A MEETING OF MACRIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 195, 26 January 1915, Page 3

A MEETING OF MACRIS.

Bl'.i (JATUEUINi; AT YVAUII. IMPORTANT MATTERS TO BK DISCUSSED. - - - - Already a large number of natives are assembled at Waihi from all parts of the North Island. The visitors began to arrive on Saturday, and continued to come in all day on Sunday. They are finding quarters amongst the local Maoris. A welcome was accorded the visitors on Sunday, and afterwards many attended a devotional service at -Uason Preston's. Included in those present are many noted chiefs—Hira Parata, of Waikanae, son of the late Wi Parata, for many years a member of the House of Representatives; Picra Taipua and Rawau, chiefs from Otaki; Tc Pura (Mrs McGregor ), of Wanganui, a chieftainess of high rank, who, some little time ago, was elected Carnival Queen of Wanganui; Raihania, a Wanganui chief; Tekino, of Kariori; as well as several others who are tribesmen of repute. The Hon. Maui Pomare was to arrive yesterday. From all points of view the gathering is a notable one, the most important one held in the district in modern times. There are no less than 3460 Maoris represented, all these being practically supporters of the Hon. Pomare. There will be discussed matters of; great interest to the race, and the j Minister will give his views on various ( political subjects. A subject to be dealt with exhaustively is that pertaining to the industrial welfare of the Maori, particularly in regard to farming. The business actually commences today. It has been explained that while the meetings of the old days did not mean very much, such a gathering as the present, when the Maori is more enlightened, is of the utmost value. iAs a result of the conference it is hoped that the delegates will stress the necessity upon members of their race of keeping the pahs in a first-class sanitary state, and individual Maoris will learn this great need, too; also, there is the aim to get the Maori to take his place with the pakeha as a practical farmer. I

An important point also is that the political discussion will educate the | Maori, so that he will know something. of the politics of his country and the doings of the Empire of which he is a lunit. The Hon. Pomare will take charge of, the gathering from to-day, and as a I member of the Massey Government, he will place their claims for support hefore the race. Mr. W. W. Hipango, with a band of willing helpers about the district, have made complete arrangements for the entertainment of the visitors. We may be permitted to express the hope that the gathering will fulfil all the functions proposed for it, and that the meeting of the Maoris from various parts will be mutually beneficial and enjoyable.—Mail.