NATIVE MATTERS.

Otaki Mail, 5 April 1922, Page 3

NATIVE MATTERS.

A SATISFACTORY BALANCE- . SHEET. A meeting of the above Committee was held last week-end. The following members were present:—Messrs T. Rikihana (chairman), K. Hawea, H. Ranapiri, U. Hapcta, W. Rei, H. Hapeta, and R. Carkeek (secretary). Quite a large number of Natives were present, and it is gratifying to note that the Natives are taking a very keen interest in all matters connected with Rangiatea and the work of the Committee. After the usual routine and committee business was dealt with a discussion took place on general lines. Correspondence was reatl and dealt with as follows: — Prom Miss Teresa McEnroe of AVellington, stating that she would be free on the 20th April to sing at tho concert —two programme numbers. From Mr Howard Hunter, of Auckland, also from Messrs A. Pringle and K. Aitken, both of Levin, offering their services and assistance re concert programme, and Miss Wai Parata, of Waikanae.

"With regards to the poi dance the ladies' committee have that matter well in hand and regular practices are being held in the Raukawa. Mrs W. Baker, Mrs H. Swainson, TCume Mctera and Pirihira To Hana were added to the ladies' committee. Mr Pirimi Tahiwi 's resignation was accepted with regret, and Mr Hakopa Hapeta was elected to fill the vacancy. The chairman, in wekoming Mr H. Hapeta, said he took it as a personal com•plinient to himself and Ms fellow members of the committee that Mr Hapeta had been elected. The committee had great responsibilities to perform, and as such were committed to do their best for the betterment and improvement of , Rangiatea, and also other important matters that wero sure to arise during the. course of the work. All appreciated younger fellows coming forward and taking an interest in such matters. Mr Carkeek (secretary) placed the balance-sheet on the table and the same was adopted. He reported that the painting of the Church was complete, and other necessary work done—plumbing repairs and carpentering, a new beam flushing, etc. A start had been made on the work of repairing and painting the picket fences and the job was expected to be completed by Monday. Finally, he wished to thank both pakehas and Maoris for donations received. The balance-sheet was as follows from December -Ith, 1921, to March 31st, 1922:

Receipts: Donations, £3l 12s 6d; xVnonymous, £7 3s lOd; Bal. from concert held June loth, 1921, £10; Bal. from concert held January 19th, 1922, £37 15s Id; Rent re Mangapouri reserve, £l7 13s Id; Sale of Hay, £2 10s; Per Hema Te Ao, Trust money account, £5; Total £lll lis 6U Expenditure: Painting the Church, plumbing and carpentering repairs, £7B lis Id; "Otaki Mail"—miscellaneous, £1 3s 0d; Correspondence, telegrams, Ss; Borough Council, Rates, Mangapouri, £5; total expenditure £BS 2s 7d. Balance in hand. £26 lis lid.

It was decided to post a copy containing the complete details of the items in the balance-sheet ut the doorway of Raukawa for the information of Natives, and the public. Mr Hema Te Ao on behalf of the Natives present thanked the committee for the keen interest taken, and the very able way they had managed affairs. He also thanked them for their satisfactory balance-sheet and the work clone, which was due to the combined and untiring efforts of the committee. Exceptional interest has been aroused amongst people, even to the other sections and branches of the tribe extending as far north as Foxton and Porirua to the south. He wished to take this opportunity of expressing his views regarding the cemetery proposal which he believed was brought forward for discussion some weeks ago. He agreed with the scheme as already outlined, namely to graze sheep on the back area of the cemetery, a temporary wire-net-ting fence to be erected, cutting oS the front portion of the cemetery area and the church. He realised Maori sentiment in the matter, particularly amongst the older folks, but they must give way to a certain measure and he was sure they could place all confidence in their committee to carry out the good work they were doing Sor Rangiatea, also helping to improve and beautify the town in general. Other Natives also spoke on similar lines.

Just before going to press further donations were received as follows: Per Mrs K. Taipua's sub. list, £4 10s; per Mrs H. Swainsonfs sub. list, £2 Bs.