MAORI LAND PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 840, 11 June 1910, Page 6

MAORI LAND PROBLEM

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. AN IMPORTANT CATKERINC. "HE AVILL EAT US OR WE WILL EAT'HIM." fßy Tolezraph.—Special Correspondent.! Auckland, Juno 10. About 1500 Maoris have now congregated at Waahi Pali, and yesterdaythey wore addressed by tho Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward). He-stated that, ho wanted tho Natives to understand clearly that the Government was prepared to do what- was just- and right by. Europeans and Maoris alike, hut they would understand that tlio time had gone by when any unnecessary delay could be tolerated in placing land not required by the Maoris at tho disposal of settlers. We wanted the Maoris, when dealing with the practical side of the question with the Hon. J. Carroll, to remember this advice. Where the Government provided money for tho purchase of land, or for land leased by the Natives, there was 110 object ill unnecessary delay. In fact, there would bo a great loss to liie Maoris. The legislation now 011 the Statute Book enthe whole of tho Maori land of New Zealand which was available to be disposed of by sale or lease was more perfect than it had ever been before. He said to Mahuta and his chiefs: "Conic forward without .delay and don't lay back. Come forward and help in this matter in the. interests of all.'' Although the Government had placed. 80U0. people i.pon tho land throughout the country during the last year it was apparent, liq said, that the people were demanding more activity and a further'supply of land. ■'J'Jie .settlement of the land was a live question and one which must lib dealt with in a live way. -

On the question of the rating of Native lands, Sir Joseph AVard, said ho .desired" to say a few words. Railways, roads, bridges, telegraphs, and telephones had been provided out of borrowed'money, and were adding'very much to the value of the"land, both European and Maori. The Government would see that the Natives got a proper price, for clieir land sold or leased, .and it would be recognised that tho time Jiad arrived for the Maoris to pay rates in the same, way, as Europeans. In the soutli of the North Islam! the .Maoris recognised that rating had got to come with the improvement in their land, which was brought about by public tnunoj. When the Maoris did this they would have the right to go on tho local , public bodies and take fiart in the management of affairs in their locality. The Maoris had the. same ad-, the matter of the advanced values, of tho' land, education for tho children, aud the use of railways, roads, and bridges as the Europeans. In the reign of George V things could not remain, the same as in the reign of Queen Victoria, when the illustrious' chiefs of\tiie past were carrying out a. law very largely their own. It could not be expected that the Maoris should continue to benefit by the expenditure of large sums of money,' unless they fell into line with tho. Europeans. If "they did so they would be stronger aaul better in ,all ways, and: people would not be able"to cast it up against them that they received concessions not extended to Europeans. Nothing unjust would be done .to the Maoris, but. it could not continue to lie said' by people, sometimes for political purposes, that settlement was. not going oil fast enough. .

. jlaiinta, who followed, promised tho Hon. James Carrol! a strenuous time on tho following day. He intimated that either the Maoris would gain their point or. the Native Minister would gain his. This is how he put it: "We arc pleased that Mr. Carroll is remaining, so will be very good. He' will either eat us, or we eat him." . WHO IS CAUSING DELAY? "GIVE US SOME MONEY." (by TelecraDli—Priori Association.! . i Auckland, June 10. A straight request for money in retunn for Native land was made by Mr. HenaroKajhau, M.P., to the Hall. Jas. Carroll (Native. 1 Minister) at tho conference at Waalii to-day. "We have given, you our land," ho S5«l; "you have the hanks, give us some money.'. If Mr. Carroll will agree we Will soon appoint- a committeo to go to Wellington to get the gold. Now, who is causing delay? It is up to you to tajk with pakeha money."