Maori Problems

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 411, 20 July 1928, Page 1

Maori Problems

What To Do With Auckland Dead ? NO ROOM AT MANGERE One of the most pressing problems confronting the Maori population in Auckland to-day is the disposal of their dead. This was a subject that evoked considerable discussion at a meeting of Te Akarana Maori Association in Auckland last evening. It has invariably been the practice in the past for different Maori fami-

lies to send their relatives back to their .respective tribal areas for burial. Conditions hav© so changed within recent years, however, from the economic standpoint, that few Maoris are now able to do this. There are few or practically no wealthy Maoris, in the vicinity of Auckland. Through the courtesy of Te Paea, the Mangere chieftainess, permission was granted for bodies of persons who died in or near Auckland to be interred in the historic burial ground at Mangete. The position is such now, though, that a halt must necessarily be called. The difficulty that is now confronting Te Paea is when to differentiate. Meanwhile, "burials are continuing and this “God’s acre,” sacred to these people of Ngati-Mahuta, is being filled with Maoris from other tribes. Mr. George Graham was requested to confer with Te Paea concerning the problem.