THE WAAHI MAORI MEETING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume I, Issue 186, 24 July 1911, Page 2

THE WAAHI MAORI MEETING

! ARRIVAL OF SIR JAMES gf I CARROLL. X’

Auckland, Julv 23.

Sir James Carroll arrived in Huntly by the early express on Saturday morning from Wellington, and in the afternoon proceeded to Waihi to attend the Native meeting. On landing at the settlement, which they reached by launch, the party were mot by a guard of honour consisting of tvvent.v-twoNative constables, and proceeded towards the niarae. A number of women, went in advance with branches of green shrubbery waving as an accompaniment to their gesticulations. welcoming the visitors to tlie marae, where Malinta, Henare Kaihau, and others were waiting to , receive them. The visitors occupied the southern side of the square. The adult Natives present were estimated at between 600 and 800. About 50 representatives of the various hapus stood in front of their followers, holding a white flag with the name of the hapu inscribed thereon. The opposition party, distinguished by a banner, were also present under Papa,Kirkwood, >’ The welcome given to the Minister was most cordial and hearty. The rain which had fallen during the morning again commenced to fall heavily, and it was almost impossible to hear the speeches. Mahuta, in a brief speech, welcomed Sir James Carroll, and said he was sure his presence would help towards a settlement of the various points in dispute. Henare Kaihau and the actingPremier then addressed the gathering. Subsequently Sir James Carroll, in reply to a question, stated, that Mr. Massey could have the fullest enquiry into the Mokau lease matter.

SIR JAMES CARROLL’S ADVICE. ■ UTILISE YOUR LANDS.” Auckland, July 24. Sir James Carroll, in a speech at the Maori meeting at Waihi, strongly urged the Natives to allow Europeans to utilise their waste lands, Ito let lands owned by individuals be used by themselves, and to let those they cannot work with profit to themselves, and where there are large numbers of owners be worked in solid areas, having due regard* to how the land w’ill be cut up for sale, lease, or farming. The speech was received w’ith great applause. Sir James left for Wellington by the express train on Sunday night.