RUGE NATIVE CLAIM.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLI, Issue 175, 26 July 1907, Page 3

RUGE NATIVE CLAIM.

. ■-*^fr- ■■■ ' ' ■'■• ■ THREE , xiOVINCES AFFECTED.

MAORI CONFERENCE AT TEMUKA.

(By Press Special Reporter.)

A representative meeting of the Ngaitahu tribe, the original owners of the South Island, is being held 'at the Temuka Pa for the purpose of discussing their claims against the Crown in respect to land in this island under the deeds of sale known as Kemp'sPui*chase, Otago Purchase and Murihiku Purchase, comprising in all over thirty million acres, extending from a line drawn east and west, from Kaiapoi in the north to Milf ord Haven and the Bluff on the south, practically embracing the whole of the Canterbury, Otago, and Southland provinces. The natives claim that owing to certain promises held out to their elders by the Commissioners appointed to make the purchases they were induced to sign the deeds which ceded this large tract of country. They complain that although their claim has never been denied, by those who made the purchase, yet successive Governments have never made any earnest attempt to grapplewith the matter with a view to its' equitable and final settlement. Commissioners have from time tp time been appointed, and exhaustive inquiries made, and although the reports were favourable to the'natives, no action has been taken. The purchases were made as far back as 1848, and the old people who sighed the ueeds have nearly all passed away. Under the purchases an area of 30,000,000 acres passed to the Crown for the sum of £5000, a price which the old people contend they would not have accepted had they not been promised that other large areas would be set apart for them and their heirs. The natives have petitioned various Parliaments, and have received a favourable recommendation that the Government should make liberal endowments for the natives, but nothing further has been done.

The house in which their councils are being held is symbolical of the claims the natives are now engaged on, for it is known by the name ai ur£i iiapa. o Niu Tireni," signii'yins- "The unfulfilled promises of Now Zealand." The Conference has been now sitting for nearly a week, and much work hasbeen done already. Long speeches, accompanied with songs and proverbs suitable to the matter under discussion have been delivered by tne few^ remnants of the old people, who exhorted the young men of the tribe.-to-be up and doing in support of the cause, and not, like the eel-fisher, to be found nodding unconcerned on the river-side.

The Conference has apponited various committees and sub-committees, including a Record Committee to search and gather together all records, books, and data bearing on the claim. There is also a Financial Committee to provide ways and means to collect subscriptions for the case. An Executive Committee has also been selected to manage the affairs of the tribe during, the adjournment of tue Conference. All these committees are very busy in carrying out the different duties alotted to them.

The following delegates are attending the Conference:—Thos. E.. Green, chairman; W. Hopere Uru, secretaryj Hoana Maaka, Taituha Hape, Hamuera Rupene, W. Karaitiamo Te Whakarau Kotua, Tuahiwi; Henare W. Urn, Christchurch; Wiwi Taiaroa, Otago Heads; Tewairaki Aaiaroa, Hoani Taiaroa, Tamutu; J. C. Tikao, Rapaki; W. Joss, Stewart Island; Tupai Reihana, Colac Bay- Kaitai Pahi, Jvawakaputaeputu; Teone Erihana r Tiemi Hipi, Puketeraki; Pirini, Ruru, Port Levy; Taari C. Parata, Wellington; Tuhuku Karetai. Mt. Edmunds; Otakou Kingi Ruru, Port Molyneux; Te Harawira Keepa, Kaikoura; Tame Pere, Little River; Tieke Ropatim Matene Rei, Taumutu^ laoka Whatiri, Rurapuke Island: and ±i. .Kahuti, Piriua Pama. In conversation with a Press reporter on Saturday afternoon at the close of the day's business Messrs Taari 0. Parata and .W. H. Uru stated that the gathering was the most representative ever held in the South Island, and the enthusiasm was such as was rarely displayed at sucn meetings. Thefew remaining old Maoris were making fervent appeals to the younger generations to unite and persevere in the interests of the native race. Much time was devoted to the question of native lands, which is a burning topic with the South Island Maori, and it is tneir hnn resolve to approach Parliament in a body with the hope of obtaining redress. A huge scheme to provide the smews of war for the proposed pilgrimage would be discussed on Monday afternoon when the Conference resumed. It was thought that a levy of £1 per head would be made on every male over 18 years in nhmff OliSnn lanmi. wilicll would produce about £3500. This sum would be carefully invested- and drawn upon as occasions demanded for the urgent furtherance of the native cause. Perfect y + i eXl? e, d between all the tribes and the- delegates were confident- oi much good work being done rl^lft" fT eiT af J°urne£i on Saturday till to-day for the purpose of attending the funeral o f one of the old identities of the tribe who died at Moeraki at the ripe old age of eighty