MAORI REPRESENTATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 170, 17 July 1908, Page 3

MAORI REPRESENTATION.

AN BrPORTANT. QUESTION. WHAT MEMBERS THTXK. <Hy Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. There is a feeling in existence that tJie time has arrived when the native should be given similar representation to •the pakeha. As recently reported, a giant petition has been prepared, and will shortly be presented to Parliament, asking that the Maoris should be placed upon an equal footing with the pakeha in the matter of Parliamentary representation. With a view to ascertaining the opinions of members of the House of Representatives, a "Star" representative made some inquiries. "The anomaly of special Maori legislation is bound to be wiped out soo^" declared Mr. A. L. D. Fraser. He added that the injustice of the present system was that, upon some important questions on which the House might be evenly divided, but which did not affect the Maori race, the four native votes might eftsily influence the decision of the Legislature. If the representation of the Maori race was made general, and the natives were placed upon the ordinary electoral ro!I s of the Dominion, it would have a decidedly beneficial effect upon I the native legislation, instead of, as at present, members bt-ing indifferent twords such questions. The change would mean that every North Island representative would make it his business to become thoroughly conversant with every phase of native wants amd requirements. Mr. W. H. Herries, another recognised authority on native affairs, said: "I consiiicr the present special representation r the Maori must go. When the change does come, however, it will be awkward for some of us who represent East Coast constituencies, as we will have to carry an interpreter we go round our districts, and perhaps speak twice at each place." "No. not ypt, ,, emphatically declared Mr. Hekp, the representative of the Northern Maori district, when asked how he viewed the proposal. The natives were, he said, not only insufficiently educated to assume the responsibility, but through the legislation of the past they were not on the same status as the pakeha, and their special representatives should not he abolished until both races were placed on an even footing. Mr. A. T. Ngata thought the proposal premature. Hitherto the proposal had been beyond the range of practical poliJ tics, but he was desirous that the subject should be yen iod amongst the Maori people, so that tlir-y may ennsider \ it. If he advocated the abolition of ' special representation he would be accused of some sinister purpose, of aspiring to something higher in the political world, and ungratefully kicking the ladder up which he had ascended to this height of distinction. If he strenuously opposed such a drastic revolutionary step he would be convicted of a most natural desire to keep in office, and to maintain the prestige and mana of an M.P., "If the Maori is prepared to give up what small advantages he may have, if he claims to be ready and armed at all points to take part in the struggle of modern civilisation, if he is fit and confident or surviving, then ho must press [for the abolition of the special representation," said Mr. Ngata. "We are told that instead of four representatives the Maoris may have a dozen or more. That is conceivable, but where interests, clash the average politician will find safety on the sides of the majority, if, as is supposed on many questions, the European interests will predominate over the Maori." "Yes, I moved in that direction in 1887," remarked the Hon. Jas. Carroll, when asked if he supported the suggested reform. The advantages to be gained at that date were, he added, greater than to-day. Due deference at the present was given to the views of Maori members, but in his opinion it was desirable that the subject should be considered by the Maori race and their view more fully obtained. "At all events," remarked the Native Minister in conclusion, "there is no immediate prospect of legislation in this direction."