TROUT FISHING.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 13707, 23 September 1908, Page 3

TROUT FISHING.

SUGGESTED LEGISLATION. THE RIGHTS OF MAORIS. Per Press Association. ROTORUA, S*pL 22. A largely attended meeting of Europeans "was held to-day to consider the amendment to the fisheries Act, indicated by the Bill now before Parliament. A resolution was carried unanimously strongly urging the Government, not to make the proposed amendment fcitil further information was received as to the true state of affairs for the reasons that there are no starving Maoris in the district, notwithstanding the assertions and exaggerations made to the contrary, an attempt being made by the so-called Young Maori Party to introduce the colour line, which if permitted will prove disastrous in its effect; that though the Treaty of Waitangi ceded to the Crown for" ever the right of the Government over the whole country, the same treaty gave full rights to the Maoris over all their properties, but ceded to the Crown the right to purchase such land, and that the same treaty gave to the Maoris the same rights and privileges as Europeans, and -under these conditions-to grant them free or reduced fishing licenses would be conceding to them a right denied to Europeans. Fur-ther,-that Maoris are engaged in the ratio of 10 to 1 on all Government works and in addition to thk they are fully employed in obtaining sulphur for Europeans for which they obtain a good price; they bav e plenty of money wherewith to buy food;-if any destitution exists among the Maoris (wliich is> not, admiujjd) it is among old people who receive pensions; there would be no want ol food if old people were permitted to retain their old jge pensions; in some instances the money is taken by the youngc-r members. Further, that h large number of Maoris themselves recent -the -so-called appeal as ostensibly being made, on their behalf, and fee] indignant that any such step should be taken. The meeting urged that before any amendment wag made in the Fisheries Act in the direction indicated by the Bill before Parliament a tribunal be set up bo take unbiased evidence from Maoris and Europeans as to the conditions of the Maoris. For the past two or three years the Maoris have been drained of their' earnings by many purposes which could well be allowed to stand aside until their accumulated' wealth warranted their undertaking. The Maoris themselves do not wish for a concession in the way of fishing rights. At, present their wahines procure license* to fish during the season for ss; four male members contribute this (they work during the day) which amounts to Is 3d for the season- each. The wabine fishes all day for the lot. This means that she keeps tbe pah fully supplied. The Maoris have no desire to fisk out of season, knowing that trout are not then in condition for food. Many Maoris possess houses, cattle, pigs and land which they could cultivate, therefore they are in a better position than many of their less fortunate European .brethren. Other resolutions were passed directing the above to be sent to Mr Herries, member for the Bay of Plenty.