THE MAJOR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 921, 14 October 1879, Page 2

THE MAJOR.

The following story is current m Wellington : — Te Wheortf waited on a gentleman connected with the Native Department, when the following conversation took place : — Te Wheoro : " Friend, will you tell me whether the English law allows a Maori to become a Minister to the Queen, just as Sheehan is V The offioial : " Why do you ask that question '?" Te Wheoro : " I only want to know for information, that is all. Will the law allow a Maori like me to be Native Minister over Europeans and Natives?" Official : • t Has the office been offered to you ?" Te Wheoro -.Well, I can get it if I like." Official : "I do not know anything m law against it, but you had better have the thing m black and white if you want them to keep their word." Te Wheoro : " No fear, friend, I can get it m writing." Yesterday when the Opposition whips again brought their blandishments to bear on Te Wheoro, he astouned them by demanding - as the price of his vote that he be made Native Minister, m every respect like Mr. Sheehan. This was reported to Mr. Hall and there was great consternation. WiTako, Taiaroa, and several others waited on Te Wheoro and proposed various compromises, but he was deaf to all alternative proposals. To a member of the Upper House he said : " I was elected to do good to theiMaories. If I am made Native Minister it will be a good thing for the Maories and myself." It is said that he finally secured a promise to that effect ; but after all stuck to the Governmet.