THE NATIVE CONFERENCE.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 157, 8 July 1902, Page 4

THE NATIVE CONFERENCE.

ADOPTION' OF MAORI COUNCILS ACT.

Ti;e gathering of Miioi'H of fc'ie northern portion of the South Inland at Waikawa, near Picton, has been of a successful and fruitful character. At one stage of the gathering about. I/O Maoris were in attendance, but the late arrival of. the H m. Jamos Carroll, the Native Minister, who. did not ;ip pear on the sceno till Saturday night, somewhat interfered with the original arrangements ; and at the time of the Conference proper the number had de creased to about 300, several representatives of distant localities having to leave for homo.

The visitors from the North Island included TaT.ahna ;Maliupukii (the well-known Wairarapa chief), Wi Pere, M.U.R., Tatna Parata, M.H.R., and his son Hare Parata (Government Sanitary Commissioner), Dr. Pomaro (Government Sanitary Commissioner), and other clrief.s.

The Conference commenced on Sun day morning, when the Hon. Mr Carroll addressed the gathering at some length, fully explaining the workings of the Maori Councils Acb and the benefits that its adoption would confer upon the natives. He pointed out that this was the only native district in the Colony that had not yet adop'ed the Act. "

The Minister's speech is described by those hearers acquainted with the Maori language as a splendid oration. Ft greatly impressed the Maoris, who decided almost unanimously to adopt his recommendations and bring themselves into line with the Maori Councils Act.

In the discussion which followed only one note of opposition was heard. That was sour.d«tl by the aged and venerable " prophet " Haimona Patete, who introduced religions tiuestions into the

debate. Hi-: words, however, carried very little weight.

Subsequently the gathering elected the following Council: —

A Rorc Pukekohatu, Tauiru Piripi, Tsiiti Macdonald, representing the Wairau kainga ; Wiremu Kecpa, Pumipi Love, Tauiatl Tahuaroa Watene, Pcro Ngapalf.!, Tahuaroa Watene, representing Waikawa, including West port and Taknka ; Pou Whiro, representing Ohoko (Pcloni3 Sound) ; Tahnaraki Maihana, representing Te Hoierc (Pelorus) Waihaero Hippolite {.loo) representing Whangarae (Croixelles) ; Hekcmii Rauhihi, representing Rangitoto (D'Urvillo Island).

The Council met yesterday morning, ar.d elected A. Rore, the well known Wairau ehivf, as Chairman ; Wi Taku Love, son of the well-known chief, Darifl Love, as Secretary ; and.Tapata Wiremu as guardian of the peace.

This Council is to be gazetted, and •vill meet for the transaction of business immediately after its gazetting.

The " hui " (conference) concluded yesterday, and tho Ho.) Mr Carroll and most of the North Island visitors returned home by the steamer in the

evcniuff

The many European visitors to the gathering were much interested in the

proceedings, and entirely charmed by the insight into tho quaint customs of t! c Maoris. Tho hospitality of the natives also deliprhted them.

On Sunday tho natives gave a "hakeri," meaning a presentation of food, and over <!00 people sat down to a splendid repast served up in a dining room 6G feet in length, constructed of tarpaulins. The place was effectively decorated, and the " pahekas ' were attended by dusky waiters attired in modern style.

The bill of fare was quite a revelatiGn. It included mutton bird (titi), pDiiltry of all kinds—fowl, duck, goose, turkey—jam roils, plum pudding, and dessert comprising several fruits. And the variety of the menu was not its only merit, the cuisine being excellent.