MAORI GRIEVANCES BIG MEETING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1914, Page 7

MAORI GRIEVANCES BIG MEETING.

PROPOSED DEPUTATION TO THE KING. (BT mEeiUPU.— PRESS tSSOCMTION.) AUCKLAND, 30th March. For two days past a meeting of about 300 Maoris, representing a majority of tribes, hate been proceeding at Waahi, near Huntly, and them has been a long discussion of a proposal that Maori leaders shall proceed to England and lay the grievances of the race before the British authorities. The movement has been initiated by Tupu Taingakawa, adviser to the young Maori "King," Te Rata, but the majority of the delegates are strongly opposed to. it. Supported by the Hon. Dr. Pomare and Mr. Henare 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 j*o forward, it should be fully representative of the Native races, which should be united under Te Rata. The following of Tupu, on the other hand, are impatient of further delay, and declare that an immediate application to the highest authority in the Empire is the only way to finality, especially as New Zealand Governments for decades past have made no effort to bring about the remedies desired. The chief aims of Maori visitors to England would be the restoration of lands confiscated as the result of |the Maori wars, and the conservation of fishing and forest rights, in 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 11th April, for a party of four, comprising Te Rata^ (the "King"), Tupu Taingakawa ("King's" adviser), Paul (interpreter), and Meta Taraka. The intention to return in six months. Tupu is confident of success, ahd is determined ithat 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.