MAORI MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY!

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 116, 9 May 1868, Page 5

MAORI MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY!

In accordance with the provisions of the “Maori Representations Act, 1867,” a somewhat farcical proceeding has been conducted in our midst during the last week. The Act above named authorises the return of four aboriginal, natives of New Zealand, as representatives of the Maori interests in the General Assembly. The districts arc designated Noith, East, West, and South, and the colony is thus divided * —North of the Manukau and Tamaki; the East and West Coasts of the North Island ; and the whole of the Middle Island. How the four elect arc to do or get any good remains to be seen. Eor our part it appears to be a new variety of the foolish “flour and sugar policy” in vogue during the late war. The scene of the nomination in which wc are most interested, was at Woodcnd, near Tvaiapoi, whore on the 15th ult. upwards of 80 natives assembled in the name and on behalf of the whole Middle Island Maoris. Mr. Mackay attended, and explained to those present the course and the object of the novel proceedings, and after reading the notice from the Gazette, called nporL them to name their man. George Peter Martin then proposed Thomas Green* ahalf-caste, a fit and proper person to represent them in Parliament. The motion was seconded by Hopcr Pauru, Ihaia Tamini proposed George Peter Martin, but he declined the proffered honors. Peter to Ilori “proposed Wi Nahcra, who was seconded by Hehara Makaika. The Rev. To Koto proposed Paratcno Tamanui a Rangi, another half-caste* seconded by Hoani Era. A show of hands resulted thusWi Nahcra, .35 ; Green, 28 ; Parateno* 10. A poll was then demanded by Green, which Was fixed for March 6th. The polling places were Blenheim, Kaiapoi, Raupaki, Mocraki, Arrowhonua, Otepoti, Awarua, Grcymouth, Riverton, Akaroa, and Nartl. Accordingly on Wednesday last there was a large influx of Maoris to Blenheim, including men, women, and children* headed by a whipper-in* Peter, who brought them up to the Council Chamber, one at a time, as required. A conversation with this astute person showed us that he had a good idea of the Way of doing it, and he informed ns that the whole of histribe was going in for Green. S. L. Muller, R.M., acted as Returning Officer, and Hyppolite, of the Pelorus, attended as interpreter. The result was, Paratene* 24; Green, 16; Wi Nahera, 4. None of these candidates were, wc arc informed, known to the voters, who wished to elect Rori, and expressed disappointment upon finding they were three weeks too late. . The poll will not be declared till some time next month. Mete Kingi Te Paretohi was elected without opposition for the Western District at Wanganui on. the 16th ult. The Hawke's Bay Harold of the 18th inst. contains an account of the election of a native or half-caste to represent the East Coast native district. Mr. Cooper, the returning officer, having explained the purpose for which the assemblage was collected, Manaena stood forward and proposed Karaitiana Takamoana as a member of the Assembly of the Government. The chief recommendation of the candidate, as stated by his proposer, was, that while intoxicating liquors abounded, he never got drunk. This gentleman _ haying been seconded, another candidate was proposed called Tareha. A show of hands was taken, and the result was 33 for Karaitiana, and 34 for Tareha. A large number of Karaitiana’a men, it was said, were absent in the' stores about the town. The Returning Officer then said if a poll was not demanded,' 4 it would be his duty to declare Tareha duly elected. This not being done, Tareha \yas declared duly elected.