MR. SEDDON AND THE MAORIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 5

MR. SEDDON AND THE MAORIS.

KG WITH MAHUTA

A LENGTHY DISCUSSION.

SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS.

LAND TO 810 THROWN OPEN FOR

SETTLEMENT.

[BY telegraph.— own REPORTER.]

Huntly, Friday.

The Premier to-day paid a visit to Mahuta at the Maori settlement as Waahi. He was accompanied by the Hon. James Carroll (Minister for Native Affairs), Mr. Moran, (M.L.C. of West Australia), Major Mair, Captain Seddon, Messrs. F. G. Bailey (interpreter), ,T. 11. Witheford, M.11.1t., W. J. Ralph, and others.

Mahuta welcomed Mr. Seddon, and said be was glad of the opportunity to settle many questions which related not merely to the present, but also to the past. He hoped the differences between the races would be ended for ever. Ho then went on to speak at length upon the Maori boundaries, which would include lands in Tamaki, Hauriti, Waikato, and Kaipara, as far as Parinihi. He next asked that something should bo done for the Maoris whoso lands had been confiscated after the war. The time had come for them to provide for these people, who wore now landleas. A third subject dealt with related to Mahuta himself, and his authority over his people.

Henare Kaihau spoke at length in explanation of Mahuta's requests, and was followed bv Terawhiti (Mahuta's secretary), who amplified certain details.

Mr. Seddon, in reply, said the present occasion was one for plain speaking, so that tin confidence they hail in each other might continue. It was perfectly true that tho work now requiring completion had been in band for many years, and for this tho natives must accept a full share of responsibility. Other Maoris in different parts of the colony had their land now on lease, thrown open, and settled. The main question was the adjustment of the boundaries of the Waikato land district. He understood that there had been a temporary 'adjustment of the boundaries. Scarcely was the ink dry respecting that adjustment ere they seceded from the agreement. They well knew they were rich in lands, but the land was doing no good for them or for the European. He rejoiced because it. was announced they had placed some of their lands under tho Native Council. The clouds then appeared to be lifting, and Mahuta led the way. The land was placed in the hands of the Council, and then followed feelings of hope, but a dark cloud appeared when he heard they had withdrawn their lands. Under such circumstances how could he help them. Who authorised that letter of withdrawal? Let him stand up and say where it was from, the people or from one who desired to injure them. Henare Kaihau rose, and asked that the letter should not prejudice the present conference. He would remind Mr. Seddon that a little time ago he laid before him and the Government a document signed by about 3000 people, all supporting the boundaries nowasked for to define the Waikato district. Those who were in opposition to that numbered about 800 only, yet the wishes of the majority were set on one side for them. He did not want the Premier to think King Mahuta was hiding anything regarding the real wishes of his people. He placed in the Premier's hands all questions affecting the Maoris and their lands. He did not want to be the first person to jump in the fire, but as far as the Council was concerned he was its firm supporter. As to the question of the lands being handed over, there was no doubt that would be done. He hoped that what the Premier had tc say would not be intended to give pleasure to the European section only, but to the whole community, including the Maoris. Rawhiti said it was correct that he wrote a letter. Mahuta had nothing to do with it. Under the circumstances he now withdrew tho letter. The Premier: I take this letter is withdrawn? Rawhiti: Yes. The Premier: Come, take it then. This Rawhiti did amidst some amount of applause. The Premier said the statements made by Mahuta and Henare Kaihau in reference to supporting the Council and the placing of the lands at the disposal of that body removed any doubt he had in his mind arising from being informed that during his absence from the colony speeches against the Council and against placing lands under it were made from the Waikato district. He could not understand such a course being taken, but after the remarks he had now listened to he believed there must have been soma {misapprehension. He had come to see if an adjustment of the boundaries could be made -that would bo satisfactory to all. Months ago, when Mahuta and himself met at the Government House, it was agreed that these matters should be dealt with between him and Mahuta, This had not been withdrawn. It therefore rested with Mahuta and himself to go into this matter. What Mahuta did was as their chief. If he could not get all he wanted he must get as much as he could. Coming to the question of the confiscated lands, he would, as far as possible, give land to those who were without it, so that they might live, but how could the Government give them land when they had not got it? During the trouble the land had all disappeared. Referring to the reserves which had been set apart for religion and education by the Churches, he said the Churches had failed in their duty. They had not given either religic/n or education, and lands were lying waste that ought to be utilised. If they were not used for the purpose intended by the givers they should be handed back so that they might be turned to account. The last question was that of giving greater powers to the natives for selfgovernment. Ho was quite prepared to give further powers providing Parliament would sanction the same. He asked Mahuta to make a clearance of that which was causing so much difficulty in the King Country. Waipiro was the greatest enemy that the native race had got. It might not be possible to do all that was wanted, but they would go some distance in that direction, and he hoped, as a result of this visit, that difficulties would be removed, that land belonging to the Maoris, would be placed on tho market for settlement, that it would be settled satisfactorily, and that the owners would have comfort therefrom. With the lands thrown open a bright day would dawn for the Waikato. Henare Kaihau gave voice to the pleasure with which the Maoris had listened to the Premier's speech. Referring to the question of the drink, he promised that Mahuta would undertake to control this, if the boundaries desired were granted and he were given the necessary authority. If the control of this were given to Mahuta the consumption should cease at once.

Mr. Soddon said the police had boon unable to grapple with the matter, and if he ivere assured that the Maoris, left to themselves, could suppress sly grog-selling, he was prepared to ask Parliament to give them that power.

At the invitation of Mahuta the Premier and party partook of a banquet that had 'been prepared for them in the Maori hall. Subsequently Mr. Seddon returned to the ITuntly Hotel, where a conference was held between him and Mahuta, To Rawhiti, and Henare Kaihau. The conference terminated about ten o'clock, the results being very satisfactory. Instead of at Kaipara, the boundary now starts at Maralcopa, and runs across Rangitoto to Tuba. It includes most of the lands, of Mahuta and his" relatives, which will now bo thrown open for settlement and dealt with through the Council. Henare Kaihau succeeded in convincing: the Premier that it was impossible to open those lands unless he gave way. One of the chief reasons which caused him to make the concession was that Henare Kaihau produced documents signed by all the. tribe, showing they were unanimous that unless those boundaries were altered, and an adjustment made, the lands would be locked up. The whole of those lands will be thrown open to settlers as early as possible. Satisfactory arrangements have been made for providing land for landless natives, and Judge Mair and Henare Kaihau have boon appointed to go into the epicfltion and report to the Premier. TTie next sitting of the Council has been fixed for the 25th of this month. Mr. St. Clair has had instructions, as their solicitor, to prepare documents to bring several large blocks before tho Council at the earliest nossible date, including Teau, Waikato, and another block near Morrinsville. Prohibition of drink In the Maori districts will be strictly enforced by the. Maori Councils. If the present powers in the Act are not' sufficient to enable them to cope with the drink, further legislation will be assisted by tho Premier nest session. Henare Kaihau has arranged that Mahuta shall withdraw his opposition to being nominated for a seat in the Upper House. The result will be that the whole of the lands locked up in the Waikate and King Country districts will now be thrown open under Mabuta's guidance. _ Lato last evening the Premier and suite left by special train for Te Aroba,