TREATY OF WAITANGI

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1932, Page 6

TREATY OF WAITANGI

MAORIS’ FISH AND GAME RIGHTS

LAND PAYMENT SYSTEM

AUCKLAND, Juno 20

The historic incidents leadng up to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the actual ceremony and its far-reach-ing effects were outlined yesterday by Mr P. Smyth, a member of the staff of St.. Stephen’s in an address to members of the Auckland Institute. The lecture was illustrated with slides depicting some of the places that became famous through their association with the treaty, and most of the principal men of importance, both English and Maori. Many Maori,at present considered that the Government was not honouring the Treaty of Waitangi when it restricted the taking of oysters and prohibited the killing of native pigeons, Mr Smyth said. There were two or three oyster beds where picking was not restricted for Maoris, one being on the eastern side of the Mangere foreshore. The opinion was widely held by Maoris that they should, as was provided by the treaty, be allowed to enjoy the fish and game of New Zealand without being subjected to any restrictions.

The indigent state of a large section of the Maori population was attributed, at least by the Natives, to the policy of the Government in paying very large lump sums for land bought, he added. In addition, many Maoris would be better off at present if the money paid to the Native Land Board for Maoris had been invested on their behalf, as few of the Natives had any idea of finance and simply wasted the money while it lasted, and then found themselves poor. In one instance £BO.OOO had been fritted away in eighteen months, simply because the value of money was not realised.