A FUTILE MISSION

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 79, 2 April 1914, Page 4

A FUTILE MISSION

For the sake of the Maoris we regret that "King" Te Eata and some of his advisers have decided to make a pilgrimage to England to lay their griev ances in person before the Throne. The purpose which the deputation has in view is to secure the observance of the Treaty of Waitangi, in accordance wiVo Maori views, and to petition once more for the restoration of the native lands confiscated after the Maori wars. As to the native lands, we do not suppose that many people in New Zealand, Maori, oe pakeha, can con-template any interference with the existing condition of things M either equitable or practicable. But, in any ease, even supposing the Maoris have genuine grievances that urgently demand redress, we can see no reasonable excuse for this proposed mission. Aβ Mr Henare Kaihau and Dr. Pomare hare been pointing out to the natives at Waa&i this week, the natural course for them is to lay their oaee before the local courts, and, if necessary, carTy it on appeal to the iPrivy Council. The Maoris know well that they can depend upon even-handed justice .being administered by our courts, and it is quite unnecessary for them to embark on such a .problematic and futile enterprise as this to get their rights. At least, they can be sure that such interests ana privileges as they are unable to secure here are not at all likely to be granted them in England. But there are. other practical objections to the suggested naisision from the Maori point of view. Aβ iMr. Kaihau and those who have joined with him in opposing the' projected miction have repeatedly reminded the Maoris, a large and dnfluentia-1 section of the Natives does not acknowledge the rigljt claimed by Te Rata to represent them; and Tupu Taingakawa might well reflect that thie .--lone would be enough to render his efforts futile- It is clear from the very determined tone adopted by these Natives who oppose thie .project that they are prepared to go to considerable lengths in their attempt to dissuade Te Rata from leaving the country on any euch eTrand; and under the circumstances Tupu Taingakawa will be weM advised to abandon a project that can 'bring nothing but trouble and expense to hie people without doing them any appreciable good.