The Letter of the Maoris.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4861, 28 November 1883, Page 3

The Letter of the Maoris.

[Pbb Pbbss association.] M'BBTH'S BXPL&N ATION. j WBLIiINGTON, Nov. 28. j Mr M'Beth oontradictß the statement that he is the author of the letter of the Maori members to the Aborigines Protection Sooiety. The following is Mr M'Beth's version :— w During laat sesaion I waa asked by Mr Tawhai, who met me in Molesworth street, to attend a meeting of Maoris, inoluding four members whom I had not seen or had communication with for about twelve months. The letter was the joint production of the meeting, and its substance had, I believo, been before thoroughly discussed in Maoriland. I wish it to be distinctly understood that I did not even suggest that a letter should be written, and the Maoris probably oonsulted me merely because they knew me to be one of those who objeotod to

the illegal treatment of the Maoris on tho West 0 >ast. Ihe statement that the letter was offered to the press is quite true. I offered it to the manager of the Press Association since its publioation in Great Britain. I thought that oourse might prove the moßt expeditious wiy of raising money to transaot a little business in the interests of the Maoris. I am fully authorised by the Maoris to aot for them in all matters relating to the letter. I told them that it might probably be necessary to publish it, and I have no doubt Major Ie Wheoro would endorse my doing so."