A MAORI GATHERING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12281, 27 May 1903, Page 2 (Supplement)

A MAORI GATHERING.

THE PREMIER AND MAHUTA.

LAND DIFFICULTY SETTLED.

MAHUTA CALLED TO THE LEGISLA-

TIVE COUNCIL.

An" important gathering of Maoris was held on Friday afternoon last, at Government House, Auckland, when, final steps were taken in the settlement of the difficulties which hitherto have prevented the opening up of Maori lands under the Maori Councils Act. The difficulties with regard to the boundaries of the Maori districts were practically settled on May 15, when the Premier visited Mahuta's settlement at Waahi, and as a result, of this it is understood that large tracts of land owned by .Mahuta and his relatives will soon be thrown open for European settlement, and that the dissatisfaction of Mahuta and his followers with the recent legislation affecting native lands is at an end. As a seal to the satisfactory settlement of there difficulties Mahuta has been appointed a. member of the Legislative Council, and was on Friday sworn in as a member of the Executive Council in presence of His Excellency the Governor, the Hon. the Premier, the Hon. W. Hall-Jones, the Hon. T. Duncan, and the Hon. J. Carroll, members of the Executive Council.

The natives, to the number of about 150, arrived in the forenoon by special train, and at one o'clock assembled on the lawn in front of Government House. The gathering was representative of the Waikato, Hauraki, Ngatimaniapoto, Ngatahaua, Ngatiraukawa, and Arawa tribes, with a few members of the Ngapuhi and Ngatiwhatua. Mahuta was accompanied by his uncle, Te Mahutu, Te Rawhete, Tupo Taing&kawa, Henare Kaihau, M.H.R., and other prominent natives, and with the Premier and Ministers were Mr. Wilkinson (president of tho Ngatimaniapoto Maori Council), who acted as interpreter; Judge Mair (president of the Waikato Maori Council), and others.

The Premier opened the proceedings by referring to the gathering as an important meeting fraught with, great potentialities for the native race. In these grounds some months ago the chiefs and native people there assembled decided to leave matters of great importance to the native race to be settled between Mahuta and himself, and conclusions had been arrived at between them which were for the good of both races. Years of isolation and of Suffering were now to be a thing of the past. Matters had been agreed upon which would put the law into effect, and with a view of removing difficulties that had cropped up in the past, Mahuta would that day take an important step. There were but few remaining of the great people of which Mahuta's grandfather was the head. To save the remnant of the people, and to help them to live and prosper, Mahuta had decided on the course which was the only right way of solving all their difficulties. Mahuta's action was a noble one, taken with the desire of helping his people. The result, he was sure, would bo good for the natives as well as for the colony as a whole, and especially for the Waikato natives. By the course proposed to be taken Mahuta elevated himself. He lost no dignity, but made for himself a position both races in the colony were certain to appreciate. Mahuta's action was taken after calm consideration. The native race would now be brought together. Difficulties would clear away like mist clearing from the mountain top. "This," said the Premier closing, "is a day of union; this is a day of love."

Mahuta said: I greet all the chiefs present. I am very pleased to hear the remarks made by the Premier. I may as well say straight out that I agreed that something should be done to settle the points between the people. I am very thankful to the Premier for the way he has carried out his part of the arrangement in bringing this about. This is really a great day. This is the day on which all troubles will be put right. The law will be made manifest this day, and that 1 understand to be what the Premier means when he says this day all difficulties will be elided between the Maoris and Europeans, and also the Government-. You left it for the Premier and I to settle matters in dispute between the tribes. It is possible that both good and evil may result, but I agree with the Premier that if there is any evil result it will be brought about by the Maoris themselves. I consider that this is really the day on which we settle all matters between us.

