CAPTAIN RUSSELL ON MAORI VOTING.

Auckland Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2295, 13 July 1877, Page 3

CAPTAIN RUSSELL ON MAORI VOTING.

Captain Russell, in his address to the electors, said, on the subject of native representation, that he had been t .Id that a certain individual who came here some months ago, went about boasting that lie held in his hand the seat for (live. He (the speaker) very much doubted it, but it was not the less true that Europeans must remain united to cany an election. The natives voted in a solid body, just as they were bidden, and if the Europeans were disunited, the Maoris could send in any man they chose with their 150 votes, and yet these men who held such a power did not contribute anything to the rates. This was not imaginary. In the rating bill introduced last ses-ion, native laiul was not rated, and yet these irresponsible men hold in their hands, to a very great extent, the power to say who should represent and govern the Europeans. But he warned those who handled this formidablj weapon, that it was a two-edged sword. No, it was more than that, for a good, honest rapier had a handle to protect him who wielded it. This power was rather like an Aaron's rod, which turned into a serpent, and bit those who used it, and he would be very glad of such a consummation. He would raise his voice against such an iniquitous Act. which deprived Englishmen of their dearest privilege of choosing their own representatives, and placed that power in the hands of 150 .savages. He did not see wny natives should be made the subjects of such favourable and exceptional legislation. They should be taxed and rated like Europeans, or else elect their own representatives only, and even Ml" Nahe himself agreed witli this.

DUNE DIN, this day