MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 March 1935, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J.H.S. for "The Daily Times.”) HOME RULE IN N.Z Self-government was granted to New Zealand in 1852; but owing to the multiplicity of its ancient formalities, rules, and regulations, the Maoris, who legally owned most of the land and rightfully all of it, made strenuous objections. One thing especially appealed to them, that they were not entitled to vote unless they could speak, read, and write English. In proroguing the British Parliament Queen Victoria "trusted that the constitution might promote the welfare and contentment of that distant but interesting colony.” She dreamed as little in her day as do our makers of rules to-day, that restrictions and formalities are the main cause of unseemly strife in church and state, tribes and nations, sport and labour. Sir George GTey saw it, and promptly assented on behalf of the Maoris to defer the constitution for 'five years, thus practically deciding to "rule by agreement,” as all'common sense folk do in their own peaceful home circle. The Legislative Council of ten members was increased in 1857 to twenty, and the Lower House from 24 to 40. Even then as to-day, the people thought the machinery or the horse-power was too big for the ship. We had 31,000 Europeans, and 56,000 Maoris when the. settlers took the management into their own hands. No one was surprised that from the first announcement of electing superintendents and . representatives to the various councils, the eight newspapers were filled with bitter advertisements, leaders, and squibs concerning the candidates. Virulent personalities led to libel actions. The bitterness of two editor proprietors, Brown and Williamson, both of whom were afterwards to be Superintendents, caused mixed mirth and hatred.

Every settler who claimed the right was permitted to register and vote, so that restrictions as to age and property were ignored, and the franchise was truly universal. Only 100 Maoris (1 in every 560) were on the roll, yet pion who had influenced English elections with brickbats were voters in New Zealand.

When the Maoris.saw the violent gestures of the sneakers and heard the angry shouts of the crowds of electors, ttiev discreetly retired to a distance in amazement: but roars of laughter reassured them, and they joined in the fun.

At Nelson, where there were 5000 whites and onlv 1000 Maoris, they solemnly formed a "provincial council” of their own, and elected a superintendent chief. Among the 100 MaoHs enfranchised by us, a number artlessly sought bids for their votes.