HONE HEKE, M.H.R.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9719, 15 January 1895, Page 4

HONE HEKE, M.H.R.

! Hone Here, M.H.R., who is a member of the family of the illustrious chief who first defied the British authority in New Zealand, is a good specimen of the educated native. He was brought up at St. Stephen's School, and he speaks English and Maori with equal fluency. His English, indeed, has with it a polish and clearness which must make him the envy of many members of the House of Representatives, if these gentlemen are not too conceited of their own abilities to be envious of anybody. Mr. Hone Heke represents the Northern Maori Division in Parliament, and as one of the bluest blood of the Ngapuhi people, as well as from his education ana ability, he is well qualified to do so. He was not elected on purely party lines, but went into Parliament with a free hand. He, however, saw fit on several occasions to oppose the proposals of the Government, and so had more than one encounter with the Premier and Native Minister. On these occasions Mr. Hone Heke showed great spirit and ability, and was not cowed, as some members are, by Mr. Seddon's tone and manner. He has determined to spend some part of the recess in addressing the natives in his electorate, and we believe that when he has fulfilled his engagements in this way he will call a public meeting in Auckland, and appeal to the Europeans in reference to the grievances of the Maoris, and endeavour to get their aid to have them redressed. Mr. Hone Heke commenced at Orakei a few days ago; he has spoken at Helensville since, and yesterday he addressed a gathering of the natives of the Arawa tribe, who are now in town. He does not confine himself in his political utterances to purely native affairs, but criticises the Govern- ' ment in all its actions last session. He says that it professed to be a nonborrowing Government, but in reality it i had greatly increased the indebtedness of the colony ; it professes to be a working man's Government, but has been the means of restricting employment. He denounces the action of the Government in regard to the Horowhenua block and in their other measures. There is much that is worthy of consideration in what Mr. Hone Heke who may be looked to as a new feature in New Zealand politics—says, and we have no doubt that he will acquire wide influence amongst his people.