A STRONG PROTEST.

North Otago Times, 23 September 1908, Page 1

A STRONG PROTEST.

Per Press Association. UotoHifi, September 22. A largely attended meeting of Europeans was held t 0 consider the' amendment of (he Fisheries Act indiS I,ou ' before Parliament. The following resolution was earned unanimously: «• We, residents hnJj i ' 11,ceti,l e assembled, lorobj strongly urge the Government not to roako tlio proposed amendment in tho IttheriM Act until further infomation is received a s to the true stato of affairs, for the following ifasons: There nro no starving Maoris "1 tho district, notwithstanding' the assertions and exaggerations ma(]o to "'o contrary. An attempt is being "ado by tho so-eall«l young Maod Party to introduce a color-line, which if permitted, mil prove disastrous in its effect. That tho treaty of Wailan?i ceded to the Grown for ever the right of the Government over the Mole country. The same treatv <mve "'ll nghts to the Maoris over all their Properties, but c.eded to the Crown . "K 1 ' 4 of purchase of such land, and that the same treaty gave to tho nous tho Bauio rights and privileges as Europeans, ar.d under those conditions to grant them free or reduced hslnng licenses' would be conceding to Ur/, n S h ' s «to Europeans. 1 urther, that Maoris ore engaged. in tho ratio of 10 to lon all Govern, ment works, and in addition to this they arq, fully employed obtaining sulphur for Europeans, for which they obtayi a good price. They hnv'o ! plenty of money wherewith to buy food, If any destitution exists among tho Maoris, which is not admitted, it IS among the old people, who receive pensions.. There ean be no want of food if the old people; ar o permitted retain the old age pension. In some instances the money is taken by the younger members ; further, that a largo number of tho Maoris themselves lesent the so-called appeal ostensibly being made on their behalf, and feel indignant that any such step .should be taken. We urge before any amend- j ment is made in the Fisheries Act in (he direction indicated by the Bill beioie Parliament, time a tribunal be set- up to take unbiassed ovideuo) 'torn the Muons and l-.irupw.ns a* n the conditions of tho Maoris. For tho past two or three years the Maoris liavo beta drained of their earnings by many purposes, which could well, be allowed to stand aside until their accumulated wealth warranted tho undertaking, The Maoris themselves do not a si; for a concession in the way of fishing rights. At present their wahines procure licenses to fish during the season for ss, four mala members contributing this (they work during,tho day), which amounts to is 3d for tlw season, Each wahine fishes all day for the lot. This lueans that she keeps the pah fully supplied. The Maoris haw no desire to fish out of season, knowing that tho trout are not in condition for food. Many of the Maoris possess houses, cattle, pigs and laud, which they could cultivate, therefore lliey are in a better position than many of their less fortunate European brethren," Other resolutions were passed directing the above to be sent to Mr Herrics, member for tho Bay of Plenty.