Dear Sir,

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 55, 18 July 1947, Page 4

Dear Sir,

Letters to the Editor must be clearly written on one side of the paper only and- where a nom-de-plume is used the name of the writer must be included for reference purposes. The Editor reserves the right to abridge, amend or withhold any letter or letters.

MAORI REPRESENTATION

Sir, —Let me quote Hansard, September 3, 1889. “Hirini Taiwhanga.” The first law in New Zealand was the Treaty of Waitangi, and because the provisions of that treaty were not carried out in a proper manner a war was created all over New Zealand. In consequence of the wars with Hone Heke and Rangihaeata in 1845 the Europeans applied for a responsible government, and England granted them “The New Zealand Constitution Act, 1852.” In the 71st section of this Act it was provided that the Maoris were to have a Parliament of their own. In 1858 the Maoris set up a Maori King for themselves for the same reason. The Europeans had not only failed to carry out the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi, but also' they had ignored the provision of the 71st clause of “The New Zealand Constitution Act, 1852.” In consequence of ' this Maori-King movement the war broke out at Waitara in 1860 to 1863. Although that movement was started according, to the provision of the 71st section of the Constitution Act. Instead of carrying out the provisions of the 71st section of the “N.Z. Constitution Act, 1852,” this legislation provided “The Native Land Act, 1865,” and “The Maori Representative Act, 1867,” which was contrary to the provisions of both the Treaty of Waitangi and the 71st section of the “N.Z. Constitution Act, 1852.” Therefore . the Maori merpbers had no right to come to that House and they were breaking the 71st section of the N.Z. Constitution Act by coming to it. The Maoris did not know what act or powers had brought them there except the passing of the Maori Representative Act. The above is an exact translation of Hirini Taiwhanga’s speech (Parliamentary Debates, August 18, 1875).

Following is part of a speech by a Maori member, Karaitiana- Takamoana of the Eastern district—on the Maori members of Parliament.

“The introduction of the, Maori members is by the General Government alone; they have introduced four members to treat them like tame kakas. The tame kaka decoy? the rest of the flock, and when they get near he turns away and leaves them to be caught. Therefore, I say, I shall represent to the people not to allow only four members to come here. You . are treating us like decoy kakas that bring the rest of the flock to be killed. Better kill them outside, do not bring them in here and kill them. Let your plans be laid here; but kill them outside. (Registration of Electors Bill June 27, 1890).

We read of the one-sided articles in the “N.Z. Herald” July 14, 1947, and the previous argument on the Maori representative rights. -Every rational individual employs his mind, occasionally in the contemplation of the past history of his tribe and his country. It is a wise and good thing to do so, because from it is derived a‘ large amount of information. We learn not only what our forefathers did' but are enabled to judge the wisdom of their actions by, the events which resulted from them. We all delight in the recollection of the great deeds performed by our ancestors, and it is right that we should be proud of them. Let us follow the example they have given us, when that example is good, but do not let us blindly imitate them. Let us judge of their actions, before we make them a guide to ourselves. It is great folly to say it is good to do such and such a thing because our ancestors did so, for they were like ourselves, all liable to do what was wrong, but let us add, as it were their lives to ours and we shall then have the benefit of the experience of many geherations and be better able to judge for ourselves' than they were of what is our proper course of actions'. The life of man, is short and but little experience is to be obtained by even the oldest pf us, while the progress which is made in those things which conduce to the comfort and happiness of man is slow. It has taken many generations to make the many discoveries which have rendered Europe so great—then why should not this country become equally so ? Now the true essence which culminated out of the Maori fepresenta-

tive argument is none other but the facts of:

Defending the Maori rights as to the N.Z. Herald argument.' (1) The facts must be based on a recognition. That in its Maori population, in N.Z. and the Pacific Islands, New Zealand has’ an undoubled asset, which must be consciously developed and shaped for the fullest participation in the life of New Zealand. '

(2) The .possibilities were indicated in the first World War; but revealed emphatically in the Second World War by the splendid overseas service of Maori soldiers, sailors, airmen and nurses, and in the untiring effort of Maori men and women on the home front, whilst Pakeha aliens and conscientious objectors went behind the barbed wires. In the Armed Services, in industry and on the land, Maori manpower was during those strenuous years, and (still is, most helpful to New Zealand.

(3) That the most promising and valuable element in that asset is the contribution the. Maori Returned Servicemen may make. They have learnt to love their Island better than any land to which their war service, abroad took them. They have lived and fought with or against most of the peoples of the world, and- in dhat varied company have not been less able and efficient. They have learnt the art and responsibility of leading men of their own race under the most'trying and exacting conditions. They have gained invaluable experience in handling strange equipment and mechanical devices. They have tasted of the freedom which other men of New Zealand and countries under the British flag enjoy, and realised that ,the policy of their native land denies them the fullest percentage of freedom.

Now in conclusion Sir, the writer would like to see an adjustment of the 80 Members in Parliament: Say 20 and the abolition of the Legislative Council. After all the country is run by Unions and _ Public Servants at the expense of the worker, the architect, the engineers, farmers and the producers and manufacturers etc! etc! Secondly, and the extension of the franchise to include all Pacific Islands, equal right, wages etc. etc., under New Zealand’s control. A general emancipation of all people irrespective, of their past failures £nd short comings. Kia Ora. Yours etc., PETA R. WAIRUA.