Drink in the King Country.

Manawatu Herald, 23 June 1892, Page 2

Drink in the King Country.

. On Monday morning a deputation ... bf. those interested in opposing the granting of a license for the sale of intoxicating drink in the King Country, waited on the Premier, Amongst those present were the Eevs Paterson, Elliot, Walker, Lewis, and G. J. Allen, arid Messrs W. Hutchinson, W. McLean, George Fisher, J . Duthie, and Dr Newman'; 1 M.H.R.'s and Messrs John Smith, J. Collins, F. H. Fraser, James Smith, J. G. W. Aitken, G. Martin, G. V. Clark, J. Brittain and T. Poutawera. Dr Newman, in introducing the deputation, said that they bad come for the purpose of protesting" against the withdrawal of the proclamation prohibiting the sale of drink in the Ofcorohanga, in the King Country. A hotel was not necessary for tourists and he, from his own observation, knew that the Natives were very opposed to the opening of a hotel in. their midft. ■ He hoped the Government would withdraw their proclamation before the Ist July. ': The' Rev Mr Walker said it was no excuse to say that there were breaches of the Licensing Act by illicit sales of drink to the Maoris, for he did not think the opening of a hotel in the' district would- cure 'the evil. He would only draw the attention of the Government ;.tp the state of things at Rotorua, which was. described, by a resident as simply disgraceful. As for the providing of accommodation for travellsrs. there were other other places that would certainly require a lioenso on the same grounds. The Rev Mr Paterson, in supporting the remarks of the previous speakers, said he had witnessed the ruin and degradation -wrought amongst the Native population by the sale of intoxicating drink in .the Otaki and other districts, which were very often turned into & regular pan* monium. The Hon the Premier pointed out that the original proclamation forbidding the sale of intoxicating drink in the King Country, was originally made at the instigation of the principal chiefs, Wahanui and others. He did not agree with those who would wish to treat the Natives as children, for if they properly considered the first petition there was v*q no reason why they should not consider the second. Mr Duthie, M.H.R., pointed out that the land had not as yet been acquired from the Natives, where it was proposed to permit the sale of drink The Rev. Mr Walker remarked •that the original petition contained 1500 names, whereas the latter only bore 30. Then there was the legal aspect of the case. They should take into consideration the opinions of the greater number. The Hon the Premier said that although he had not taken the opinion of the law officers on the merits of the case, yet he was perfectly convinced of the legality of the action of the Government. He con* tended that this was not any scheme for supplying drink to the Natives. Dr Newman said there was . no reason why, if permission, was granted in one place, it should not he granted all along the line. The present accommodation was sufficient for the convenience of tourists, at least it was good enough for Lord Onalow and suite. ' Rev J. J. I ewis remarked that the preponderance of the population was Maori, and that the evil results of opening np a hotel would extend to the whole district. The Hon the Premier suggested that it would be well if a consensus of opinion from the whole district was got, as the manaof the chiefs extended everywhere.' . Mr Duthie was of opinion that the expected increased value < of; Native lands was the motive which induced the chiefs to sign the petition. Mr Poutawera hoped that the importance' of the- subject to his countrymen would be sufficient excuse for his presence The Maoris were a simple-minded people, and were easily influenced by persons of interested motives. He earnestly protested against placing such great temptation in their way. He hoped 4 the Government would reconsider their proposals, which if persevered in would only result in abject poverty and misery for the Natives. In answer to Mr Ballance. he said that he could give no reason why the second petition was signed. The people are generally swayed by the chiefs, but individually they .are opposed to the introduction of drink amongst them. Mr George Fisher said that the proposal of the Government that the members of the deputation should get up a counter petition against the proclamation, was an ingenius one. *£ He thought that- was njdre j properly •the duty of . the Government, • who had the' requisite, machinery jaf their disposal. ' ' "'< ' The Hon 'the Premier : stfid. , he would put the strong opini6tt of the *. deputation before the Cabinet,, and in the meantime delay action with regard to the proclamation. Dr Newman thanked the Premier, and hoped that the opinions of the democracy would have as much weight with^he Gabineb as that of thei chiefs/ . The. deputation then withdrew. — N.Z.- Times. . •-> j. .> :>; ,:;,.. *