MURIHIKU LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 19434, 24 December 1924, Page 15

MURIHIKU LEAGUE

EXECUTIVE MEETING. A special meeting of the Murihiku League Executive was held in the Labour Union Hall on Saturday, Mr J, H. Nixon being in the chair. There were present Messrs T. 8. Spencer, W. Ackera and H. Rita, Mrs 8. Potoki and Mr A. Wixon (secretary). The Chairman, in addressing the meeting, stated that through later correspondence to hand in reference to a communication from the Registrar of Native Lands in connection with the Ngaituhu claim, concerning which the League had petitioned, they would see that it was essential for a deputation to visit Tuahiwi and lay the claim before the presiding Judge. The Registrar of Native Lands, Wellington, wrote stating that the League’s communication had been referred to the Chief Judge, who stated that Court adjournment would have to be discussed at the Tuahiwi sitting. Mr W. Spencer: “I am strongly in favour of the delegatee attending the hearing, as the result could then be forwarded direct to the branches.” Mr C. Potiki said that Southland would have approximately 2ioo applicants and the gazetted number was 350. The following delegates were appointed to act; —Messrs J. H. Wixon, F. S. Spencer, A. Wixon and Mrs Potiki. In connection with the rating of native properties, a communication held over from last meeting was discussed, the Chairman stating that the Secretary had gone into the matter of appointing a representative on local bodies where natives were paying rates. To give the matter legal basis a Bill would have to be passed although local bodies were partial to the scheme. It was decided that the League should recommend that the Government permit local body representations, and that natives be compelled to enroll on the registers. Considerable discussion took place in reference to the Electoral Roll, and the Chairman strongly contended that natives were ignoring their interests. If the Maori electorate voting decreased to such an extent as at the last election it was only a matter of time when the electorate would be rejected by the House. If the member was not satisfactory another man could be appointed. It was decided that the following recommendation be sent to the Government when the comprehensive scheme is completed:— “Whereas natives or descendants of natives owning native property, be compelled to enrol on Native Electoral Rolls.” Mr Ackers said that in olden days it was the custom for natives to have a reserve for visitors or those not owning property, to make temporary homes in each , district, and as the reserve mapped out as : Section 1, Block 8, had been camping’ ground for all, it could still be used for ; that purpose. It was decided that the League should petition Parhament to allot the land for such a purpose, in order that natives could always have a place to settle. The secretary stated that Judge Gil- ! fedder suggested that if some plan was prepared of the mutton bird Islands for his consideration it would help not only the natives in possession, but also those who had no place to catch birds. The secretary thought that by drawing a plan on an extensive scale of Long Island, or Big South Cape, including the various harbours and landings with names, it could be placed before the Judge who would call a special meeting and portion out the ' boundaries. >. The suggestion was adopted.