WAITANGI TRUST

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1933, Page 2

WAITANGI TRUST

THE FIRST MEETING

GOy EIR N OR-G EN ER AL PRESIDES

WELLINGTON, February 11

At tile first meeting of tire Waitangi National Trust Board held at Uovornmeii't House on December 16, the Gov-ernor-General, at the special request of the board, consented to act as chair-

man. for the first year. Mr Vernon 11. Reed was ; ppoiuted deputy chairman, honorary secretary and treasuier, and Mr A. It. Belaud era, of Welling.on, honorary auditor. The following honorary advisory com-

mittees were appointed, subject to the appointees being willing to serve upon them which they have all since consented to do:—

Architectural Advisory Committee: Messrs W. H. Glimmer and W. M. Page; Historical and Maori Life and Customs Advisory Committee: Messrs T. Lindsay Buick, G. Archey, H. E. Vaile, F. C. 'Mappin, 'Tan Henare, M.P., Rev. A. B. Chappell, Airs A. Buchanan; Farm Advisory Committee: Messrs L. W. Nelson, ,J. W. AlcAulay, H. H. Mountain.; Forestry and Scenic Preservation Advisory Committee: Messrs E. Phillips Turner, A. B. Willliams; Golf Committee: Messrs W. A. Kiely and J. W. Maw-on. The Governor-General expressed keen appreciation of the generous offer of the Maori people to erect a handsome carved Rmiauga. (or assembly hall) to mark the centenary in 1940 of the signing of the 'Treaty of Waitangi, His JiJxceHoney also voiced the hope that some interesting relics and lifelike pictures of the chief dramatis personae at the signing, of the treaty may be available for a small local museum in one of the, rooms of the Treaty House. Votes of thanks wore passed by the board to the Lands and Survey Department for preparing surveys of the Waitangi property, to the SoeilitorGeneral for revision and preparation of the deed of trust, and to the Crown Law Office for the preparation of the transfer of the property. It win? also resolved that the thanks of the. board be conveyed to the Bank of New South Wales for its generous donation of £SOO towards the expenses of the trust.

A report presented by Air Vernon H. Reed to the board stated that the old British Residency formerly occupied by Air Janies Busby and now known as the Treaty House will need repair and reinstatement, that the formation of two short roads on the trust property is desirable, that the clearing of a portion <;f land now overgrown by gorse and scrub will be necessary, and that about two miles of fencing will be required. Much of this work can be carried out with the help of the unemployed It is proposed to lay out a nine-hole golf course for use as from next winter, and arrangements are being made whereby it is expected that it will become self-supporting.

The rehabilitation of the old British Residency, or Treaty House, is the most urgent need in connection with the Watiangi property. In order to conform to the original plan, the northeast wing, removed many years ago, will have to be replaced, and extensive restoration and repairs are required if further deterioration of this historic building is to be avoided. n ’

the cost of restoration of this building and the general re-establishment of the Waitangi estate, which is in a somewhat dilapidated condition, no money is at present available beyond the £IOOO promised by their Excellencies and the £SOO promised by the Government, bub it is felt that many New Zealanders may be disposed to identify themselves with what is now national property by contributing to the cost of this undertaking. Those who are willing to do so should send their contributions to the Bank of New Zealand at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin, marked “Waitangi Renovation and Improvement Fund.” They will be most- gratefully received and will be acknowledged in due course by the Governor-General as chairman of the Waitangi Trust Board.