In the Karere of the 15th of September last our readers were informed that two new laws especially affecting the Maori people had been passed by the General Assembly of New Zealand.. It was stated that theobject of these new laws was to enable the Governor to aid the Maori people living apart from the Europeans in their efforts to raise themselves, and to become like their Pakeha brethren by ihe substitution of English laws for the old native-customs. The new hvw s to which we refer are, The Native Districts Regulation Act, 180S, and The Native Circuit Courts Act, 18d8. They were translated and published in the Maori Messenger for the information of the Maori people. Our ft-iends were told liuu these new laws couid
be.brought into operation only in Districts specially appointed by the Governor for the purpose, and thai such Districts would be appointed only where the Governor should be satisfied that the inhabitants generally desired it. The present number of the Karere contains a notification of the appointment of the first of these Districts. The new District includes the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, and part of Whangaroa. The native tribes living h this part of the island have long shown a desire to conform to the European customs, and to live under the same laws as their Pakeha brethren.. Many of their chiefs have been appointed Native Assessors, and most of these have endeavoured to discharge the duties of this office to the best of their knowledge and ability, and have greatly assisted the European Magistrate, Mr. Clendon, ■who from lime to time has visited the district for the purpose of holding courts. When his Excellency the Governor visited this part of the country in the beginning of last year, onesentiment prevailed, and was expressed by all the chiefs, w!h> were unanimous in professing a desire to be united with the Pakehas as one people, acknowledging one sovereign and obeying one law. The opportunity of proving the sincerity of these professions will now be afforded to these tribes, and we feel every confidence that they will continue to advance and to set ar. example worthy of imitation by other tribes in New Zealand. Success must in great measure depend upon the Assessors, who should carefully improve every opportunity of gaining in"formation and a knowledge of the duties devolving upon them. They should on all occasions consult with the English Magistrate who is appointed to preside over them, and be careful always to follow implicitly his direction in all matters connected with their official duties. They will find that they have much yet to learn, but nothing, necessary for them to know, which, if really willing to be taught, may not be attained by patience and perseverance. They will do well carefully to read and study tho summary of laws lately put into their hands.
They should also make themselves acquainted wilh the Acts of which we have tieen speaking. Fortunately ihey have timorig them many Pakeha friends from ■whom they have been long accustomed to receive instruction and advice, and who, we doubt not, will still be willing to help them by explaining -inyihing which may appear difficult or doubtful. We sooa hope lo be ab'e 10 state that the natives in the newly appointed district are furnishing to the other bribes of New Zealand as worthy an example of order and respect for law as we believe they now do of loyalty, enterprise, and industry.
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Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VI, Issue 4, 28 February 1859, Page 1
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580Untitled Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume VI, Issue 4, 28 February 1859, Page 1
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