Maoris Discuss Centennial

Northern Advocate, 3 June 1939, Page 2

Maoris Discuss Centennial

An appeal to the Maori people to eliminate dissension on all questions, including politics and religion, and to > co-operate in order that the Centennial celebrations should successful, was made by the Mayor. Mr W. Jones, yesterday. j Mr Jones was addressing a special I meeting of Maori elders of the Whangarei district. He said he hoped that in setting up the Maori Centennial Sub-Committee, it could undertake the submission of proposals to the district committee on the reproduction of early history, native ceremonial, handicraft and culture, displays of games and customs, and the portrayal of Maori life and occupation prior to European settlement. Important Pageantry. The Queen Carnival was not a point for discussion at the meeting, said the Mayor. He wanted the Maoris to interest themselves in the carnival, but not to consider it of paramount importance. He wanted them to organise themselves so that when they came to the pageantry part of the celebrations it would be second to none in the Dominion. If the Maori people organised properly they could give something which would be 100 per cent, perfect, and the district committee wanted theirgoodwill. It was for the Maoris, however, to say what part they would take. The Town Hall would be available, if they desired to give an entertainment, and Kensington Park would also be open to them for any event they might arrange.

Own Organisation

The Maoris would have to organise for themselves as they could carry out the work for native displays far better than lire p.akeha, who. however, would do do all they could to assist. The Centennial was as much, and more, to the Maoris than the pakehds. The celebrations were to honour the early people of both races. If there was any dissension among the Maoris. Mr Jones hoped that it would bo forgotten for at least next year. Differences in politics and religion should also be forgotten in honouring the early Maori and the early pakeha.

“There has been dissension over the hostel, and the Maori people have been divided, while the Government does not seem favourable towards the proposal." he continued. “1 think that if anything is needed in this town it is a hostel where the Maori people can meet. * Memorial Tree-Planting. “If the Maori people do not want the hostel, that is a different matter, but I feel it is necessary. I do not think there is much chance of going ahead now with the hostel proposal, as there has been 100 much dissension. “If, after the Centennial, the Maoris feel that a hostel is needed, then they can rely on mo to give them all the help I can." The Mayor suggested that the Maoris might favour the planting of memorial trees with proper plaques. The trees would not only provide a memorial, but would be an example to the generations to come of what the people of this century had done in commemoration.

On Mr Jones’ suggestion, the meeting appointed Mr L. Davis chairman, Mr T. T. Puriri, of Ngararatunua, secretary, and Canon W. H. Chen’ington, treasurer. It was decided that all the Maori elders in the Whangarei-Teringa Paroa district;who were present should be members of the committee.

The ensuing discussion was conducted in the Maori language.

Committee Decisions

It -was unanimously decided to give lull support to the chairman of the Northland Zone A Centennial Committee, Mr W. Jones, in suggesting that the Maori race be afforded a celebration purely Maoii in Whanga* rei.

The amalgamation of the present Maori sub-committee of Whangarei with the elders committee so as to prevent untoward results in the near future was unanimously approved. Mr Puriri was unanimously appointed Maori organiser for the race in the Whangarei district. It was decided that committees for maraes in Whangarei. not yet formed, be encouraged to make immediate efforts for raising funds towards their own celebrations.

Mr K. Hayr, Northland organiser, briefly explained the position regarding the pakeha ideals and objective, and he expressed thanks and appreciation In (he Maoris for co-operating. The general opinion and feeling of all elders present towards Centennial celebrations was encouraging. It was the desire of Maori loaders in the Whangarei-Torenga Paroa to co-oper-ate on condition that the whole position regarding the raising of funds was made clear by the Centennial Zone A Committee.

Votes of thanks and appreciation to the chairman, Mr W. .tones, Mr L. O. Hall, the lion, secretary, and Mr Hayr were carried unanimously.

A further discussion regarding the organisation of Maori marae committees took place between Mr Hayr, Mr Puriri and Mr L. Rewdti,. chairman, after the general meeting had closed.