MAORI EMBASSY.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2111, 31 March 1914, Page 5

MAORI EMBASSY.

SETTING OUT FOR LONDON,

(By Telegraph,—Erese .Association.) ■ •!■ ■:■ Auckland, March 30.' For two days past a meeting of about 300 Maoris, representing a majority of tribes, has boon proceeding at Waalii, near Huntly, and there has been a long.'discussion "of a proposal. that .Maori loaders shall proceed to England and lay <the grievances of tho race before the British authorities.

The movement has been initiated by Tupii Taingakawa, adviser to the young Maori "Kins," Te Rata, but tlie majority of the delegates are strongly opposed to it. Supported by the Hon.- Dr. Poroaro and Mr. Henaro Kaihau, they contend that, before representations are made, to the British authorities, every possible means at hand of remedying grievances should be exhausted. They hold, also, that if an embassy is to go forward, it should be fully representative of the Native races, which should be united under Te Rata.

The following of Tupu, on tho other "hand, are impatient of further delay, and declare that an immediate application to ' the highest authority in tho Empire is the only way to finality, especially as New. Zealand Governments for decades past have made no cifjrS tr brine about the remedies desired. . The chief aims of Maori visitors to England would be the restoration of lands confiscated as tho result of the Maori wars, and the conservation of fishing a n.-l forest rights, iii accordance with the spirit and letter of the Treaty .-of Waitangi. Notwithstanding the vigorous nature of the opposition, Tupu has determined that the visit to England shall take place, and berths have been booked in

the Niagara, sailing on April 11, for a party of four, comprising of Te Rata (tho/ "King"), Tudu • Taingakawa f"Kin(;'s" adviser), Paul (interpreter), and MetaiTaraka. The intention is to return in six'months. Tupu is confident of success, and is determined that social distractions shall not interfere with the object of the visit. 'While proceeding through Canada the party will endeavour to gain all possible information about the sister Dominion.