THE MAORI GATHERING.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 157, 8 July 1902, Page 1

THE MAORI GATHERING.

T.iE Maori gathering at Waikawa produced results which, if followed up with the same intelligence that marked its discussions, should matei-hilly advance the interests of the. natives inhabiting the northern portion of the South Tsland. This was the only district that had not adopted the Maori Councils Act, and it has now fallen into line with the rest o r the colony in taking advantage of the legislation which confers on the Maoris the machinery for a large measure of self-government. A Council representing Waikawa, Wairau, the Sounds and Nelson h\s been appointed, and this will meet shortly to frame regulations for the better administration of native lands and the ordering of social economy Th.3 application of recent Government legislation to such a " fca'anga" as Waikawa should be highly beneficial, for the ownership of the land is of a com plex nature. Consolidation of the various interests might bo expected to bring about a much better degree of utilisation and productiveness. It is said that under present conditions a large area of fertile land in the northern districts of the South. Island

is practically lying idle because of the confused system of ownership, under which it is quite impossible to deal with them as they would be dealt with by a single shrewd landlord or a corporate body. Much has been said about the Maori wane of sympathy for industrial pursuits, but it is no doubt the caso that whatever weakness there is ia this direction in tbe native character is to a large extent duo to tho faulty system under which their lands are managed. Tho opportunities given by the Maori Councils Act for the regulation of their domestic life are full of promise. The law em-

powers the Councils to frame by-laws in respect to such matters as the suppression of injurious customs, education, and sanitation. Regulations have already been made by Councils in other parts of the colony with regard to such matters as smoking by children, gambling and drunkenness. The work of the local Council will be watched with interest.