MAORI MEETING AT WAAHI

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13895, 6 May 1907, Page 6

MAORI MEETING AT WAAHI

A CURIOUS SPEECH.

HOME RULE MOVEMENT.

(Per United Phf.3S Association.)

AUCKLAND. May 5. Iho nrgo Maori mecliiift which has been assembling during the past week at Waahi the Hon. Mahuta's kainga, near Huiitly made a start with the order paper on I'riday, The proceedings were commenced by the Natives ast-omblin? in front of the riliiunga (meeling-houee), Mahutn and suite (oilinwiee koiuiti) occupied nials on one side, while on the other were six surnliced clergymen, who held a short preliminary service. Jlaliuta then mado a speech, and Tupn Taingakawa Te Waharoa, convenor of the meeting, also delivered an address, after which Henaro Kaihau, M.H.R., read tho correspondence between tho Maoris and the Parliaments of Great Britain and New Zealand concerning the Treaty o/ Waitangi, but the day ended with very little actual business beiiig done. When proceedings were resumed on Saturday morning Hennre Kaihau made a long speech, in which he traced the genealogy of the Maori race. Thn genealogical treo was illustrated by largo and small sticks, ramifying in various directions, from the founder of the race to Potatnu, the fi*st Maori king. Tho sticks and other paraphernalia were so numerous that two hours were employed in the construction of the diagram. This caused impatience amongst a large number of those present, who left, stating they had romp to listen to facts, not a recital of pedigrees of common knowledge. When tho dinner bell rang the illustration wa6 completed, but on resuming Mr Kaihau continued his discourse on the history of tho Maoris. Potatnu, the firet king, wus represented in the diagram by a large post in the centre of an ellipse representing New Zealand. On tho right of the ellipse was a white flag, symbolical of England, while between was a box illustrating the Treaty of Waitangi. He urged that the Maoris should aim at unity in redressing their grievances.

At this stage heavy ruin caused business to bo suspended for the day.

Rnwhiti, the chief secretary to the meeting, on being interviewed by a Herald representative, stated tlmt the object of the gathering , was the formation of a union to enable a united front to be secured in placing; matters affectinp the race before the Government or Parliament. He asserted that the Treaty of Waitangi had been repeatedly brokon in spirit, if not in letter, as also had the New Zealand Constitution Act of 1852, especially section 71 thereof, which provided for the maintenance of Maori laws and usages so far as they were not repugnant to the general principles of humanity. What was required' by the Natives, said Rawhrti, was power to' manage their own affairs, or, in other words " home rule."

Some of the Natives, in referring to land and other grievances, say that the intervention of King Edward should be solicited, but oWwrs think that the present meeting is an attempt to reintroduce the king movement, which was surrendered when Mahiita became a member of the Cabinet . .

i Asked if that would suit, they shako tlieir heads and reply that they have only one King, and that is Edward the Seventh. The pa. presents a very animated scene during the progress of business. Whilst the elders are engaged in their serious concerns the younger element pursues sporta and games, and cooking operations proceed all day long, the feeding of such a large assemblage necessitating a tremendous amount of "hard graft." Three constables arc constantly in attendance, their services bcin? called into requisition on Friday night in suppressing (ho efforts of a party of Europeans to introduce dico and other forms of gambling. The general behaviour of the gathering is reported to be excellent. A popular" form of amusement with the youngsters ie to blacken their faces, maroli round the pa to the music of tin cans, dance hakaa, and accord a welcome to imaginary parties of visitor?. Pedlars and husksters' are numerous, whilst two improvised store? do a roaring trade. Two billinrd tables arc in evidence, and -play proceeds from early morn till bedtime. Ten Native- clergymen look after the moral welfare of the crowd.

While the meeting was in progress on Saturday the dead tody of a chief who ha<l died at Whatawhafci was brought into the pa. and this had the r-ffect of casting f. temporary gloom over the proceedings. The meeting is expected to last till about Wednesday.