GRANT TO MAORIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22136, 26 September 1946, Page 4

GRANT TO MAORIS

WAIKATO PEOPLE

“A JUST PAYMENT”

HOUSE IN AGREEMENT

i p.R. ) WELLINGTON, Sept. 26. "I don't think there is any doubt ai all in the minds of those who have studied the history of the Maori wars and land confiscations about the inherent justice of the claims of the Maori people,” said the Prime Minister, Mr. P. Fraser, in the House of Representatives last night when speaking, on the Waikato - Maniapoto Maori Claims Settlement Bill, which effects a final settlement of land confiscation, claims in the Waikato district and provides for tho administration of the moneys granted ns compensation. Question Goes Beyond Money

Mr. Fraser traced the history of the Maori people's claims for compensation of lands confiscated during the wars, and outlined the agreement reached at a conference with Maori leaders at Ngaruawahia in April last. He stressed the fact that the question was not simply one of money, but was one which went much deeper than that.

It spoke volumes for the Maori people,* he said, that they had decided that all the money granted as compensation would be devoted to the purposes outlined in the bill —purposes which were for the collective benefit of the Maori tribes concerned.

Mr. Fraser said he had not the slightest doubt that the money would be wisely spent. The leaders of the Waikato people, particularly Princess Tc Puea. had shown very great business ability and statesmanship in running the affairs of the tribe, and in benefiting the tribe. The bill could be described as one of justice, but tardy justice. Mr. Fraser added that he hoped the measure would be of great benefit not only to the Maori people in the Waikato and King Country, particularly the children, but for the benefit of the country generally. Opposition Support Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Oppos., Wai* tomb) said the Opposition would expedite the passage of the bill which terminated a long-standing grievance and a claim from which the Waikato Maoris had never deviated. The bill was an acknowledgment of the justice of their claims Speaking first in Maori, Mr. E. T. Tirikatene (Govt-, Southern Maori) expressed his appreciation and congratulations to the Prime Minister for the way he had traced the history of events leading up to the settlement provided for in the bill. The bill was passed.