GRAVES DESECRATED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27514, 7 October 1950, Page 6

GRAVES DESECRATED

Maoris Seek Control Of

Lake STRICT TAPU FLOUTED PA ROTORUA, Oct. 6. The desecration of graves on th* sacred island of Motutawa in Green Lake (Rotokakahi), is believed to be the reason for the assertion by Maoris of a right to control the lake and the publication of an advertisement banning fishing and boats on it. It is claimed by the Maoris that when the late Mr J. G. Coates concluded the agreements for taking over the lakes in the Taupo and Rotorua districts, he agreed to set aside Lake Rotoaira, at Tokaanu, and Lake Rotorkakahi, at Rotorua, for the sole control and use by Maoris. Lake Rotoaira was jealously guarded, and infringement by European fisherman some years ago resulted in court action, the upshot of which was further State action to preserve the native rights. Rotokakahi was proclaimed under the Native Lands Act in 1923, and a board was to be set up to control it. No positive action was taken with fishermen and other operating boats. Recently the Maoris became very resentful when it was found that the graves on the sacred and tapu burial grounds on the Island of Motutawa were being interfered with, and that over-zealous university students were digging up skeletons with a view to removing them. Steps were then taken to set up a control board and to publish the prohibitory advertisement banning the use of the lake and threatening to confiscate boats not removed after a given period. . The Island of Motutawa is strictly tapu, and is held in great veneration. Prior to the Tarawera eruption it was owned and occupied by Tuhourangi Hapu, of the Arawas, and was believed to be the scene of the murder of a number of Ngapuhi Natives. This caused the dreadful revenge by the Ngapuhi chief, Hongi Hika on the Arawas at Mokoia Island, when hundreds were slaughtered, Horigi having mistaken the island in Lake Rotorua for Motutawa in Green Lake. After the eruption, when many Tuhourangi lives were lost Hapu shifted to Whakarewarewa.