A MAORI PARLIAMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 56, 8 March 1899, Page 2

A MAORI PARLIAMENT.

RECEPTION OF THE GOVERNOR,

The native gathering which is to take place at Waitangi during the third and following weeks of this month will be a large and influential one, Rangittiras of note coming from all quarters. Great preparations are being made, especially by the Ngapuhi tribe and their chief, Hoterene Rangaihi (better known amongst Europeans as Joe Shortland), and it is stated that many tons of potatoes and kumaras, as well as some fifty sheep, a couple of bullocks, and pork in galore are to be provided, the whole a.t a cost of over £200. A first-class billiard table has already been set up for the amusement of visitors, and a store is being erected; the right to run these have been let by the Maori Committee at £4 each. . A rather novel right—that of shoeblack—is open for offers, the upset price being 10/ (Committee to have their boots blackened free every day); pedlars at 5/ per day, purveyors of melons at 5/ per day, and games at 21/ per day, are also to be allowed; while a fruiterer may run his show at 21/ for the season. The natives intend to pres>ent the Governor with an address of welcome on Wednesday, 15th inst., subsequent to that presented by the Europeans, md the Premier, Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, is also expected to be present.