NATIVE RATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19676, 30 June 1927, Page 12

NATIVE RATES.

Sir,—-If Mr. Thornes and. others do not know, it is time they did, why the Maori of the Rohe Totae considers himself exempt from paying rates. Concisely stated, it is this:—As after the conclusion of the Waikato war, the Maniapoto saw the gradual encroach on and. wholesale confiscation of Maori lands, they set the area between the rivers Punui on the east and Mokau on the West, to be an inviolable native reserve, which, on pain of death, no man dared enter upon. Through this reserve lay the most feasible rail-route between Auckland and Wellington. To secure a passage here negotiations were begun, and on the proffers of our terms, entertained by the Maori,' and proceeded with. To that end, the late Mr. Wilkinson, myself, and probably others, wer» commissioned to go among the recalcitrants to popularise these terms, viz.: "No land to be bought other than sufficient for the rail-line, its stations and requisites. No rates or taxes to bo levied on land adjacent to that rail-line. Free schools and hospitals to be built and maintained. All chiefs to ride free on the line." These were the main baits given us to disguise the hook. The Maori, captivated by so munificent an array of betterments. sponsored by two young men known for their aim of justice for the Maori, permitted the cession of the necessary lands. In the course of further negotiations—which do not concern us here—other areas were ceded, but always on the prima! terms—or such the Maori understood them to fall. Still unsatisfied, the principal chief, Wakanui, and a party journeyed to Wellington for further confirmation of these terms. At a meeting with Mr. Cooper, Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, the latter, though n fair Maori linguist, in the presence of my father, called on me to "Tell these chiefs that the terms they desire will be included in the deed." Now. as the pledges solemnly given under whose mnna permission was granted t;s to enter, the Polie Potae have, no sanctity to-day. And, further, viewing the paltry prices paid for the land, and we neither cared nor made provision that these paltry remunerations were spent that they might produce rates, will the advocates of this rate imposture toll us- from what fund these rates can be paid ? It is said that "the Maori is glad enough to use the white man's utilities," but it is not said that these utilities were created with money in the borrowing of which lie had no voice: in the expenditure of which he was not consulted, represented, nor bis convenience, discussed, but as they are there he must, use them or perish from the earth! Wlt-en I recall my shore in these negotiations I feel I have degraded a manhood ray mother pled with me to set as the aim of my life! W. B. Otoeohanga.