TAINUI CANOE

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1929, Page 7

TAINUI CANOE

HKI’UTED HJiSTINU CLACK

AUCKLAND, Fob. 22,

The Kawliiu Court was crowded this week with a throng of .Maori owners ol .section Makctu 2a, on which the historic Tainui came is reported to be buried. The proceedings were the outcome of many preliminary meetings, commencing with a movement many years ago to place a memorial stone over the spot whore lies the canoe which broiigh their forbears from traditional Hawaiki The suggestion was that all the tribes who trace their descent from the captain or crew of tin famous canoe should join in the erection of a memorial which was est.mal.au to oust about £!()()!!. Then the difficulty arose that the land on wjiicli the Tainui canoe had found its last resting pine had ..von dealt with by the Native Land Court and was in the hands of private owners. All sorts of suggestions were made to solve the problem, but it was finally decided that the actual area, which contains the sacred grove which marked the Tainui s urupa .should be vested in “King” To Rata Malmta as trustee for the .Maori race.

With the decision made, special legislation was necessary to sanction the gift, and a clause was introduced into tne Washing-Up Bill of last session empowering the Waikato-Maniapoto Land Board to summon a meeting of the assembled owners to place the area under the maim of Te Rata Malmta. Such wore the introductory steps which preceded the gathering this week, ancl there was a buzz of excitement as the clerk read a long list comprising the Rangi ingoa (list of owners). Many were dead, some were in Waikato, but the bulk of the owners were present, and the motion: “That the section Maketu 2a, comprising 2 acres 2 roods IS perches, l>e placed under the maim of Te Rata Malmta ” was submitted to the meeting. There was a general chorus of “Ae” when the motion was put to the assembly, followed by a dead silence as the negative votes were asked for, and then a laugh of derision at the idea, of any dissenter. A cry of “ Kai ora Te Rata,” and the Maoris.dispersed, well satisfied with themselves and confident t.iat they had done the. right thing.