MT. EDEN PA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 370, 2 June 1928, Page 13

MT. EDEN PA

Maori Association Replies to Critics ANCIENT TRIBAL CENTRE In view of recent criticism against the proposal to erect a memorial Maori pa on Mount Eden {Maunga-Whau), Te Akarana Maori Association to-day issued an official statement as to its views. The proposal emanated from the association, and has been sponsored by that body, which has been in consultation with the Mt. Eden Borough Council for some time. "Th 9 proposal, as formulated by Mr. Paora Chamberlain, civil engineer, under the auspices of our association, lias the full approval of Te Akarana Maori Association. The idea originated with us, and we submitted it to the Mount Eden Borough Council, which acts as the Domain Board. “Apart from the actual advantages of the locality—which cannot, in our opinion, be surpassed, Maunga-Whau is a place of ‘mana,’ a place of preeminent prestige. It was the ancient tribal centre of all Tamaki-Makau-rau. That mana is still inherent in that pa—hence our selection of the site. “As to the scheme itself, we invite all fair criticism. We consider that the question is a wider one than that which actually concerns the Domain Board as trustees of the mountain. The proposal should, in our opinion, be regarded as a national undertaking. It is intended to be a memorial to the Maori race. As such it should be regarded as a national concern. “Our Maori past, and our traditions, are now the common property and interest of all who love Te Ao-tea-Roa. “The proposed structure on this historic site cannot in any way obstruct the panorama from any point. A sketch published in an Auckland paper is quite inconsistent on this point. An earlier sketch showed a model pa, which would enhance the scenic at-< traction from the same vantage spot. That impression has since been obliterated. “We desire to record our strong objection and resentment against this later sketch, which we consider grossly offensive to Maori taste. No Maori village, ancient or modern, ever embodied the ridiculous conditions depicted in the second attempt by this artist.”