IMPORTANT MAORI CONFERENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3737, 5 January 1928, Page 3

IMPORTANT MAORI CONFERENCE.

DELEGATES FROM ALL LEAD- ’ ING TRIBES. DISCUS’S NATIVE PROBLEMS.

One of the most important conferences yet held by representatives of the Maori race took place at Motuiti pah during the Christmas period. During the conference .occasion was taken to unveil a monument erected on an.eminence near the pah to the memory of the late Rev. Hone Teri Paerata. A confirmation service was also held by the Right Rev. Dr. Sprott, Bishop of Wellington. The gathering was distinct from many other large native assemblies in that there was an absence of the continual feasting and merry-mak-ing. Those assembled were present from all parts' of the Dominion to seriously discuss matters of vital importance and the discussions were marked with an impressiveness and dignity which indicated that delegates were grappling with problems of vital importance. Among those present were: — Hon. Dr. Sir Maui Pomare, Hon. Sir A. T. Ngata, Messrs. Hapi Love (Petone), Hira Parata (Waikanae), Tohuroa H. Parata (Waikanae), Arekatera (Otaki), Kipa Roera (Ohau), Rere Nicholson (Levin), Wiremu Kiriona (Poroutawhao), Taitoko Matai (Rangiotu), Hoeroa Marumaru (Bulls), Toro Ivrikau (Halcombe), P. Takarangi (Wanganui), H. Pumipi (Wanganui), Tupito (Patea), Pomvhareumu (Okai- ■ awa), W. Ringitanga (Mangapehi), Hira Te Akau (Taringaniutu), Eruera Te Akau (Manunui), Mita Taupopoki, Tetaru . Heretaunga, Te'•keepa Tamati, Miki ApoVo, Aperahama Wiari (Rotorua), Hoani Te Heuheu, Werihe Te Tuiri (Taupo), Hoariri Te Paerata, Rauhina Reweti, Whatanui, Pihi, Rangitoheriri, Paora (Mokai), Taite Te Tomo (Shannon), Hekenui Rauhihi, Petaera, T. Roera, Mahia (Poutu), M. R. Jones (Hawera), P. H. Jones (Wanganui), W l . NgahanaJWellington), E. Chadwick (Hawke’s Bay), Wikitoria, (Gladstone), Hoani Haeata (Masterton).

The following is a summary of the resolutions carried by the confer enqe:—

APPRECIATION. That this representative gathering of the Maori race records its appreciation and indebtedness to our late illustrious Governor (Sir George Grey) for his thoughtfulness, industry and foresight, in compiling, publishing and- preserving for posterity the Waiatas, Pateres and Karakias, which he published under the title of “Nga Moteatea me nga Hakirara.”

RATING. That special legislation he enacted with the express purposes of * exempting-.from liability to rates the following classes of Native land: — (a) Lands over which proclamations have been issued prohibit- . ing alienations other than in favour of the Crown. 1. For the purpose of this legislation it be enacted that the issue of such proclamations be sufficient notification to local authorities and the Native Land Court for refraining from levying rates or nlaking charging orders for rates in respect of such land. (b) That in the eases of all un- . occupied Native lands the Native s Land Court, before making charging orders for rates already levied, is to be perfectly satisfied that such lands can be profitably utilised. A special feature was made of the position of rates levied on Native Lands placed under proclamation by the Native Land Purchase Board or any other department. Obviously where lands not producing any revenue were placed under such an embargo it seems unfair to assume any capacity to assess the land or its owners to meet local or any taxation. The problem is most acute in the Taupo district. VESTED LANDS. That legislation be enacted to uphold Mr. Justice• Reed’s 'judgment of the Supreme Court (re security for advances to lessees by the State Advances. Office) recently set aside by the Court of Appeal, as a protective measure for the interests of the Native owners of vested lands.

APPOINTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXPERTS.

That the Government be recommended to appoint advisory experts in agricultural and pastoral pursuits to assist Maori farmers. NATIVE SCHOLARSHIPS. That this conference recommend that the allocation of scholarships be reviewed and that as a guidance to the authorities, the following me-, thod of allocating same be adopted:- — (d!) That definite numbers of scholarships be made available by the Maori Purposes Board to each Maori Laud Board District on a pro rata baisis -fixed by the contribution , of each district to the fund. V (b) If, at any annual distribution of scholarships, any district fails to absorb the scholarships available for that■’ district, such unalloted scholarships are to be at the disposal of the Board for re-distribu-tion to other districts. , (c) Any action taken in the a-, hove direction to be gazetted annually in the month of June. (d) All Native pupils, whether in the State schools or Native Schools/ be accorder equal opportunities . of being examined on the set questions deemed by the Native

Schools’ inspectors as sufficient test for such scholarships.

MORHCAU FARM.

It was represented by a Deputation from Wanganui during the meeting that the Committee who are attached in an Advisory capacity to. the management under the Aotea Maori Land Board, did not receive the’detailed information relating to the finance and administration of the farm that they are entitled to. We have pleasure in recommending (a) That detailed reports regarding the Morikau Farm be submitted annually to Parliament on the lines of Mangatu No. 1 and East Coast Trust Lands; (b) that the regulations regarding the Cbmmittee of Management which were made in 1911 be suit present day requirements; tcf 1 that twice a year the position of the farm as a farming business be investigated and reported upon by an expert estates supervisor. It is suggested that Mi' 11. Symes, Supervisor of Farms in the East Coast Commission, make such reports.

COLLECTION AND ANNOTATION ' OF MAORI SONGS, ETC.' The renewed interest in this branch of Maori literature suggests that the time is ripe'for some organisation to cover the field. It is recommended that the Maori Purposes Ethnological Research Boards assist such organisation in a practical way. NATIVE LANDS., "

During recent Session. of. Parliament the need was emphasised of undertaking consolidation schemes in various parts of the North Island, particular reference being made tq North Auckland and the King Country. In regard to the King Country, it was considered there might be a difficulty in finding a staff or committee to undertake and carry through a scheme. We have now to advise that the nucleus of a competent staff may be found as follows: Ex Native Land Court, Wanganui, P. H. Jones; accountant, Hawera, M. R. Jones. Both are interested in lands under the proposed scheme and will have in addition to other qualifications, a motive of self-in-terest to sustain and maintain, the tremendous effort involved in the carrying out of such a. scheme. We have pleasure in recoipmending that a consolidation scheme be inaugurated in regard to Native Lands in the King Country and that in any ogarganisation created to carry out its details, Messrs P. H. and M. R. Jones be included. *