Vice-Regal Interest In Maori Race

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 221, 21 September 1934, Page 8

Vice-Regal Interest In Maori Race

A RAW AS PAY TRIBUTE. Per Press Association. ROTORUA, Sept. 19. In commemoration of the interest of their Excellencies in the welfare of the Maori race, the Arawa Trust Board has written to Lord Blcdisloc expressing its intention of vesting an area of about 10 acres at Makctu, on the site of the landing of the Arawa canoe 000 years ago, as a domain, and has asked the permission of His Excellency for the reserve to be known as Blcdisloc Park.

Although on private property, the section is a very popular seaside icsort and very suitable for reservation as a recreation domain. If his Excellency's approval is given to the proposal, the Native Minister will be asked to promote legislation during # the present session to give effect to the board’s wishes in tlic matter.

The site lias historic significance to the whole of the Arawa tribe, and for that reason is valued far beyond any other piece of land in Arawa territory. The following resolution, carried at the last meeting of the Arawa Trust Board, has been conveyed to his Excelleney:—“The Arawa. District Trust Board desires to convey to their Excellencies Lord and Lady Bledisloe, on behalf of the Arawa tribe, sincere sorrow on the eve of their departure to tho Homeland. The board takes the opportunity of humbly recording its grateful appreciation and thanks for their Excellencies’ interest in tho welfare of 'the Maori people and practical sympathy in every movement which has had for its object the uplift of the race in the path of progress spiritually, socially, and physically.”