the Victoria University Maori Club? The president, Geoff Henry, is a Cook Islander, the treasurer, Paul Reiher, is a Gilbertese Islander of German descent, the secretary, Mac Burt, is a Pakeha, the club captain Pae Ruha, is a Maori. Amongst others on the committee is a young man of Dutch descent.