SUCCESSOR TO POMARE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 September 1930, Page 9

SUCCESSOR TO POMARE

MAORIS HEAR CANDIDATES SIR MAUI’S SON IN THE FIELD. SELECTION HANGS IN BALANCE. NIGHTLONG KORERO AT WAITARA. The views of candidates for the vacant Western Maori electorate were placed before Natives' congregated at the Manukorihi Pa yesterdaj' afternoon and evening. During the afternoon a movement was afoot, instituted by the Rev. R. T. P. Haddon, for the candidates to witlidraw in favour of the youngest son of Sir Maui Pomare, Rakaheuea Pomare. When the majority oi the candidates had signified their agreement, Taite Te Tomo refused to withdraw. The discussion continued and late in the evening • a dramatic speech was made by H. H. Piahana, Pauranga, a lone candidate amidst strange tribes. The probable candidates arc 11. H. Piahana (Tauranga), P. H. Jones (Maniapoto) and Taite Te Tomo (Taupo), while possible contestants are the Rev. R. T. P. Haddon (Ngauruwahia), and Rima Wakarua (Waitoiara).Mr. Haddon said the time was not opportune to introduce contentious political matter. He had 'been pressed to stand and had agreed, but he really did not wish to enter politics after 30 years in the Methodist ministry. Nothing would please him more, he continued, than to see one of the sons of Sir Maui Pomare as head of the electorate for the remainder of the term. Mr. Jones said, he was only too willing to withdraw in favour of one of the sons of Sir Maui. A similar view was expressed, by Mr. H. H. Piahana, but he stipulated that he would withdraw only on condition that all the present candidates withdrew. T. Hupa, Hira Parata (Waikanae), Hapi Love (Petone), Takarangi (Wanganui), Kahui (Rahotu), Kingi Topia and several others favoured the succession qf Sir Maui’s son for the remainder of the term. SENSATIONAL SPEECH,, A sensation was caused when Taite Te Tomo said that he had no intention of withdrawing. He would leave it to the people to decide. Before" Sir Maui Pomare sailed for America, he had called for Taite Te Tomo and said'that if ever the seat became vacant it would be better for Te Tomo to stand in his place for Reform. He further said that at the time when Pomare was leaving there was a suggestion that one of his sons should stand, but this had been rejected. Te Tomo added that if successful he would give his salary for the 'term to the Pomares. Qn resuming' the korero after tea Mr. Mai’umaru spoke on the young Maori party and supported Mr. Jones. A magnificent speech which swayed the multitude to frequent applause "was made by H. H. Piahana. He said the people of Tauranga had helped for 62 years huh as yet they had not had 'a representative from their district. Aqcording to Maori custom when contesting a seat the candidate must hold the confidence of the whole of 1 his tribe. Piahana came before the assembly alone without his tribe. Several Maoris asked him where was his tribe. Piahana replied that he. had come before them alone as he did not know what kind of a reception the gathering would give the Taurangas. In case there was a rebuff he had decided to come alone, as it would not matter much if he was not well received, but it would, have been shameful for his tribe to be rebuffed. He was prepared, however, to face the assemblage alone. He had visited King Rata at Huntly previous to his arrival at Waitara, and he had asked his support. The King’s answer was: ‘‘You are too late; Tomo has already been here.” However, he was not averse to his going through the district. Piahana humorously said he would like to give a list of the different members who had previously represented the district. By lengthening his speech it would emphasise his personality. The members had been as follows: —1861-69, Metekingi; 1871, Wiremu Parata; 1876, Hoari Nahe; 1879, Wiremu Tewheoro; 1884, Puke Te Ao; 1887, Hoari Taipua; 1994, Ropata Te Ao; 1897, H. Kaihau; 1900, M. Pomare.

It was noticeable that none was from Tauranga. But Tauranga had many grievances. Originally the people had owned 50,000 acres; now only 41 were left for 350 people. The condition of these Maoris was the worst in the 'Western district. The houses were almost built on top of each other; horses were being impounded and pigs were tied at the door fronts. He concluded by asking his hearers to remember that there was such a place as Tauranga.