THE MAORIA PARLIAMENT AT ROTORUA.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 123, Issue 123, 17 April 1895, Page 2

THE MAORIA PARLIAMENT AT ROTORUA.

[by Raureti P. Mokonuiarangi.] Tlio meeting was commenced hero on tlio 7th of March, but in consequence of the non«amyal of many of the leading chiefs, including Jlono Heke, M H.R., RopataTeAo,M.H R Wi Poro, M.H.R., Hon. 11. K. Taiaroa, M L.0.. and the famous Major Kemp, of Whancfanui, little progress was then mado with business. °Tho House adjourned to March 13th. On Wednesday, March 13th, tlio llouso was opened by Petera To Pukuatua and Keepa To Rangipua.wha, two of the leading chiefs of tlio Arawa,

The real objects of the meeting was to combine all the native tribes (union' to send again the Native Rights Bill to Parliament next session. Should the House reject the Bill, the natives would have the satisfaction of knowing it; of course they might make their last effort to go to England and lay their Bill before the Queen, hecause the Imperial Government not only has a right to interfere as between the Government of New Zealand and the Maoris, but duty and tho honorable fulfilment of the Treaty of Waitangi demands it.

Tuo Treaty was made betwoen the Queen and the chiefs of New Zealand. To the Imperial Parliament the central authority of the British Eoinire, therefore, the combined tribes appeal for relief.froni the many illegal acts committed hy the Colonial Government of JNewJZealand. These acts rolato to illegal and un' justifiable confiscation of extensivo tracts of land by force of arms and by past legislation on native matters which had been disastrous to tho natives,.

The Maori Parliament at Eotorua consisted of 60 members nominated from the different tribes, with minis.-, Hers and the Premier, 11. Mangakahia. During the session a bill" \v,is passod authorising a genera! levy of two shillings per head from all the natives of New Zealand, for the purpose of defraying expenses to England if necessarv.

The Parliament was prorogued Saturday, April 13th iusfc., and the King's Parliament will opon at Maungakawu on April 2£th.