Insult seen in absence of representative

Press, 7 February 1986, Page 5

Insult seen in absence of representative

The absence of a Gov-ernor-General’s representative at the Waitangi Day celebrations in Okains Bay yesterday was an insult to both the Maori and pakeha people of the area, says the deputy chairman of the Ngai Tahu Trust Board, Mr Te Morehu Pohio. Mr Pohio told visitors to the Okains Bay marae yesterday that the Gover-nor-General, Sir Paul Reeves, was wrong to deny local people the opportunity to have his representative at the celebrations. “I feel we are entitled to have people here from his circle — it is something we are used to having here. “To think a guy with the same colour face as mine has denied us this opportunity. I think it is disgusting he did not send someone.

“It is an insult and that’s the way I feel about it.”

Mr Pohio said he did not think the GovernorGeneral should celebrate the treaty at the Beehive — "he should be out in

the open, the same way we are today.” The member of Parliament for Selwyn, Miss Ruth Richardson, also said it was regrettable that the Governor-General did not send a representative. About 500 people attended the celebrations at Okains Bay yesterday, including two busloads of overseas tourists and 90 people from Dunedin who made a special day trip. Others attending were the Wizard; a television personality, Oily Ohlson; and the former member of Parliament for Rangiora, Mr Derek Quigley. Activities at the Maori

and Colonial Museum included working displays of putting a metal rim on a wheel, shoeing a horse, baking bread, and various engines puffing steam. The hangl lunch was in such demand that food ran out before stomachs iwere filled. Music was provided by the Akaroa Silver Band. Mr Murray Thacker, of the Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum Board, said about 1500 people had been expected but an ■ overcast day had put many people off. Other people had not come because of expected protest activity, he said.