MAORIS EXERCISING GREAT CONTROL OVER THE GREEN LAKE

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 October 1950, Page 4

MAORIS EXERCISING GREAT CONTROL OVER THE GREEN LAKE

ROTORUA, Oct. 6 (PA).—Desecration of graves on the sacred island of Motutawa in the Green Lake (Rotokakahi) is believed to be the reason for the assertion by the 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 Hon. J. G. Coates concluded agreements for taking over the lakes in the Taupo and Rotorua districts he agreed to set aside Lake Rotoaira at Tckaanu and Lake Rotokakahi at Rotorua, for sole control and use by the Maoris. Lake Rotoaira was jealously guarded and an infringement by European fishermen some years ago resulted in a 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 Maoris became resentful when it was found that graves in the sacred anrl tapu burial grounds on vhe island of Motulawa were being interfered with, and that over zealous university students were digging un skeletons with a view to removing them, steps were then taken to set up a control board and to publish the prohibitorv 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 the Tuhourangi Hapu, of the Arawas, and was believed to be the scene of the murder of a number of Nganuhi natives. This caused the dreadful revenge by the Ngapuhi chief, Hongi Ika, on the Arawas at Mokoia Island, when hundreds were slaughtered, Hongi having mistaken the island in Lake Rotorua for one. Motutawa, in Green Lake. After the eruption, when many Tuhourangi lives were lost, the Hapu shifted to Whakarewarewa.