NGAI-TAHU CLAIM

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24603, 27 June 1945, Page 4

NGAI-TAHU CLAIM

: - Sir,—The Tuahiwi Maoris are thrilled with what our Prime Minister has done at San Francisco, advancing the interests of small nations, but regretj no Maori was present to assist him in the South Island Maoris’ advocacy for a just settlement of their century-old grievance. A Maori delegate could have informed the representatives of Britain, America, and Russia that in 1921 a Royal Commission had recommended payment of £354,000, which, invested at 5 per cent., would bring a benefit in perpetuity of £17,000 per annum. He could have told the conference that the Government, With the approval of the Hon. E. T. Tirikatene, has now parsimoniously offered by way of final payment £IO,OOO per annum for 30 years. We will not accept this, but will fight on until some sympathetic Government will appreciate the real meaning of “justice for the Maori" and honour the debt of £3s4,ooo.—Yours, etc., W. D. BARRETT. Upoko Runanga of Tuahiwi. June 25, 1945. Sir,—When speaking before the commission held at Kafapoi (1891), the Hon. H. K. Taiaroa stated that “Lake Waihora was reserved by the natives, and distinctly specified for by Kemp. All the Maoris had a right of fishing in Waihora,. and not the Taupiutu people only.” I brought this matter forward because all the lake beds and river beds in the South Island belong to Ngai-Tahu, and must not be included in the offer made for the claim. -The River Trust has no right to royalties it gets for the removal of shingle from the Wehnakariri riverbed. Such royalties belong to Ngai-Tahu. Royalties will also nave to be paid for all lakes, where power is obtained, and for other lakes where fishing licences are issued.—Yours, etc., HILDA M. TRAILL. June 22, 1945.