HAPPY PACT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 255, 27 October 1937, Page 11

HAPPY PACT.

ORAKEI MAORIS. ROAD WORK PROGRESSES. HOUSES* SAFE MEANWHILE. With the full and happy acquiescence of the little community of Maoris, workmen to-day began the removal of parts of the fence enclosing the historic "church site" on the Orakei heights, and soon road-building tractors were smoothing out a roadway between the native cottages. This action, unhampered by the Maoris, came as the result of a peace-making conference held yesterday afternoon and a further discussion this morning. As described yesterday, this new road work is being carried out in preparation for the erection of additional State homes on the southern side of Coatee Avenue. The plans provide for a junction of the roads inside the church site, and for some weeks the Maoris have objected resolutely to encroachment on to the land. Xow they are happy in the promise that pending final settlement they will be allowed to go on living in their homes. They in turn have promised not to commit any assault while negotiations are being arranged.

True Maori Welcome. Yesterday afternoon in traditional Maori fashion they welcomed Judge F. O. V. Acheson, of the Xative Land Court, the Rev. R. G. Coats, president of the Friends of Orakei, the Rev. W. G. Punapa and Mr. C. P. Xewton, Court interpreter. On the verandah of one of the houses the visitors were seated, and the Maoris squatted on the ground before them. For a long time they discussed the difficulties which had arisen. This morning Judge Acheson visited the site again, in company with representatives of the Lands and Public Works Departments, to inspect the plans and the actual course which the roads will take. An ancient form of greeting was chanted to them by one of the oldest of the Maori women, and after a bounteous morning tea had been given in their honour they left the site under the happiest of understandings.

No Further Violence. Judge Acheson said he had impressed upon the Maoris that the Court dealt eolcly with the matter of resistance of the law. He had advised them not to weaken their case with any show of violence, as, if their case was stron?, it would only be weakened by such action on their part. The Court would offer to hold discussion with the natives as far as the church site was concerned, with a view to reaching a satisfactory solution of the whole trouble, if such negotiations were acceptable to the Government. Pending the result of such ne<*otiatwns, the Maoris had promised not to commit any assault. In the meantime, the road work will be extended into the site without disturbing any of the cottages. The completion of the roads would necessitate the removal of two of these, but until finality is reached this will not be done In the case of one house, for instance,' the construction work will en d mean while aga.nst one side of the building and resume on the opposite side e