ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 205, 28 August 1918, Page 2

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

E.K.—The steps cost £1,500, and the coat was paid out of the Library Fund. Tho primary reason for the improvement was precaution against lire. THE WIMMERA DISASTER. (To the Editor.) Sir,—Will you kindly let mc use your columns as the medium by which I can convey to the citizens of Auckland the grateful and heartfelt thanks of the Maoris of Te Ha,pua for till: generous manner in which the people of Auckland have treated them. I would just like to emphasise the fact that al! the people of this district, pakehas and Maoris alike, were actuated solely by a feeling of compassion for those who were suffering. The pakeha residents here would like to make it clear to the people of Auckland that so far as the Maoris are concerned there was absolutely nB thought of anything in the shape of repayment. As one of the people here says:—"Our fathers taught us to live on friendly terms with the white men, and to give them what help we can, and in helping the survivors from the YVimmera we arc only carrying out the traditions that we have received from our fathers, and the lessons that we have learnt from Yen. Archdeacon Hawkins and our schoolmasters." I am sure that should ever the occasion, unfortunately, arise again, the Maoris of the north will do whatever lies in their power to alleviate suffering, without any ■hope of reward or repayment. I have lived in the Te Hapua village as teacher now for over six years, and I can truly say that I have never met with a warm-hearted lot of people than the ones I am now living among. I wish also to say how much the people of Te Hapua appreciate the handsome enlarged photograph of the ill-fated steamer that was sent to them by the Huddart-Parkcr Co., Ltd., and which now adorns the walls of the schoolroom.—Again thanking the people of Auckland. I am, etc., HENRY G. VINE, Head teacher Te Hapua Native School. August 20, 1918.