A MAORI TRUST.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1924, Page 1

A MAORI TRUST.

H< 111)01. OF MAORI AKT. WKLLINGTON. Aug. fil. The plans of the Aruwa Trust Hoard for the expenditure ol the annual grant ol Lot'll:) by tin* Government as mln ' pciisathm for waiving Native rights to the Rotorua lakes have been completed as tin* result of conferences which have taken place in Wellington. The result is ti e adoption of an important programme for improvements in sanitation and the encouragement of Maori art and industry. The board is composed of leading representatives of the Arawtt tribe who will undertake to help in the preparation of titles and the selection of .Maori farmers in the hot lakes district who are most deserving ol assistance. A recommendation from the hoard to the Native Trustee will practically amount to a guarantee of the applicant in regard to his character and industry, the hoard being prepared to back its recommendations with the guarantee of interest mi loans to the applicants v hi. It it supports, thus making seem-

it.v more attractive to the Native Trustee.

Housing improvement is another important phase of the hoard’s plans. Improvement of the housing conditions in and around Kotnriia i- receiving atIculinn. and in this ease the hoard will al-o stand behind recommended applicants. The section of the hoard which will pay special attention to health proposes within two years to provide good supplies ot water for ail Maori villages in the lakes district. They have sot aside nearly one-third of the total income for this purpose. The Minister of Health has been approached for assistance in regard to the water supply. Proposals for grants will l e made to assist Arawa hoys to take advantage ol the laeililtes lor higher education.

The nucleus of an attractive scheme for the encouragement ol Maori art has been devised. The district most suited lor its revival is Rotorua. The hoard lias earmarked .2500 I rout this year’s revenue for the establishment and development of a school ol carving, plaiting and manufacture ol Maori articles, k i- recognised Hint the scheme mav he somewhat dillicult to work out, but hopes are bold of placing it on a business footing in view ol the probable demand for objects of Maori art for decorative purposes if work is well done under ollieial supervision. Some portion of the annual grant u ill he utilised for pensions to the blind and maimed who would, under ordinary circumstances, have secured benefit from tribal rights surrendered to the State.