OTAKI MAORI COLLEGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 265, 8 October 1940, Page 2

OTAKI MAORI COLLEGE.

HISTORICAL FACTS. The select committee of enquiry, con-; sisting of members of tho Legislative Council —Hon. Martin (chairman), Hon. Rangi Maw'hete, Hon. J. Alexander, Hon. W. Grounds, and Hon. W. Duncan—received a deputation of Maoris on October 3 and 4 on the question of the Otaki (Maori College. Those of the party called upon to give evidence were Hone McMillan, llawiri Tatana, Hapi Love, Roore ltangiheuea, Hare Katene, Teoenuku Reeni, Matenga Peka, and Hohepa Wincera. Other visitors were Arapere Ivuka, Tekarangi Roach, Raiha Wikihama. Te Manu Hawea, Purere Katene, Tiri Katene, M.P., and Kingi Taliiwi* (official interpreter). A second deputation representing the Kaikokirikiri Papawai Trust consisted of R. Tamihana, Teheke Rangatira (Mrs Boyd), Pita Paku, 'and Mr Daniels. The counsellor for the Maori delegates was Mr Wiren, while Mr Hadfield, assisted by Mr Evans and Mr Sprott (secretary of the Diocesan Board of the Church of England) acted on behalf of the Porirua College Trustees. .. A lengthy historical address recounting the circumstances and conditions obtaining which led up, to the creation of the endowment in the early period was given from records. In 1896 a commission of enquiry was appointed to investigate the reasons why the desires of the Maori people were not fulfilled. In 1905 a Royal commission was appointed with Judge Prendergast presiding, tho result being that both t'he Whititireia and Otaki Trust were amalgamated. That decision disposed of the proposal to erect a college at Porirua; consequently ill 1910 the college was established at Otaki. The object of the deputations was to protest and object to any proposal for the sale of any endowed land as it has been always understood that these endowments were never intended to be alienated. but on the contrary reserved for the benefit of future generations for ever.

Tile functionary powers of the Legislative Council’s committee are confined to deciding whether or not the Bill be proceeded with. A continuation of the enquiry is appointed for Wednesday, October 9, w'hen alternative proposals may receive consideration.

Mr Hadfield appeared to be favourably disposed toward any movement to carry out the wishes of the Maori people in this connection.