SOUTHERN MAORI ELECTORATE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2231, 3 December 1896, Page 22

SOUTHERN MAORI ELECTOR ATE.

\ During the week ending November 21 (write* a coLTespondeut) three candidates appeared, ab the Henley K*ik and delivered speeches to the Maori electors. First, on Wednesday evening, with Mr J. CoDnor in' the chair, Mr G. P. Muba addressed a crowded roomful, giving his reasons for agaiu opposing the sitting member. He ardently desired to see greater attention to suoh legislation as would be beneficial to the Natives. He received a vote of thanks for his address. On the following night Mr R. M. Tataroa addressed nearly (he same poople, and MrMufca obligingly presided. This youthful orator in' veighod against recent legislation as affecting tho Maori, declaring the promises of Government of land for the landless Natives to ba a farce. His eloquence and apparently jusfc strictures on late acts of Parliament and actions of the Government drew forth a vote of thanks and confidence. Being questioned by Mr Connor and others, he stated that it w*s his intention, it elected, to be an Independent in politics. On. Situtday eveuing, the 21sfc inst., with Mr J. Connor ag*sn in the chair, Mr Tame Parato, M.H.R., addressed the Natives ab the Taieri Kaik. Ho gave, shortly, an account of his stewardship during the session, laying stress on his aclioDO concerning the Fisheries Act and the Maori Laud Administration Bill, the work of which was not yet completed, He animadverted on the rash statements that had been mads by hits opponents that the Government promise of land for landless Natives was a farce, and that laud formerly set apart for ths' Natives had been sold by the Government. He produced survey maps showing that the lauds which they knew of were still to the fore as Maori reserves, and were almost ready for distribution. The large number of applicants .was proving * trouble, and he believed ib would give most satisfaction to ballot for them just a3 waa done in the Land Board offices. There were lands at Waiau, Wanaku, aud Lord's River, be 'ides tbe adjacent Tautuka lauds. He desired re-election in a greafe part that he ui'gbt see this laud administration business completed. He took a great interest in it foe their sakes. Their interest had bean his main study during the 11 years that he had been privileged to represent them. He hoped that on polliog day they would remember all that he had done and tried to do for the Natives. Several questions beiug pufc and satisfactorily replied to, Mr Parafca received a vote of thanks and confidence. Mr Connor was duly thanked for his action as chairman.