MAORI OBJECTOR

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3248, 5 April 1943, Page 5

MAORI OBJECTOR

COULDN’T SPEAK ENGLISH

COUNTY COUNCIL PROBLEM

COUNCILLOR AS INTERPRETER

When Ramanui Maramarua, sole objector to the taking of land from his property in order

to make for greater safety on a main road corner at Te Teko appeared before the , Whakatane County Council in exercise of his rights as a ratepayer, the Council was momentarily thrown off its balance when the one-man deputation said he could not understand English.

Cr. Burt however stepped manfully into the breach and while his fellow councillors looked on admiringly proceeded with a lengthy interrogation. Ramanui however seemed strongly averse to being parted with any of his land even when assured of compensation. What about the hundreds of other corners in the country which were worse than his, he asked (vide Cr. Burt’s vocal attributes). ‘What about if he kept the hedge cut all the time.’ ■ He wanted to build a house there to live in. How much was the compensation going to be at any rate. “Tell him that will be fixed by the Native Court,” said the clerk hopefully. “Tell him that it will improve his house site.”

Followed a further long caucas between the man from Matata and Ramanui. There was only a. question of appropriating 1 rood 21 perches, but this did not seem to matter to the objector who said his son did not mind the make-over but he did. At the end of a particularly long exchange in voluable Maori and much gesticulation, Cr. Burt emerged dishevelled but with some piece of information firmly in his grip. “He says he’s come a long way to-day and its cost him money. He says what about it?” '

“Ask him how far he’s come from?” said the chairman.

Another five minutes smoko and then the piece-de-resistance. “From Paeroa,” said Cr. Burt to astonishment of all hands.

“Ask him who’s on the farm at Te Teko then,” ventured the chairman. “His son is,” said Cr. Burt loosening his collar. “Ah,” said the county clerk, “you tell him to send his' son in next time and we’ll fix up with him.” Cr. Burt’gracefully submerged himself again but Ramanui beat him to it, and when he had finished, in perfectly good English, he shouted out “My son, no good. If I send him in. He no put up a good fight at all.’ 'Collapse of 'Council and, dignified retirement of Ramanui.