A TRIP TO ENGLAND.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 46, 31 March 1914, Page 9

A TRIP TO ENGLAND.

MAORIS AND GRIEVANCES.

Press Association.

AUCKLAND, March 30.

; For two days past a meeting of about , 300 Maoris representing the majority of the tribes has been proceeding to Waahi, on? the Waikato River, near Huntly, and there has been a long and wearisome discussion on the proposal that the Maori leaders shall g& to England and lay the grievances of the race before the British authorities. . The movement has been initiated by Tupu Taingakawa, the adviser of the young Maori "King" Te Rata, but the majority of the delegates are strongly opposed to it, and are supported by the Hon. Dr Ponrnre and Henare Kaihau. They argue that before representations are made t6 the British authorities every possible means at hand of remedying the grievances should be exhausted and also that if the embassy is to go forward it should be fully representative of the Native race, which should be united under Te Rata.

The following of Tupu, on the other hand, are impatient of further delay,

| and declare that immediate application . to the highest authority in the Empire i is the only way- to finality, especially as the New Zealand Government for decades past has made no effort, to bring about the reforms desired. Notwithstanding the vigorous nature of the opposition, Tupu is determined that this visit to England shall tafte place, andberths have been booked in the steamer Niagara, sailing oh April lil, for a party of four, comprrrtg Te Rata, Tupu Tainga&awa, Paul' (interpreter), and Mita Kara&a, a Wai&ato chief. The intention is to return in six months.- Tupu is, confident of ■ success, and is determined that social distractions. shall not' interfere "with the object of the visit. Going through Canada, the party will endeavour to gain all possible information about the sister Dominion. The- chief claims of the visitors to England will be the restoration of lands confiscated as the result of the Maori i wars and the conservatism of and forest rights in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Treaty of WaitangL