ORAKEI MAORI VILLAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21249, 1 August 1932, Page 13

ORAKEI MAORI VILLAGE

Sir, —Whoever has heard the welcoming cries of "Nau mai pakeha," when bidden to take freely of the hospitality of the Maori pa, or sought aid when far from civilisation, can only bo filled with righteous indignation at the treatment so often returned to these generous people. All the pleadings of the valiant Rahui Tekiri were in vain when after long befriending the early white settlers, her home was seized and the Ngatiwhatua confined to the mainland. Sir- George Grey, in our name, solemnly promised to cherish for all time these people who had been a check on the Ngapuhi hordes of the North, and a remnant of the Ngatiwhatua at Orakei plead again for an honouring of that treaty. I do not admire dilapidated Orakei, but it is heaven beside the white man's slum in the city; it may even offend, but it is nought compared with the white man's sewage at Orakei that remains to pollute both the air and our beaches. Pharisees were told not to pick out motes while beams were in their eyes. Our moral obligation is clear. Is the retention of the village desirable ? In its present condition hundreds of Aucklanders have found an afternoon's pleasure in Watching these irresponsive children, but recreated as a model "kainga," its value to Auckland is incalculable —it will be onco. more one of the city's attractions. There are thousands in Auckland, apart from children, who hav6 never seen a village; they liave to content themselves with a few dead relics, as at Mission Bay. How many through passengers can visit Rotorua, but leave New Zealand disappointed to find their tastes catered for in studying native lifo near port in almost every other country. All the ancient arts and crafts could bo revived—mats, kits and objects of art. providing useful employment and a livelihood for the Maoris themselves. Under proper control and direction a great injustice can be averted and a splendid asset retained for future gen&ations in Now Zealand. R. A. Watson.