MAORI MATTERS.

Otaki Mail, 17 May 1922, Page 2

MAORI MATTERS.

DATE FOR GARDEN PARTY.

SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL

At a meeting of the above committee last week-end it was decided to hold a garden party at the Raukawa on June Ist and 2nd respectively. The local Maoris are taking a keen interest in the matter, and word has been received from the Natives of the surrounding district intimating their whole support. They are already busygetting things, etc., for the various stalls, while a large number of Europeans have already promised assistance. Sister Lewis received a letter from Mr W. H. Field. M.P.. in reply to her application that a permit had been granted by the authorities to sell violets and flowers on the railway station and the trains every Friday and Saturday. The Committee extends its thanks ! to Mrs Mcßeath for her kindly and 1 spontaneous offer to sell violets, and to ! do all what she possibly can to assist. in getting funds for the Memorial. | His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. I'. I Brandon) was present at the meeting. ! Be appreciated and congratulated the J Maoris for the keen interest they were I taking in local matters, both with regard to the work done to their line historical church and cemetery, and also to municipal matters in general. He j was very pleased they had formed a committee amongst themselves and was sure that with the good work they had ' already done they would in the future j materially help to further the interests ■ and the welfare in many directions of Ihe two races. With regards to interests with the Council they were being well looked after by their representative (Mr Curkeek). It was his sincere desire thai the Maoris and the pakehas work together for the good of the community and lie was sure tlii ' that is what was happening now. Will, regard to the violet days and garden party for tlie soldiers' memorial he wished io lake the opportunity of wishing the Natives every success, and was sun- it would meet with the support it deserved, in conclusion lie wished to thank all to,- the privilege given him to be amongst them, and to be able to discuss matters with them and thought that it was a very good thing, for it enables them to understand one aim ther better, thereby creating interest in aU matters affecting local politics and things in general, lie therefore hoped that he should haw further opportunities of attending their meetings and to be amongst them to freely discus, mat ters with them affecting the welfare' of both races and the betterment of the town. Several members thanked the Mayor for the sentiments expressed and appreciated his coming amongst them to hear and to freely talk mutters with them. They fully realised the keen in terest In- took in matters connected with the Maori people and that actual- ■ ing spirit urging both race:- to work as one for the welfare of Otaki and tin. community in general. The question of selling violets, etc., was left for the ladies' committee to deal with. In the meantime the main committee will draw up the programme for the two big days t.o be held at Railkawa on the date- fixed. It is anticipated that there will be a representative gathering of Natives from the out. lying districts. A successful .issue is assured.