A MAORI GATHERING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2507, 9 April 1902, Page 45

A MAORI GATHERING.

THE PREMIER'S XATIVE POLICY. WELLINGTON, April 6. A large and representative gathering of Maoris took place to-day at Papamai, and was attended by the Premier and Mn Seddon to bid farewell to the Natives before leaving for England next week. Among tlufee presccit, in addition to Tamahau Mahupuku (the local chief) were Messrs H. Tomoana, 11LC, Wi Pere, M.H.R.. Captain Tuniaiangl Brown, and others. There was tho usual performance of hakas, feasting, and speech-making. In the cour<-e of an address the Premier made an important statement of the Government policy with regard to tho Maoris. It was intended to spend money in roachng aucl surveying Maori lands which, to the extent of over a million acres, had been handed over to Maori Councils by the Native owners, and these lands would be leased to settlor^ by the Government for the bonefit of the Natives. The- Government would plso establish mounted volunteer coips of Maoris all over the colon}-, and he hoped vv'ithin six months to have 5000 men enrolled under officer- of their own race ready to bo trained for the defence? of the country. He hnd discusspcl the =cliPmo with the new Commandant, Major-general Bubington, who warmly approved of it. The chief" and people would have a. voice in the choosing of ofnoprs, and thc-e would then be trained in their duties at Wellington prior to being placed in command of corp~, the Govern ni'Mit paying then keep dining the penod of tram. ii.?. In the event of our mm men being drafted away for any purpo-e we .should have a forte of Maori- upon whom we could rely to defend New Zealand. Hie Premier adc\ed that when he went to Eng land he should ask the King's Advisers not again to refuse the offer of the Maori volunteers to fight for tho Empire. General Babiogton, who was present, briefly addressed the Maoris, and «aid he had every confidence in saying he could tiain them to be good soldiers. He was anxious to teach them all he could, in the hope that pome day he might have the honour of leading them in active service. The statements of the Premier and General Babington re the Maori mounted corps vvc-ro received with loud plaudits by the Natives present. .Before leaving the Premier wis the recipient of a number of gifts from the Maoris A farew ell address to him and an addre-s for presentation to the King are being prepared, and will be offered for acceptance next week by a deputation of chiefs, v. ho will come to Wellington. In Europe 66,000,000 people aie employed in farmiua.