Taranaki Maoris Consider Proposal To Grow Potatoes

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1942, Page 2

Taranaki Maoris Consider Proposal To Grow Potatoes

Meeting at Waitara is en~ thusiastic. To assist the war effort, potatoes are to be grown by members of the Ati-awa tribe and sub-tribes centred on Waitara. Maoris assembled to consider the project at the Manukorihi pa yesterday adopted the suggestion with enthusiasm. The discussion was a sequel to a visit to the pa the previous Sunday by Lieutenant M. Love, of the Native Department, Wanganui, who outlined a plan understood to embrace the whole native race. Everyone was enthusiastic, it was stated last night. The urgency for action was emphasised, and the Maoris now await advice about how to apply for seeds and manure. It is expected Lieutenant Love will return to "Waitara very soon to give that information. With the object of speeding the operation of the plan yesterday's meeting appointed a committee comprising Messrs. Rangitaura Makawe (Waitara), chairman, E. White 'Urenui) and P. Tamati (Bell Block). Mr. Makawe offered to permit the use of five acres of river-flat land for potatoes. This is in addition to from 10 to 15 acres of similar country offered by him, free for two years, to the primary production councils for potato growing. Meetings of Maoris similar to that at Waitara yesterday are being held throughout Taranaki, it is understood. . - I