Then, turning to * the Premier, Mahuta said: It has already been settled that you and I Were to dispose of these difficulties. We have brought all these people down here to-day. It is for them to decide. It is for us and them conjointly. Although it was supposed to be for you and I to settle, still, we will leave it to them to settle. If any trouble occurs in the future we will try and settle it ourselves, and they will assist us. You will not presume too much on the fact that matters have been put in our hands solely. We will consult them. Don't be in too big a hurry. It may take two or three years, but it will be settled. There are some things you and I cannot settle, but we can settle them among ourselves. That is all I have got to say. The Premier then stated to the Maoris present that they were witnesses to a marriage ceremony, and asked all who had any objections to the marriage to "speak now or for ever hold their peace." In the past it had been one pulling that way and another pulling this, and meantime the Maori race was disappearing. After that day they would pull together two strong men, two strong people working together for good. The Hon. J. Carroll addressed, the natives. Tupo Taingakawa also spoke. Mr. Henare Kaihau, M.H.R., believed that What, had been done would result in good for the people and for the land. The people present wanted to know what was to be the final result of these matters. The Premier said he would answer, and without hesitation, the question put. When his word was given it was the word of a chief. His word has never been broken. Every word said by him at Huntly would be kept, no matter what the consequences might be. He could briefly say that the boundaries of the Waikato would be extended to the point mentioned at Huntly, and he was happy to say that no objection had been taken to what had been agreed. upon. The Marae Councils was a matter for Mahuta to decide. Mahuta came to the Executive Council to help him and the other Ministers to work out the salvation of both races. There were those far away who would be glad to hear of the day's proceedings. When the Imperial Government, when King Edward himself knew what had been done, there would be rejoicing. His Excellency the Governor also rejoiced that during his Governorship this great event should be consummated. Mr. John Ormsby, Otorohanga, said the Ngatimaniapoto tribe was not represented at the conference at Waahi, but they agreed to uphold the law and carry out the work of the Councils.

The Premier then asked Ma hut a to enter Government House to be sworn in as a member of the Executive Council, in presence of the Governor. There was at this stage, however, a good deal of animated conversation among a section of the Maoris, and Mahuta seemed in no great hurry to acoepfc the honourable position tendered to him. He had much to say to about a dozen of the Ngatimaniapotos, who were evidently putting the other side of the case before him, and who, led by one Patu Patu, eventually broke out into a chant evidently not altogether pleasing to Mahuta, the burden of it being that Mahuta was bidding good-bye to kingship, good-bye to power, and that he was going from his people over to the pakehas. Prom what one could gather, this little group thought Mahuta's position of " king" had not been sufficiently recognised, but the majority of the natives present were cordially in favour of the proceedings, and after some little talk the murmurings of dissatisfaction ceased, and Mahuta found his way into Government House. In the presence of His Excellency the Governor, who had not been present at the proceedings outside. Mabuta took the obligations (which were interpreted by Mr. Wilkinson), and was duly sworn in' as a member of the Executive Council.

His Excellency then addressed Mahuta. He said: I congratulate you and welcome you as a member oi the Executive Council

of His Majesty and this colony T , , ! that your country will not h«+v , ftt < by this function. There are mm J * e * that can he jointly dealt with » ma t' ter a that of sly grog-selling, and T that the well-being of the Vi • *** 1 has been much furthered by ?? P^ oplft doings. I trust you will Jive for J ' a ' years, and be of great servics in tU aan * sels of this colony. " e.cou. The Governor then handed Malmf." i.commission. au " l 4 uia The Premier said to meet Mahntv wishes lie intended, with His jv n 4 concurrence, to announce the a ! Dey '* in the Gazette as " Mahuta ivir sint"ien,itnu Te Wl,«wl,„„ and K?!*' Mahuta, son of Tawhiao, and aranlt ? Potatau. formerly known as \T« 1 011 o{ His Excellency: Certainly 1 ' The Premier said Malm's.'* , ' sired this, Mahuta desired it htm J? d * it was only just that he should be £ announced, so that people mi^t i. 7 of his parentage and linage. g * mr Mahuta's health was then dnmicall of the Governor by the m fm K" the Executive Council and chiefs p^l° t f and the proceedings terminated ]{:, ? ' cellency haying to leave to fulfil l' lis *J* ' So! at the opening 01 the SiMri SS School. " on