NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 November 1925, Page 5

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

GREAT MEETING IN WAIKATO

TAR A NAKI REPR ESEXTED. On Xovember 24 there was held at AVahi, Himtly, a very large and lepiesentative meeting <of Maoris, probably one of the largest ever held in the Waikato, to the number, it is estimated, of over two thousand. The natives assembled to discuss matters of interest to their race. Between forty and fifty chiefs from all the hapns of Taranaki were present. One of these was Toroa Xgatau, of Manaia, and he gave a Star representative a few details of the business done. Those present referred first, he said, with sorrow to the lamented death of the Queen Mother, Queen Alexandra, which brought back to their memories recollections of the great Queen Victoria, in whose reign the Treaty of Waitangi, regarded by them as a kind of Magna. Charta and the pledged word of the beloved Queen, was drawn up and signed by all the leading chiefs. The natives also celebrated the anniversary of the coronation of King George V, and affirmed in emphatic terms their unswerving loyalty to King and country. It was mentioned that the principal matter for discussion and consideration was the selection of a member of the native race to represent the West Coast on a commission, in conjunction with European delegates, which is being set up to go into the matter of confiscated lands, and the question of compensation or restoration. After a long discussion no agreement was reached, and it was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the Hon. Sir M. Pomare. It is understood the delegate from the East Coast natives has already been selected.