HUGE NATIVE CLAIM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2144, 29 July 1907, Page 2

HUGE NATIVE CLAIM.

THREE PROVINCES AFFECTED. MAORI CONFERENCE AT TEMUKA.

(Christchurch “Press” July 22,

A representative meeting of the Ngaitahu tribe, the original owners of the South Island, is being held at the Temuka Pa for the purpose of discussing their cliams against the Crown in respect to land in this island under the deeds of sale known as Kemp’s Purchase, Otago Purchase, and Murihiku Purchase, comprising in all over thirty million acres, extending from a line drawn east and west from Kaipoi in the north to Milford Haven anc: the Bluff on the south, practically embracing the whole of .Canterbury. Otago, and Southland provinces. The I natives claim that owing to certain | promises held out to their elders by the Commissioners appointed to make the purchases they were induced to sign the deeds which ceded this largctract of country. They complain that although their claim has never been denied by those who made the purchase, yet successive Governmetns have never made any earnest attempt to grapple with the matter with a view to its equitable and final settlement. Commissioners have from time to time been appointed, and exhaustive enquiries have ben made, and although, the reports were favourable to the natives, no action has been taken. The purchases were made as far back ac 1848, and the old people who signed the deeds have nearly all passed away. Under the iiurchase an area of 30,000. 000 acres passed to tho Crown, for. the sum of £SOOO, a price which the old people contend they ivould not have accepted had they not been promised that other large areas would be set apart for them and their heirs. The natives have petitioned various Parliaments, and have received a favourable recommendation that the Government should make liberal endowments for the natives, hut nothing further had been done. The house in which tlieir councils are being held is symbolical of the claims the natives are now engaged on for it known by the name of “Ti Hapa o Niu Tireni,” signifying “The unfulfilled promises of New Zealand.” The Conference has now been sitting for nearly a week, and much work has been done already. Long speeches aeeompainied with songs and proverbs suitable to the matter under discussi in have been delivered by the few remnants of the old people, who exhorted the young men of the tribe to be up and doing in support of the cause, and not like the eel-fisher, to be found nodding unconcerned on the river side.

The Conference has appointed various committees and sub-committtees, including a Record Committee to search and gather together all records, books, and data bearing on the claim. There is also a Financial Committtee to provide ways and means to collect subscriptions for the case. An Executive Committee has also been selected to manage the affairs of the tribe during the ajournmont of the Conference. All these committees are very busy in carrying out the different duties allotted to them.

The following delegates are attending the Conference:—Tlios. E. Green chairman; W. Hopero Urn, secretary ; Hoana Maaka, Taituku Hape. Hamuera Rupcnc, W. Karalitiama Te Wliakarau Kotua, Tuahiwi; Henare W. Uru, Christchurch; Wiwi Taiaroa, Otago Heads; Tewaiaki Taiaroa, Hoahi Tairaroa, Tamutu; J. C. Tikao, Rapaki; W. Joss, Stewart Island; Tupai Reiliana, Calas Bay; Kaitai Pahi, Kawakaputaeputu; Teone Erihana, Tiemi Hipi, Puketeraki; Pirini Ruru, Port Levy; Taari C Parata, Wellington; Tunuku Karetai, Mt. Edmunds; Ata'kou Kingi Ruru, Port Molyneux; Te Harawiri Keepa, Kaikoura; Tame Pero, Little River; Tieke Ropatini, Matene Rei, Taumutu; Tabka Whatiri, Raupuke Island; and IT.- Kahuti, Piriua Pama.

-In conversation noth a “Press” reporter on Saturday afternoon at the close of the day’s business Messrs Taari C. Parata and W. H. Uru stated that the gathering was the most representative ever held in the South Island, and the enthusiasm was uch as was rarely displayed at such neetmgs. The few remaining old Maoris were making fervent appeals to the younger generations to unite and persevere in tho interests of the native race. Much time was devoted to the question of native lands which is a burning topic with the South Island Maori, and it is their firm resolve to aporoacli Parliament ill a body with tlio hope of obtaining redress. A huge scheme to provide the sinews of war for the proposed pilgrimage would be discussed on Monday afternoon when the Council resumed. It was thought that a levy of £1 per head would be made on every male over 18 years in the South Island which would* produce about £3500. This sum would be carefully invested and drawn upon as occasion demanded for the urgent furtherance of the native cause. Perfect unity existed between all the tribes and the delegates were confident of much good work being done.

Tho Conference adjourned on Saturday till to-dav for the purpose of attending the funeral of one of flic old identities of the tribe who died at Moeraki at the ripe old age of eighty years.