MAORI PARLIAMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 65, 17 March 1919, Page 6

MAORI PARLIAMENT.

OPENS AT NGARUAWAHIA. BIG MAORI GATHERING. A gathering that is probably unique in New Zealand history will be held at Ngaruawahia to-morrow, when Maori tribes who have been separate from the earliest days will foregather in friendship in the new Parliament House. This house has been erected by the Mahutps— the tribe who ruled between Mangerc and Mokau, and these have invited other tribes who had been their enemies for generations to meet in the new building as their guests. Great orators have come from Hawke's Bay and Taranaki provinces, and the Auckland tribes have also their own speakers. The Hon. Dr. Pomare has played a very great part in the organisation of the gathering, and he | has extended an invitation to all the Ministers of the Crown to be present. It is understood that the Mahutas will welcome their guests, and spokesmen from tho various tribes will reply. The Parliament is designed to be an adjunct to the House of Representatives, and in its programme will be the passing of resolutions to be sent on to the House. The call to the Maori people has received a great response, and a great encampment has been made at the junction of the Waipa and Waikato Rivers. Electric lights and other modern conveniences have been installed, and over a thousand Maoris representative of many tribes are assembled there.