PREMIER AT PAPANUI.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 382, 5 April 1902, Page 2

PREMIER AT PAPANUI.

A MAORI MOUNTED CORPS'.

FIVE THOUSAND TO BE ENROLLED. , (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. A large and representative gathering of Maoris took place to-day at Papamu, and was attended by the Premier and Mrs Seddon to bid larewfli to the natives before leaving for England next week. Among those present, in addition to Tamahau Mahupuku, the local chief, were H. Tomoana, M.L.C., Wi 1 ere, M.H.R., Captain Tuniarangi, Biowne and others. There was the usual performance of hakas, feasting, and speech-making. In the course of his address the Premier made important statements of the Government policy with regard to the Maoris. 11 was, lie said, intended to s j ,en d money in roailing and tue Maori lands which, to (he extent of over a million acres, had been handed over to the Maori Councils by the native owners, and these lands would he leased to settlers by Government for the benefit of the natives. The Government would also establish mounted volunteer corps of Maoris all over the colony, and lie hoped within six months to have live thousand men enrolled under the officers of their race ready to lie trained for the deferce of the country. He had d’iscusseo the scheme witli the new commandant, Major-General Babington, who warmly approved of this. The chiefs and people would have voice in choosing the officers, and tiiese would then be trained in their duties at Wellington, prior to being placed in command of the corps, the Government paying their keep during the period of training. In tlie event of our own men being drafted away for any purpose, we should then have a force of Maoris upon whom we could rely to defend New Zealand. The Premier added that when lie went to England he should ask the King’s advisers not to again refuse the offer of Maori volunteers to fight for the Empire. General Babington, who was present, briefly addressed the Maoris, and said that he had every confidence in saying that he could train them to be good soldiers.

He was anxious to teach them all he could, in the hope that some day he might have the honor of leading them in active service. The statements of

tlie Premier and Major Babington re

Maori mounted corps were received jW’Ui loud plaudits by the Natives present. Before leaving the Premier was the recipient of a number of gifts from the Maoris. The farewell ‘addiess to him and his advisers for presentation to tlie King is being pre-pi-red, and will I* offered for his acceptance next week by a deputation of chiefs who will come to Wellington.,