THE DONORS OF PUKEROA

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 544, 30 May 1933, Page 4

THE DONORS OF PUKEROA

An earnest endeavour to help rather than hinder has been made by Ngati Whakaue in regard to the discnssions which have now arisen concerning the site for Rotorua's hospital. With typical Maori courtesy, but nevertheless in a very firm and timely manner, the tribe has re-' minded the various parties interested in the site, that they are, after all, the donors of Pukeroa reserve, and therefore primarily entitled to be consulted before any deeision is made. It is well, before the discussion proceeds further, that we should be reminded of the historical associations which Pukeroa possesses for the Arawa tribes, and that ihe fifst oceupiers of this land have fifst and primary claim to . consideration. in the matter. It is true, as Ngati, Whakaue adinit, that the' la,nd has been given away; it is also true that certain social services have been rendered to the tribe over a period of years as some return for the gift but there is, nevertheless, a strong moral responsibility to the Arawa tribes on the part of those administering the site. Pukeroa is a famous landmark in Arawa history and it is hallowed and historical | ground ; it is well, therefore, that I the feelings and rights of the Arawa people should be tactfully regarded in any discussion which may ensue. Obviously actuated by a desire to. assist, Ngati Whakaue has also expressed wiljingness to allow the site to continue to be occupied by the present hospital for a period of two or three years until financial conditions are more favourable to the erection of another building on another site. The tribe makes the suggestion that the present buildings could be utilised in a more compact form and that those which are not required should be removed or demolished, the proceeds to go to the general purposes of the institution. In view of the natural reluctance of both the Government and the Waikato Hospital Board to. embark upon capital expenditure at the present time, this is a useful suggestion. Such an arrangement can, hardly serve as more than a temporary expedient until matters generally improve, but it may, in the meantime, pr ovide a satisfactory compromise to all parties.