ORAKEI VILLAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 157, 5 July 1937, Page 6

ORAKEI VILLAGE.

Not only Maoris but their white friends are greatly indebted to your correspondent, Mr- Geo. Graham, for his able letter in vour issue of the 29th ult. Alienation of the Maori from his ancestral lands has been going on ever since the white settlers arrived Ln = this country, and in many cases the transactions were very much open to question. Regarding the purchase of the Orakei property bv the Government, it appears that a sufficient area was not left for the occupation of the native owners, and this view was supported bv the commission which sat in 10OS and recommended that So acres should be retained for their use. However, only some two and a half acres were left, and probably this is now sufficient for their needs. It will be fresh in the minds of your readers that shortly after the accession of the present Government the Prime Minister, who is also Native Minister, visited Orakei and told the Maoris, in no uncertain manner, that they would be treated fairly and with justice. In view of this statement it is difficult now to realise that the acting Native Minister has issued an instruci tion that the natives must leave their ancestral home, and this in view of the fact that his chief is absent from the Dominion. To my mind, this is just another instance of the autocratic control which has come with the advent of our Labour Government, the members of which during their election campaign were such strong advocates of greater freedom and justice, while their leader continually states that nobody will be hurt. How do they now reconcile what has happened since they came into power, viz., increased taxation, higher cost of living, harsh control (vide B station attitude, the Orakei case, etc.), with their pre-election promises? VINCI T VERITAS.

As a palcelia. on behalf of the Maoris I would just like to say what a cruel injustice is their lot. They are a very fine type, lawabiding, and very clean under their present conditions; so why not spend on their present area the money it would take to provide ft recreation ground? It may be that They have spent the money granted them, but incidentally someone has benefited by it. So before it is too late the mucli-needed sanitation with typical pas or hostels should be provided. They are a fine people and worthy of it. .It could be made one of Auckland's nio-t interesting sights if we citizens united and showed the wonted brotherly love with practical help. Those interested should help this splendid race. LIVE AXD LET LI\~E.