MAORI COUNCIL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7378, 3 February 1902, Page 2

MAORI COUNCIL.

THE MEETING AT WHENUAKURA.

At the meeting of the Maori Council at Whenuakura, it was decided that the Council should work earnestly and move gradually in preference to hastily. In regard to rniuisterial assistance at the meetings, it was unanimously decided that a minister (the Rev. Haddon) should be present at each sitting to open and close it with prayer and to speak to those present. Karaitiana and Tutanuku, chiefs of Waitara, who are members qi the Council, were among the speakers on this subject. The question of sanitation caused some discussion, and eventually it was decided that it was advisable for each family to have a house to itself. Old houses are to be broken down and burnt, and generally sanitation will receive strict attention. At Friday's sittings two culprits were brought forward. One charged with indecency was fined £7 18s, and the oth#r for refusing to take his cattle off another Maori's plantation was mulcted in a£l fine. Wakarua, a chief of Waitotara, acted as judge. The drink question occupied some time in discussion. It was decided that the matter of hotelkeepers supplying liquor to women should receive attention. Speakers expressed their determination to put down the abuse, and offered to keep a vigilant eye en licensed premises. The meeting was addressed by Revs. Hammond and Haddon, who spoke cheeringly. Tutangi is president of the Council, and Tupito chairman. On Saturday morning the meeting broke up, when the bulk of the natives proceeded to Rata, where a large meeting is to be held.