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Wananga, Volume 1, Issue 8, 24 November 1874, Page 38

SEPTEMBER 15th 1871. K. Takamoana, Speech in the House of Representatives.

In moving the Motion in his name, said, I wish to explain my reason for placing this Motion on the paper, and of which I gave notice on the sth Sept. My reasons for making this application are the greatness of your affection for us, the Maori people, aaid also the greatness of your, evils towards us, though your affection for us, you have allowed us to enter this House. And therefore lam the better enabled to explain. to the House the desires of the Maori people, so that, your word may be fullfiiled that the Europeans and Maories are one people, you agcuse the Maories on account of their ignorance, is tfce cause of the evil that reigns, I say, no, the «ause

lies with yourselves, and because you Lave nut extended to us your knowledge had you extended to us your knowledge, then you would be right in saying, now, the Maories are very ignorant persons. The first that the Maories learnt were taught by the Missionaries ,of the Gospel, and the result of that teaching is, that the Maories are ignorant of tlie English language. The application by the Governor to the Natives to sell their land was the second cause The knowledge the Maories have, obtained from vou in .that, matter is the destruction of the people, and the taking aw : ay of their lands. The nect matter introduced by the Government was the Native Lands Court, The result of our knowledge of that is, that the Land has been taken away ' from us. The nect point is, that you have allowed the Maories to enter this House, therefore I say, let us be equal, let your words be fulfilled, and let us become one people, do not let us be eccluded from any propositions that may be made in this House. Ido not feel able to enter into this subject at any great length on this occasion, and therefore will say no more at present. 31otion made, and question proposed. That in the opinion of this House it is desirable. (1.) That the Native race should be represented in the other branch oi the Legislature. (2.) That a Maori should be appointed a Member of the Executive Council of the Colony to advise with the Minister for Native alfairs. (3.) That the Mrori representation act should be amended, and the number of Maori increased to twelve, giving three Maori representatives to each of the present Maori Electoral districts, and that Europeans as well as Maories should have the privilege of voting at elections of Maori Members of the House of Representatives.