THE MAORIS AND THE LAND.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12196, 20 March 1908, Page 3

THE MAORIS AND THE LAND.

Rotorua, March 19,

A large gathering of Maoris was held at Ngaruawahia"to-day with reference to the confiscation of native lands question. The Governor, the Prime Minister, and the Minister for Native Affairs, were present, they journeying from Ham i ton by special train. Practically all the tribes who were represented at Wednesday's conference at Waharoa attended. An address of welcome from Mahuta, the King of the Maoris, was presented to the Governor by Henare Kaihau, the native member for the district, who also handed bis Excellency as a gift from the King, two handsome mats. Lord Punket, in reply, said he hoped that the deliberations that day would bring about a satisfactory conclusion.

The Prime Minister, iv tbe course of an address to the Maoris, advised tbern to show on the plans of all the blocks ot land that they were custodians or owners \ol, what was required for the use and occupation of the Maoris, permanent resorve and for recreation purposes, then let them show what part was available for leasing and selling. If the Maoris would apportion their lands conscientiously and honestly, their proposals , if reasonable, would be confirmed by the Royal Commission, and made law for all time.

The Prime Minister then left the gathering by special train for Rotorua, but the Hon. J. Carroll, Minister for Native Affairs, remained at Ngaruawahia to discuss the matter in conference with the Maoris.

The Prime Minister left Rotorua later by motor car for Tauranga, via Te Puke.