HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19879, 7 May 1936, Page 2

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

MEETING AT TE AWAMUTU.

WORK AT MATAKITAKI PA. (Times‘ Representathe.) TE A\VA.\IUTL‘, \Vednesday. Details of the work carried out by the Te Awamulu llistoricaL Society since the last meeting were, given at a meeting of the society last evening; Mr J. Oliphant presided. The chairman said it had been de—cided to put into effect the suggestion of having a roll of friends of the society to augment the funds. the usual subscription being insufficient to carry out the activities in View. An inscribed roll had been prepared and presented thy Dr. L. S. Rogers (Te Awamutu). Several donations had already been received. and it hart been decided, when the fund warranted it. to mark the old ‘Riaori battlefields, and other places or ‘lliStOl‘lK‘, interest in the district.

Commenting on the increase in the. organisation's exhibits. Mr Oliphant said the number or articles acquired by Ihe society had increased so much that the day would not be far off when they wnuld need hellcr housing.

'i‘hree interesting old books written in Maori and lii-aims: with the early days had been offered to the society. A sub—committee would be engaged in a translation or the volumes. One of the aims of the organisation was the preservation of Maori legends, songs and other matters connected with the Mainpoto tribe. A review of the recent survey carrled out by some of the soclety's mem~ hers at the Matakiinkl Pa was given by Mr ii. A. Swarbriek. who stated that there was a great amount of information to be had there, but much work would he entailed. The chair—man said the party which had visited Matakitaki had discussed the questions of reforming of one of the trenches. the carrying out or tree planting. and the construction or a waharoa, or gateway entrance. Matakitaki Pa could be made into one of the sights of the Te Awamutu district.