INTERESTS OF THE MAORIS

Northern Advocate, 7 February 1934, Page 4

INTERESTS OF THE MAORIS

NATIONAL OUTLOOK. MUTUAL INFLUENCE. (Special to "Northern Aflvooar.o.") WAITANGI, This Day. Addressing the Maori gathering at the conference on rating at Waitangi yesterday, the Rt. Hon, J. G. said the Pakeha must remember that he was not dealing -with a people who thought as the Whites did. He was dealing with a people with traditions and achievements of which the Pakeha might -vyell be envious. It was really not until the efforts of Sir Apirana Ngata, Sir Maui Pomare, Mr Tan Henare, Mr Taite Te Tomo and others that began to think out what was going to happen to the Maoris. There had been so many old grievances affecting the Maori. Mr Coates referred to the Waikato and ether tribes and to the actions of the Pakeha.

“His record is not too good,” remarked the speaker. The problem, was hoAV to get rid of the old. difficulties. The Government had got to the stage in the bigger difficulties when it thought that a solution could be arrived at —but then, there were so many minor claims involved. The Pakeha also had his troubles, the speaker reminded the Maoris. The Maori, continued Mr Coates, was wishful of taking his share when in a position to do so, but would not be asked to hurry. Consolidation of land had been a most difficult problem, towards which Sir A. T. Ngata had rendered signal service, Mr Coates said that he personally did not recognise the difference between Maori and Pakeha land, as all, would contribute to the future prosperity of New Zealand. Both races must look to the horizon. He agreed that the preservation of folk iore, customs and traditions Avould help the Maori along the road.

Mr Coates referred to practically the last words addressed to him by the late Sir Maui Pomare, who had expressed the belief that if the course which had been started upon was followed, success would be the ultimate result. The Minister himself was confident that if the Maoris formed a sound policy, and trusted, to the leaders of both Pakeha and Maori, all would be well. March Together. “We have tried to make the Maori a Pakeha and have failed,” Mr Coates continued, “but there is no reason why the two races should not march forward together in perfect harmony.’ ’- Mr Coates referred to the symbols adopted for the New Zealand currency as indicative of the combined national outlook, and his announcement that the now . florin would depict the actual signing of the Treaty, was received enthusiastically. This would show the outside world that to the New Zealander the Treaty meant everything. “Don’t place the Treaty on the ■Statute Book,” Mr Coates concluded. “ A treaty such as that is more sacred, more powerful and more binding than any piece of legislation. It leaves more- for both the Pakeha and Maori to do in living up the Treaty.” The popularity which the ex-Native Minister enjoys among the Maoris was evidenced by the ovation which followed. Sir A. T. Ngata’s Efforts.

“The assembled tribes passed a resolution which was handed to the Native Minister, who put it in his pocket. There it will probably remain for all time, as his head is full of war dances,’ ’ said Mr B. Kohere (East Coast). The effect of the,resolution was that the tribes expressed their appreciation of the work carried out . by the Native Minister in developing Native lands, and further expressed gratitude to the Government for assisting Sir A. T. Ngata by providing the finance necessary for the furtherance of the consolidation scheme, which was considered the only solution for native problems. The speaker contended that the Native could not be placed on the same plane as the European, and asked for indulgence towards his weaknesses. For the country to progress, all units must act together. Freon The Seven Canoes. Mr T. Powharc Kewene, of the Waikato, in extending greetings to the Ministerial party, referred to the presence of representatives from each of the Seven Canoes. There had been unrest among the natives of the Waikato concerning the rating of their lands, but he was pleased to have the assurance that the Maoris would be protected. Speaking alternately in English and Maori, Mr Taite Te Tomo referred to his own Experience, and said that he had felt confident about the matter since ascertaining that no land may

be sold for rates without the of the Native Minister. * • k With the member for Western Maori leading the Hamate haka, and beating time with his inseparable umbrella, the conference ended picturesquely.