PARLIAMENTARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3124, 19 July 1880, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY.

(fROM OUR SPECIAL REPORTER.J

WELLINGTON, this day. "TAKOHA" AND THE WEST COAST

COMMISSION. As the word "takoha" frequently occurs in reference to advances made to West Coast chiefs on laud, tho principal alleged purpose being a solatium for the extinction of niana, it may be interesting to explain the Maori view of the word. My nearest translation is "hush money." Maoris, however, do not so regard it. Even ordinary presents have an equivalent expectant value, but "takoha" has no such valuation in the Maori mind. In Williams' Maori dictionary, " takoha " meant carelessness in placing articles about a Maori house; but this does not express its full meaning. "Takoha" also meant gifts without consideration. In an interview with several chiefs to-day, I learned they would use the same word with regard to the guarantees given to Maoris by the Crown under the Treaty of Waitangi. " Takoha " would also apply to land returned to a section of a conquered tribe where the original owners had been driven off. Generally,! understand the word to be a thing given without consideration, immediate, or expected as in con-tra-distinction from presents which, according to nature, custom involved a liability of the recipient to give an equivalent, but it would only apply to chiefs. PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. It is understood that the Public Works Statement will be delivered this week, and it is anxiously waited ior. THE CHRISTCHURCH LICENSING CASE. It is rumoured that the Government have received a communication from the Christchurch Licensing Bench to the effect, that if the Government interfere with their decision in Barrett's case, they will resign in a body. BIBLE HEADING IN SCHOOLS. From Hawke's Bay GOO signatures have been obtained in favonr of Bible reading in schools being permissive, with a conscience clause. Only 40 refused to sign. MR SAUNDERS AJND HIS PAMPHLET A hot discussion is expected in the House to-day on Mr Slirimski's question, whether Mr Saunders paid for the special pamphlets of his speech produced iv the Govornmeut printin? ollice, PENSION TO MANUHIRI. From certain correspondence called for by Mr F. A. Whitaker it transpired that Manuhiri had been pensioned, though neither the House nor general public were aware of the fact. The particulars are as follow :—On the 18th June, 1878, Sir Geo. Grey wrote from Wellington to Manuhiri through Major Te Wheoro, stating that Judge Martin and Bishop Selwyn's friends of the native race were dead; and as he (Sir George) could not live very much longer he wautcd to make arrangements so that Manuhiri should pass the rest of his days in comfort. Next day Sir George wrote stating they considered he was too old to be appointed to the Legislative Council to which his rank, authority, and knowledge, entitled him, but would instead allow him a pension of £210 per annum, equivalent to the honorarium paid to Councillors, the payment to begin with £52 10s on the Ist July next, similar payment to be made every three months. On the 29th February, 1879, Mr W. H. Grace writes to Mr Gill instructing him how to pay the money. It appears that the money was paid in due course, the first quarterly instalment to Te Aha, next to Rata tv Tawhaio, though the vouchers would make it appear the receipts had been duly signed by Manuhiri. Then comes a memo, to Major Mair, which says, "refcrriug to our conversation respecting tho money paid to the old chief, Manuhiri, in which you stated lie refused to accept assistance from the Government, I enclose records and vouchers from the Government on the subject from which you will sec that Manuhiri signed the usual authorities." Major Mair writes on 31st January, 1880, that he had an interview with Manuhiri on the 2Gth inst, at which the old chief paid he never consented to accept a pension; that though told money was lying to his credit at Alexandra he declined to receive it, but at last yielding to the importunity of his grandson, Tv Tawhiao, he signed orders enabling his grandson to receive the £315 ; but all that the old man received out of that sum wa3 some food bought by his grandson, Te Uaerc. He stated also that he was not marama (clear) about the money, and had been thinking seriously of writing to tbe Government not to pay any more money in his name. Major Muir then goes on to state that he informed Manuhiri that the pension had been conferred on him in consideration of his age and rank, and his friendship for Europeans, and that it was intended for bis use and benefit, not to be squandered by others in public-houses and stores. He answered that if Major Mair would undertake to pay him the money himself he would s ladly accept it in the spirit iv which it was given him by the Government. Major Mair gave the required assurance to Manuhiri. Hethensaya: "lam of opinion that the matter is now placed on a satisfactory footing, and that official acceptance by Manuhiri of the pension may have a marked effect on our negotiations with Tawhiao."

THE NATIVE PRISONERS AND THE

GOVERNOR.

Re the statement of the three Maori members rclativo to the Governor's promise that the native prisoners should be brought to trial in January or February 1880, it appears that the objects they brought before His Excellency were (1) to hasten the trial of the prisoners ; (2) not to give his assent to the bill which took away tho Maori vote ; (3) that a Maori should be npon the West Coast Commission. To the first the Governor's word to us was that he agreed to the trial of the native prisoners taking place in January aud February, 1880 ; to the second his word was, " if there is to be increased Maori representation, I consider they (the Maoris) should drop their vote for Europeans." To this ITe Whuoro replied : " If they give us increased representation, I am quite willing not to vote for the Europeans." In the third the Governor assented. The above statement re the Maori prisoners was signed by the Maoris who were present at the interview—Tc Wheori, Mohio, Tawhaia, and Tainui. Sir George Grey, in a speech on Friday, stated that the Government were doing wrong in placing the Queen's representative in a position which he must appear to have gone back from his pledged word. THE POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT. Major Atkinson'sstatement on Friday was that if the Maori Trials' Biil did not pass he would abandon the Treasury. The House is not inclined to make the question one of party, Mr Sheehan supporting the bill on that ground only. If Mr Hall takes the same line the division will certainly be a party one, Mr Sheehan voting against. Upper House members do not take to it kindly.