RENTS FOR MAORI LANDS

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1933, Page 6

RENTS FOR MAORI LANDS

REDUCTIONS CAUSE CONCERN NATIVES DISCUSS POSITION. DEPUTATION SENT TO WELLINGTON (From Our Special Correspondent) For some time past the Taranaki Maoris have been dissatisfied not only with the irregularity in the payment of their rents but also with the tremendous reductions that have been made in them. Several explanations have been put forward by the Native Trusxee's representatives, all of which have failed to convince the people. In many instances the explanations have been conflicting. Certainly the Natives may have failed to grasp the situation, but numerous meetings throughout the district, and the failure of experts to solve the difficulty have resulted in a further step being taken by the people. At a representative meeting held at Hawera last month it was decided to send a deputation to Wellington to discuss the situation with the Native Department. It was pointed out at the meeting, however, that the deputation was solely for the purpose of investigating the position on behalf of the people, and must be absolutely free from any antagonistic feeling. They must thoroughly appreciate the difficulties which the country is called upon to overcome at the present time, and in no way are they to be a hindrance. All they must demand is a thorough understanding of the position. Hitherto the people have accepted without question what was given to them. The deputation is to consist of 15 members, and each of the five sub-tribes throughout Taranaki is to elect its own three representatives. For that purpose a meeting was held at Manukorihi pa, Waitara, during the week-end. At the request of the older members of the Atiawa tribe it was decided -to send young men, they themselves having refused nomination..

“The time has come,” said Kaho Heremia, “when you must take the responsibility and management of the tribe, and you can get no better training than to represent your people at such important deliberations.”

Out of several who were nominated the following were elected as the Atiawa members: R. Watene, H. Eriwata, K. Rangitaura. They left by the express yesterday morning for Wellington. Hapi Love, who resides at Petone, will also represent the Atiawa tribe.