Maori District Council

Northern Advocate, 13 September 1940, Page 3

Maori District Council

f Special to “Northern Advocate "j KAIKOHE, This Day.

With Mr Hami Maioha in the chair, the first regular sitting that the Pewhairangi District Maori Council has had over a long period took place recently in the Kaikche Court.

Dr. G. O. L. Dempster. Medical Officer of Health and Chief of Maori Councils for the Northland area. ' attended the meeting, as did all members of the council and a number of village chairman. Chief among the business dealt with was the confirmation by the council of all the village committees under its control.

In the past. 25 committees have been operating. To show the enthusiasm of the Maori people generally, this number has new risen to 32, leaving no settlement in the council's territory without a committee. Proceedings Against Defaulters One matter dealt with was the long list of defaulters who had not met their obligations to the council, and it was decided that these offenders should have legal proceedings taken against them. Dr. Dempster, who was welcomed by the chairman and members as their new chief, addressed the gathering on matters regarding the health of the Maori race.

It was stated that the Health Department now had the money necessary for sanitary arrangements, tuberculosis hutments and water supplies. In the case of water supplies, the Maoris would have to pay half the total cost, and it was desired that special notice be taken of this, 'especially where a water supply was required for huis and maraes. In all cases the arrangements must be inspected by a health officer. Although some dissatisfaction was expressed regarding the attention received from district nurses, the doctor expressed his confidence in the excellent work he considered they were doing.

Committees Formed It was desired by the council that its committees understand that the process of giving them authority to exercise their powers under the Maori Council’s Act, 1900, would take some time, as it is necessary that all committee members be gazetted from Wellington. Following are the committees formed:

Whangaroa District: Te Patunga, Fupuke, Waitaruke. Matangirau. Te Wainui, Te Ngaera and Matauri Bay. Bay of Islands District: Te Tii Mangonui. Te Tii Waitangi, Rawhiti, Whangaroa-Ngaicionga. Whangaruru North, Whangaruru South, Waikare, Karetu, Waiomio.

Motatau-Gpahi, Akerama. Otiria, Oromahoe, Tauwhara-Rangauru, Te Aim Ahu, Kgawha Settlement, Ngawha Springs, Te Ahikaroa, Kohewhata, Tauloro. Awarua, Te Kotahitanga. Te Iringa. Mataraua and Punakitere.

Canada. —The Canadian Frime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King) lias cabled to Mr Churchill: “The men, women and children of Britain may rely upon Canada redoubling her efforts to give all support in her power to their inspiring resistance to the barbarous and inhuman slaughter which they are called on to endure. - ’