TO FOSTER MAORI CUSTOMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14926, 31 August 1910, Page 4

TO FOSTER MAORI CUSTOMS

NATIVE TOWN AND PARLIAMENT. MR- KAIHAU'S NOVEL SCHEME. BRINGING BACK THE TOHUNGA. '(From Oun Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 30. A big 6Chen:<e is ut present occupying the timo and enthusiasm of Mr Henaro Kaihau, who represents the WcsUru Maori district, and who is generally regarded as tho forefront of the " Kingilo movement," and is held to he the real power behind the throne on which "King'' Manilla sits. The scheme is no less than the .setting up of n Maori "Parliament," though, from what Mr Kaihau says of tho powers of that body, it will not have such extended functions as the high-sounding title might indicate. It will, however, be surrounded by much circumstance of pomp, and Mr Kaihau thinks it will have an important influence on the Maori race.

Briefly,. Mr Kaihau's - 'oposal is that the funds:which the followers .of- King Mahnta hops to receive shortly from the subdivision of their lands should be used to establish a Native township with parliamentary buildings,. ollices, school, and church /somewhere between Ngarnawhia and Taupiri. It is proposed to set apart 3000 acres or more on which the township -will he built, and it is estimated by Mr Kaihau that at first about 1000 Maoris will be dwelling in the township, with alarge 'population -engaged in cultivating the lands surrounding it.' Tho homo which it. is intended to erect for the" Maori Parliament will, even if it is erected within' the next few months, bo a commodious and ornamental one,, but if its erection is delayed for about two years— and Mr Kaihau'thinks it may be—it is intended to spend £10,000 on it. About £2000 will bo spent on offices. Tho affaire of the township will bo' managed by tho Parliament, which will sit in it, and, consistent with the observance of existing pakcha laws, the Parliament will have full control' will collect rates and taxes. The land will be cut up into town'sections, and there will bo no objections.to Europeans taking up three sections, provided they conform to the by-laws arid regulations made by the Parliament for the good conduct of the township. Pakoha. institutions will be adopted to a large extent in the ordinary conduct of the township. There will even bo a gaol and a .court, but it is hoped to induce tho Government to appoint a Native magistrate with a limited -jurisdiction, cases outside his jurisdiction to be, taken to a- European magistrate for decision. The education ordinarily pro'vided in the Native schools will be, given to the children, and it is hojicd to have fully qualified Maori teachers : if not. Europeans will be-.omployed. The children will be taught both Maori.aiid English. Sneaking through an interpreter, Mr Kaihau explained lo a reporter what he conceives to be tho real value of his proposal. Ho believes that unless some such scheme is brought into operation the Maori language, Maori traditions, and Maori customs will be lest to an irreparable extent'before many years have gone. Tho real Native language is fast passing away, Mr Kaihau declares, and if it is to be preserved it must be systematically taught. Similarly many grand "\ative"customs are passing, and to pro servo them fiome place must bo provided where they can be fostered and practised. The township will provide a rallying point for Maori, sentiment, and it is confidently expected that it will find a warm corner. in the hearts of all North Island Maoris, including tbceo who were not followers of King Maliuta. There was a general feeling, added Mr Kaihau, that since the Maoris had been ruled by European laws they had gained little and lost much... Their lands bad been taken from them for much less than their value, ami so they would regard this effort at local self-government with sympathy. It is also hoped to revive the oldtime' tohunga—the real tohunga.' "Our people used to live to be 100*!' said. Mr Kaihau; " now t-bsy. die at 50. We.still have some men who have power hi faithhealing, though'not so much'power as formerly-, but if wo get back our old customs they will gain more power." The Parliament which Mr Kaihau hopes to set up will consist of 56 members—2s nominated by "King" M.ahuta and tho remainder el'e"t"<l bv the owners of tho land. There wil be four Cabinet Minister and a I'r-emier. When 'asked who would probably occupy tho high office, Mr Kaihau modestly admitted that the. people wished him to accept it: The Maori Parliament will interest itself a good deal in the settlement of land and in serving the interests of the Maori owners. Mr Kaihau is hopeful that he will m'duco the Government to approve of his scheme. If it docs not ho says it does not matter. " The 'land will bo our own, and wo don't ask the Government for any money, so I don't see how it can interfere. In any case we are determined to go right ahead with.our scheme."