PUKEROA HILL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 721, 22 December 1933, Page 6

PUKEROA HILL

H.

TAI MITCHELL,

(To the Editor). Sir, — Ngati Whakaue definitely op]>oses the borough council in its attempt to control Pukeroa Hill as outlined in to-day's issue of your valuable paper. That would indeed be a breach of trust if this reserve passes over to a private corporation without the fullest consent of Ngati Whakaue. Pukeroa Hill with all its historical associations, its burial and other sacred spots — human and divine — cannot and shall not be made the sporting arena of objectionable local politics. This hill is the "Mana" of Ngati Whakaue, treasured and enriched by song and poem, holding in its bosom the love and reverence of a tribe which passed through a stormy past with honour and distinction culminating in the generous instincts which gave utterance to the magnificent gifts to the town of Rotorua which the ratepayers now enjoy in educational provisions, in sports and in recreation. These gifts were given to the Crown in trust and in the control of every gift property handed over by the Crown to the borough Ngati Whakaue has raised no objection, but regarding the Pukeroa Reserve, because of tribal history and tradition, Ngati Whakaue cannot and will not agree to the Government divesting itself of its trusteeship without the fullest discussion and agreement with Ngati Whakaue. Legal sophistry will not avail in this case for Parliament will be the final tribunal to decide the issue if necessary. — I am, etc.

On behalf of Ngati Whakaue.