MAORI EDUCATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1938, Page 5

MAORI EDUCATION

(.To the Editor.) Sir, —After reading a reference to Maori education in the Wairarapa, which 'appeared recently in a Wellington paper, I am more than astonished at the facts as stated therein. The person making the statement is not conversant and quite ignorant of the true state of affairs as they have always been and exist up to the present. It is true that dissatisfaction exists among the Maori people of the Wairarapa with reference to the administration of the local trusts (Papawai and Aklira). These blocks of land were handed over to the Church of England by the Natives as an endowment for the education of their descendants. The trusts have been managed by a Board of Trustees, of which Mr G. H. Perry, a well-known business man of Masterton, is one. Some years ago the trustees acquired a property near Clareville, formerly owned by a Mr Tancred. A college was opened for boys but unfortunately the building was destroyed by fire a few years back. Since then nothing has been done to carry out the terms of the trust; I say, through no fault of the trustees if the true facts were understood.

Referring to the Otaki College, the position is this. There are two trusts, namely, Whitireia at Porirua and Otaki at Otaki. The income from these trusts maintains the Otaki College absolutely. As to the statement made in Wellington that the Otaki people benefit at the expense of the Wairarapa trust then I am surprised. It is the first time I have heard of such a state of affairs, but I submit sir, that such is not the case.

Last year I attended, as representative of the Lower Valley Natives, a meeting at Papawai to discuss the question of merging the Otaki and Wairarapa trusts. The Bishop of Wellington and Mr G. H. Perry were present. His Lordship explained the position fully and Mr Perry, a trustee, also deajt with the financial aspect of the trust. The meeting was adjourned owing to the absence of the representatives of the northern (Masterton) tribes, who were the donors of the Akura Trust. Later a meeting was held at Te Ore Ore, Masterton. The question of amalgamation was discussed fully, but no finality was reached. Recently representatives from various local tribes, together with members representing the Natives of the Otaki Trust, met in Wellington, for the purpose of coining to some finality.on the merger question. I was not present at that meeting but was reliably informed by one of the local delegates that the proposal was not entertained. I understand that the local Natives have now decided to ask the Board of Trustees to entertain a proposal that a grant be made from the funds to enable a boy or girl, whose qualifications warrant it, io pursue his or her education at a secondary school. This proposal, I understand, meets with the approval of the trustees. How can. then, my Maori friend reconcile his statement

to a Wellington paper that the Otaki Maoris ■were receiving all the benefits of the Trust (Wairarapa Trust, I presume, he is referring to) and those Wairarapa boys or girls (the Deed of Trust only referred to boys) who had received grants in the past were forced to go to Otaki for their education. If such grants were given, why the necessity for the proposal now before the trustees? Surely my friend should substantiate his statements before rushing into print. As one born and bred in Otaki, I speak with a certain amount of knowledge as to the Otaki Trust; in fact, my ancestor was one of the donors of the Otaki Trust. I. have never known of a boy, or a girl for that matter, from the Wairarapa who has attended or is attending the Otaki College and whose educational facilities are borne by the local trust. As far as the standard of education at Otaki is concerned, I have no desire to comment, but I will say that if grants are made by the trust it should be left to the discretion of the recipient as to which school he or she will attend. Needless to say we have the facilities in the Wairarapa. Thanking you for your valuable space.—l am. etc., J. T. CARTER. Pirinoa, April 25.