PARLIAMENT OUT OF SESSION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6654, 20 September 1889, Page 3

PARLIAMENT OUT OF SESSION.

Mr T. Pratt at Rapaki. A meeting of the Maoris was held at seven o'clock last night at BapaM, where Mr T. Pratt (Parata), H.H.R., delivered an account of his stewardship. The chair was taken by Mr John Watson (Watene), and about thirty were present. The Chairman opened the business by expressing his pleasure at the presence of their representative. He hoped the meeting would listen attentively to Mr Pratt's explanation of the Native policy and account of what he had done for the benefit of the country generally. Mr Pbatt, who was received with loud applause, stated that he believed the work that had been done in Parliament would be found highly satisfactory to the Natives of the North and Middle Islands. The NaAive Land Bill arid the Native Lands Frauds Prevention Bill had, when first brought into the House, been far from meeting his views, but after the second reading they had been referred to the Native Affairs Committee, who had struck out objectionable clauses and substituted others of a satisfactory character. There had been several clauses in the Land Transfer Act referring to Native matters which the Native representatives had objected to, but they had succeeded, with the help of their European friends, though not without a deal of trouble, in getting them drawn in a satisfactory fashion. That there had been trouble the meeting would understand from the fact that Beveral conferences had been held in order to effect the desired alterations, and the matter was not disposed of till about half-paßt twelve on Tuesday morning. This it* was that had made him unable to return sooner. With regard to the petitions sent forward from the Middle Island referring to the Stamp Duty Act, and wisning it to be repealed or reduced or made collectable annually, he might say that the Government had made a promise to . the House that they would next session bring ,in a Bill to try and remedy what they acknowledged to be a hardship. This had been accomplished by the speaker (Mr Pratt) bringing forward resolutions on Monday last when the House : was going into Committee of Supply. He had called for a division upon it, and j though defeated, the majority against him' I was only six. This showed that there was ' considerable feeling in its favour. He hoped that when the House next assembled they would see that the Premier's assurance had been carried into effect. He might say a few words upon the Middle Island claims, which had been brought before a Joint Committee of both Houses. That Committee had met several times, and had investigated the matter very thoroughly. They nad brought down a report, of which in a few months the Natives of the South Island would see the translation, so that they would be able to judge for themselves whether it deserved their approval or not. It was for them, and not for him to say ; for he had only brought the matter forward in order to satisfy those who had sent him to look after their interests to the best of his ability. He had been one of the Opposition, who, he might cay, had done good work for the benefit of both races. That was his honest opinion. They had worked not only for the South, but for the North Island as well. He might say that Native Bills had never been co closely watched by the Native representatives as they ■> had been during • this session. He ! could not forget the services rendered by I Mr J. Carroll, the member for the East , Coast, who had more education than himself. He must thank that honourable member for the deep interest he had taken in the welfare of tbe Natives. He must also thank the member for the West Coast of the North Island, Mr H. Taipua, and i must not forget his honourable friend Mr Sydney Taiwhanga, who had brought in a Bill of his own, which he (Mr Pratt) was Borry to say iad not been agreed to. He mad,e a few remarks on the subjeot of the education of the Natives. With regard to this, he said he would like to see the rising generation taking great interest in schools. It was a question in which he had taken great interest ever since the establishment of schools, and he would always continue that interest. Prom his own experience he could says that it was a step in the right direction. He hoped that the Natives of the Middle Island, as a whole, would see to their children being educated. It was the only hope they had. Mr Pratt spoke for about an hour and a half, and was loudly applauded at intervals and at the conclusion of his speech. Mr ChabiiEy Tikao moved a vote of thanks and confidence. He was very pleased to see their member, from whose speech he had learned that that gentleman had been doing good work for the benefit of those who had sent him to Parliament i to represent them. The motion was put and carried unanimously. j The meeting then closed. j ■ ■■ -