MARTIN SQUARE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 121, 28 November 1928, Page 13

MARTIN SQUARE

RACIAL PROBLEM According to statements made to "Tho Post," a racial difficulty- on a small scale has been in existence for some time in the Martin square area of Wellington- Central. About two years ago the inhabitants of the Square, many of whom own tho. houses they occupy, were agitated over the rumour that one of the houses there was going to be let to a number of Indians; A petition against this action was immediately drafted, signed, by practically every person living in the Square, and presented to the owner, who gave the matter his favourable consideration, and agreed to let. his house .to Europeans. A few months ago .the neighbourhood was again thrown into a stato of agitation by the announcement' that tie top story of a brick building being erected iv the Square was going to be fitted out as a dwelling place, for a large number, of Indians, .whose ,'fruit barrows, spring carts, motor-lorries, and other vehicles were to be housed on the ground floor. Again a petition of protest was circulated and signed by all the residents. As a result the owner of tho building met the residents at a meeting, presided over b}' Mr. P. Eraser, M.P., and undertook to give earnest consideration to their representations. No further action has been taken in connection with the proposed scheme up to the presentNow, however, -Martin 'square is. again threatened with what' the residents consider to be the menace of having Indians as neighbours. It'is understood by them that a vacant house there is likely to bo let to Indians, and, accordingly, the residents aro once more protesting. A proposal is on foot for the residents of the Squaro as a .whole to wait in the form of a deputation at tho owner's residence. It is also suggested that, tho City Council should be approached to make bylaws dealing with -difficulties of this nature .in the direction of providing specified accommodation areas for people of widely varying races, but it is doubtful whether the City Council has any power to do so. .... . ' ' Tho objections, to having Indians as close neighbours in Martin square, it is stated, are not based on any racial animosity, but rather on the incompatibility of the living conditions and social customs of the two races, as well as on the nature of the occupations followed by the Indians generally, which, the people of the neighbourhood state, involves noisy handling, of commodities and vehicles, very early.in the morning and late at night, with consequent disturbance of sleep for those in the vicinity. It is believed, our informants state, that the Indian community, which recently showed its interest in the welfare and advancement of the city of Wellington by a handsome donation to the National Art Gallery and Museum Fund, has no intention of forcing an entry into any locality against the expressed will of the inhabitants, and it is felt that once the Indians 'concerned understand the acute feeling prevailing in. Martin square on. this question, they will, in keeping with their established reputation as civil and courteous citizens, be prepared not to, act in opposition to the unanimous wish of the people living there.