ORAKEI MAORI VILLAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21466, 13 April 1933, Page 12

ORAKEI MAORI VILLAGE

IMPROVEMENTS MADE WORK OF NATIVE WOMEN. Considerable improvement has been effected in the appearance of the M.xori village at Okaliu Bay, Orakei, largely as a result of the efforts of an energetic committee of women at the settlement. Mrs. M. J. Babhington, a temporary resident of the settlement, has been principally responsible for the organisation of tho work, which is regarded as necessary if the Maoris are to have the tenure of the settlement property at Okahu Bay. Mrs. Babbington stated yesterday that the great need at present was paint and timber for the renovation of tho dwellings, and also the spacious whare-runanga, or meeting-house. The work done so far had consisted of forming attractive pathways with a surface of shell-rock and clearing the interesting and historic graveyard. It was expected that tho menfolk would shortly bo engaged in levelling portions of the marae, or open ground, at the settlement. To assist tjho movement for improvement, the Orakei natives, who aro principally of the Ngati-Whatua tribe, have arranged a native demonstration for Easter Monday, with the assistance of the Akarana Maori Association, which now has efficient liaka and poi troupes. Displays of native cooking will be given. Mrs. Babbington appealed to tho sympathy of Europeans for aid in the work now being undertaken, as it was in the interests of Auckland to make the village attractive.