MOHaKA REQUESTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19886, 14 March 1939, Page 2

MOHaKA REQUESTS

CONTROL OF BLACKBERRY NEW NATIVE SCHOOL MINISTERIAL VISIT (Special U) iUo Herald.) WAIROA. this clay. The opportunity was taken during the tour of inspection of the housing conditions on the Kahungunu anc Mohaka Maori development schemes to place before the Hon. F. Langstone, Minister of Lands, several requestaffecting the district. The Ministerial parly was welcomed at the Mohaka meeting house by the usual haka, and Mr. Pitiera Te Wainolui, a rangitira of the Mohaka tribes, gave the ceremonial welcoming speech. The requests from the Mohaka Maoris were outlined to the Minister by Mr. Reupena Tumataroa, also a rangitira of the Mohaka tribes, Mr. V. :T. Carroll acting as interpreter. I In reply to a request that he make representations to facilitate the erection of the native school at the Mohaka township side of the river, the Minister promised to see the Minister oi Education with a view to trying" lo expedite the work. Some trouble might be experienced in getting the title to the land, but the work would be done as soon as possible so that the children would not have to use the swing bridge across the Mohaka River. A request was made that a definite percentage of all produce I'rom the farms be assigned to the Maori farmer, more particularly in the case of the sheep farmer. , Mr. Langstone said he would see if it was possible to make a monthly payment to the sheep farmer, the same as if he was milking cows. A proposal to combat blackberry n the Mohaka district was outlined by Mr. J. O'Grady, who suggested ringfencing all the affected properties with strong wire netting, with the object of controlling the flocks of goats .which had proved invaluable W\ the eradication of blackberry. The Minister stated he would see if some financial assistance could be given by the Government. -The Government has got a very big job ahead," staled the Minister, who added that everywhere he went the people were asking for millions. He pointed out that a Government could only use the income it got from the people so that it could be distributed back to thepeopls in the best way possible. "You can help the Government by combined efforts in increasing your production," slated Mr. Langstone. He wanted the Maoris lo realise their duties and their obligations.