NATIVE ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13926, 7 December 1908, Page 6

NATIVE ELECTIONS.

YOUNG MAORI PARTY'S AIMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.OWN CORIIESrONDKNT.]

Russell, Saturday. The latest returns for the Northern District Maori election are as follows: Hone Heko (late member)... 1700 Hare To Rangi 359

Mr. W. Urn, the popular Maori wrestler of some years ago, and an unsuccessful candidate for the Southern District, is one of what is known as the Young Maori party, which has in Mr. Ngata, iX.11., so distinguished a leader (says the New Zealand limes). Mr. Uru, recently stated that he believed in the Maori members in the House being independent of either of the dominant political parties, their chief mission being the promotion and furtherance of legislation affecting native interests. He does not approve of the, suggestion that the special Maori representation should bo done away with, for the effect of that course would bo to practically silence the voice of the Maori in the councils of the State. An alteration is, however, he believes, required. European members, especially those from the South Island, take no real interest in native matters, and dc not seek to understand tho complex questions with which such legislation is surrounded. If, however, the European members had to look to the natives in their electorates for votes at election time, he thinks there would be a more serious effort put forward to grapple with and understand native affairs. He, therefore, thought that the Maoris should bo given a dual vote. They should still retain their present special representation, and at the same time be allowed to vote for the member for the general European constituency in which they reside. Members generally would then have a greater interest in native legislation, inasmuch as some of their own constituent* would be affected, and the Maori members would be able to perform a more useful function than at present. Their status in the House would be improved, and they would be looked to as a kind of advisory committee, whose opinion would be in the nature of that of an expert.