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the Ohinemutu Village in enthusiastically carrying out any approved scheme which may be placed before them, provided, of course, that the scheme be within financial reach of the people. He also took the opportunity to bid farewell to the Commission. Mr. Mitchell explained that, owing to the fact that certain matters had arisen affecting the Whakarewarewa Village only, and which the Tuhourangi Tribe desired to discuss more fully, the Whakarewarewa Village report was not available. The Tuhourangi Tribe regretted the delay, and wished to assure the Commission that their report would be forwarded to the Chairman at Wellington in the course of a few days. The Chairman, on behalf of members of the Commission, suitably thanked the people for their welcome and farewell speeches. He hoped that the Commission would be able to make such recommendations as would be of benefit to the people of the Whakarewarewa and Ohinemutu Villages. The Commission then adjourned to Wellington. Whakarewarewa, Thursday, Ist July, 1926 (7 p.m.). Present: Commissioners H. Tai Mitchell, Esq., Dr. P. H. Buck, D.5.0., and Rangi Royal, Esq., Secretary. A representative gathering of the Tuhourangi Tribe was also present. Aperahama Wiari, after the customary speech of welcome, stated that the object of Tuhourangi's invitation to the members of the Commission was to hear them (Tuhourangi) discuss their report, and to explain any points upon which Tuhourangi were doubtful, and also to make any suggestions that would assist Tuhourangi in arriving at a report representing the unanimous opinion of the people. He regretted the fact that they were unable to present their report to the Chairman before he left, and asked that the members present express their regrets to the Chairman at Wellington. He stressed the fact that the appointment of the Commission was a very important event from their point of view, and the matter upon which they had to offer suggestions had to be considered from every possible aspect. The committee appointed to deal with the matter had completed its report, and would read it, so that Tuhourangi and members of the Commission could hear and discuss it. [Report read.] Waaka te Rohu stated that Tuhourangi was afraid that the Government would take their Ngawha Reserve, upon which their dining-room stood. They were strongly opposed to any step in this direction, and therefore would ask that the report of the Commission be made available to them before any scheme resulting therefrom be brought into execution. He would like to see added to the report a clause whereby the successors of a deceased person should assume liability for the repayment of a loan made to deceased during his lifetime. He approved of the report. Hira Rangimatini and Rihari H eretaunga also approved of the report, and asked that the Commission protect their Ngawha Reserve. Mita Taupopoki said he was in agreement with anything that would benefit the tribe. He stood by what he had already agreed to —the adoption of the Ngati-Whakaue report as the report for both villages. However, he had full confidence in the Commission, and would leave things entirely in their capable hands. Kepa Ehav, said he would like to see added to the report some recommendation in respect of a Maori school of art, and also a playing-area for children. Mr. Mitchell stated that he and his colleague Dr. Buck came out prepared for some trouble and argument, and were agreeably surprised to find that the matter had been settled. He would like to see added some recommendation for the lighting of the pa, and the provision of carved posts for the entrance at the bridge. He explained matters upon which Tuhourangi was doubtful, and assured them that the report would be available after it had been printed and tabled in the House of Representatives. Dr. Bvck reminded Tuhourangi that they were fortunate in the appointment of a Commission to deal with their villages and to make recommendations for improving their living-conditions. They should dispel anything suspicious from their minds, and realize that any recommendations the Commission make would not in any way be detrimental to their interests. They had the assurance of the Chairman that " any improvements or alterations must necessarily have the sympathy of the people." He refuted any suggestions or statements that the Commission had refused anybody permission to build a house. The Borough Council was the only body with that authority. After considerable discussion, recommendations as to lighting, a sports-ground, and carved posts for the pa entrance were added to the report, and the report then passed and adopted. The meeting adjourned at 11,30 p.m.
4—G. 7.
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