MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 17 April 1935, Page 5

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”)

TARE RARE RA—DISCORD.

At the moment of writing, 6 a.m., I am reminded that this Sabbath summer morn is the 80th Anniversary of tho first and tho most extraordinary session of parliament that over sat in New Zealand, one which is still quoted by the few remaining old Maoris to their Mokopuna (grandsons) as the Papa (cause) of the first real breach of confidence in Pakelia legislative control for Maori welfare.

It was the first Parliament under the Constitution Act of 1852, held at Auckland in 1854. Thirty-one members wero sworn in, eight were absent. Charles Clifford was elected Speaker. The Acting-Governor, Colonel Wynyard., addressed the “Upper” and the “Lower” House, a disparaging comparison beyond tho subtle mind of the Maori, who marvelled at this tacit implication of inferiority. The first subject of debate was whether the meeting should open with prayer. That any question could even bo asked upon this subject amazed tho Maoris, who were then true partisans of, the' missionaries. Prayer was adopted by a majority of ten, but only after bitter controversy. Metnbers spoke on behalf of six denominations. Here again the Maori was utterly confounded. How could prayer be a subject of discussion? How could the one great Atua of the missionary be represented by six discordant voices? Worse still, the Governor, emissary of the beloved Queen Victoria, under God’s blessing, differed with at least 28 out of 31 “Representatives” of the Queen’s loyal subjects! After seven weeks unseemly struggle during which Mr Revans, Member for Wairarapa, referred to His Excellency’s principal adviser as “a convicted criminal plea diner religious privilege,” a number of Ministers of the Crown led bv Mr Fitzgerald handed in their resignations to tho Governor. Dr. Featherston, in eloquent language, besought the House to act in a manner consistent with their high calling, so urgently needed to redeem their influence with the 46,000 Europeans and 60.000 Maoris. Notice of prorogation was handed in, and was followed by a free fight. The doors wero locked; but Mr McKay, member for Nelson, found his wav in by smashing a pane of glass. Amid cries of “Order” ho threw on the table a Gazette .wet from the printer, and cried aloud, “You are no parliament; that gazette declares this House is prorogued.”

His silk topliat was kicked on the floor and his umbrella flourished over his head. The hat was ruined, but the umbrella is highly prized as a memento bv Mr Mnckny’s descendants.

Can we wonder that the Maori king received almost unanimous support?