PROPOSED GYMKHANA.

Otaki Mail, 30 January 1922, Page 2

PROPOSED GYMKHANA.

THE MAORI CHURCH COMMITTEE AND THE REST RESORT.

A meeting of the above was held at Raukawa on Saturday (28th). Present: Messrs T. Rikihana (chaiiiaan), K. Hawea, R. Ranapiri, U. Hapeta, IV. Rei, R. Carkeek (secretary). Mr P. Tahiwi was absent.

After the usual routine business was dealt with the question of the proposed gymkhana and carnival, in connection with the Rest Resort, was brought forward by Mr Rikihana (chairman). He pointed out that though the Committee was a body formed for the purpose of controlling the affairs of the Maori Church “Hangiutea” their responsibilities did not cease there. They were also the mouth piece, as it were, of the Maori people, aud he considered that they should assist their Pakeha friends in such a worthy cause.

Mr K. Hawea endorsed the sentiments expressed, and stated that the proposal was a very good one. They must not forget those who fought and died in the war, and sincerely appreciate the efforts their Pakeha friends were making to commemorate as a lasting monument the sacrifices made by our boys in the great war —both Europeans and Maoris. He therefore considered it their duty to do their utmost, even if it be so little, to d<v something in the matter. He was sure that the stop they were taking would meet with the approval and support of all Maori people in Otaki. Other members also spoke, and on the motion of Mr Ranapiri, seconded by Mr IV. Rei, it was decided that Mr U. Hapeta and Mr R. Carkeek (secretary), be appointed to represent the committee to attend the meeting which was being called at an early date by His Worship the Mayor (Mr Brandon). Mr Carkeek referred to the up-hill fight the Rest Resort Committee had been experiencing, and wished them good luck. He was confident that with combined efforts the long-vexed question of the Rest Resort would be a “scene of the past.”