MAORI GRIEVANCES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16052, 20 April 1914, Page 4 (Supplement)

MAORI GRIEVANCES.

EMBASSY TO ENGLAND. AUCKLAND, March bO. For two 3ays past a meeting of about 300 Maoris, representing a majority of the tribes, has been proceeding at Waahi, near Huntry, and there has been a long and "wearisome discussion of the proposal that the Maori leaders shall proceed to England and lay the grieva-i-es of the race,before the British authrxti'-s. 'I ho movement has been initiated by Tupu Taingakawa, adviser to the young Maori " King,"' Te Rata, but the majority of the delegates are strongly opposed to it. Supported by the Hon, Dr Pomare and Mr Henare Kaihau, they argue that before representations are made to the Britisn authorities every possible means at hand of' remedying tiieir grievances should be exhausted. Also, if an embassy is to go forward, it should be fully representative of the Native races, which should be united under " King " Te Eata. The following of Tupu, on the otheT hand, are impatient of' further de?ay, am -4 declare that immediate .applLit'-on to t>e highest authority in' the Enin «> is the only, way to finality as thy New Zealand Governments for decades paH have made .no effort to bring about the remedies desired. The chief aims of the visitors to England would be the restoration of lands con fiscated as the result of the Maori wars, and the conservation of fishing and forest rights in accordance, with the spirit and letter of the Treaty'of Waitangi. Notwithstanding the vigorous nature of the opposition, Tupu is determined that the visit to England shall take place, and berths have been booked in the Niagara, sailing on. April 11, for.a party of four, comprising Te Rata (the " King "), l'uwi Tamgakawa (King's adviser), Paul (in- ' terpreter), and Meta Taraka. The intention of the party is to return in >ix ■ months. Tupu is confident of success, and. determined that social distractions ' shali not interfere with the object of the visit. Proceeding through Canada, the party will endeavour to gain* all possible information about the sister dominion.