MAORI VOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 15 April 1925, Page 5

MAORI VOTES.

LABOUR MAKING A BID. PROMISES ROYAL' COMMISSION. TKLKGBAPU PKJiaa ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, April 14. A delegation of Maoris waited on the Labour Conference to-day with certain requests in 'regard to native policy. A. committee was set up to go into the matter, and the following recommendations were later presented and adopted as follow: That the first Labour Government appoint a Royal Commission to investigate native land claims arising out of and subsequent to the Treaty of Waitangi, the commission to have power to call for persons and papers and report the finding, together with a copy of the evidence to Parliament, the commission to comprise three representatives of the native race, three Europeans and a chairman appointed by the Government; the setting up of a 'native council comprising 12 elected representatives to advise on all matters relating to native affairs. The council’s duties shall be to submit to the consideration of the Government such measures as appear desirable for generally promoting the welfare and advancement of the native race; to assist the preparation of drafts of laws, regulations or other legislative measures which are deemed desirable to submit to the consideration of the general assembly, for the purpose of effecting any of the above-mentioned objects ; provided that it shall be competent for the Maori Council from time to time to act in special cases in an administrative capactiy at the instance of the Government or Parliament; that the Maori members of Parliament be elected the same day as the general election of European members. Addresses were given on behalf of the delegation by Rangi Mawhete (Palmerston North), ICipa Roera (Otaki), and John Morgan (Whakatane). The delegation performed a haka before the conference..