THE NATIVE RACE.

Evening Star, Issue 11724, 5 April 1902, Page 8

THE NATIVE RACE.

MOUNTED CONTINGENTS TO BE FORMED. A large and representative gathering of Maoris took place yesterday at Papawai (near Wellington), and was attended by the Premier and Mrs Seddon, who were present in order to bid farewell to the natives before their departure for the Coronation ceremonies. Among those present, in addition to Tamahau Mahuku, the local chief, were the Hon. H. Tomoana, Mr Wi Pere, M.EL.R., Captain Tuniarangi Brown, and others. There was the usual performance of hakas, feasting, and speech-making. The Premier, in the course of his address, made an important statement of the Government policy with regard to the Maoris. It was intended to spend money in roading mid surveying Maori lands which, to the extent of over a million acres, had been handed over to Maori Councils by the native owners, and these lands woidd be leased to settlers by tho Government for the benefit of the natives. The Government would also establish mounted volunteer corps of Maoris all over the colony, and he hoped within six months to have 5,000 men enrolled under officers of their own race ready lo be trained for the defence of the country. He had discussed the scheme with the row Commandant (Major-general Babingtoii), who warmly approved of it. TV chiefs and people would have a voice i the choosing of officers, and these would ' en be trained in their duties at Wellington vrior to being placed in command of corps, the Government paying their keep during the period of training. In the event of our own men being draft**! awny for any purpose we should have a force of Maoris upon whom we could rely to defend New Zealand. The Premier added that when he went to England he should ask the King's Advisers noi to again refuse the oiTer of the Maori volunteers to fight for the Rinpirc. General Babington, who was present, briefly addressed the Maoris, and said he had every confidence that he could train them to bo good soldiers. He was anxious to teach them all he could, in the hop" that some day he might have the honor of leading them in active service.

The statements of the Premier and General Babington re the Maori mounted corps were received with loud plaudits by the natives present. Before leaving, the Premier was lhe recipient of a number of gifts from the Maoris. A farewell address to him and an address for presentation to the King ;>tc being prepared, and will be offered for acceptance next, week by a deputation of chiefs, who will attend at Wellington for the purpose.