THE FIRST MAORI PARLIAMENT OR DISTRICT RUNANGA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 10, 23 May 1862, Page 13

THE FIRST MAORI PARLIAMENT OR DISTRICT RUNANGA.

Nations, like the world on which they live, have their dark phases as well as their bright ones, which history records, as so many pillars of remembrance, pointing out the eventful occurrences of time. No radiant cloud appeared in the moral atmosphere of New Zealand, prior to the arrival on its shores of the Anglo-Saxon race. Some of its gloomy epochs were, the burning of the Aratua canoe, with the slaughter that ensued; the great mortality amongst the Maori tribes, caused by the epidemic named Rewharewha; the Noanoa, when the rites of the ancient tapu were infiinged upon, and sought to be removedj and in later times, the massacres of Whetumatarau, Mokoia, Tawakohia, and other places, threw their shadows upon the blood-stained island. When the foot of the white man touched the soil of New Zealand, the light began to dawn; and, although the sky has been occasionally overcast, by the inhuman tragedies enacted on the battle-field, the sun has reappeared, and is now cheering with his rays the hearts which were once sad. Perhaps the most remarkable of contemporary events, is the establishment of Sir George Grey's plan for the government of the Maori people. Much, indeed, might be written upon the immense advantage, and extreme suitability, to the wants of the Native tribes, of the newly-introduced Civil Institutions; but as they are no longer an experiment but a deeply interesting reality, we preferthat our readers should draw their own inferences. The Ngapuhi natiou has had the honor of holding the first District Runanga, and their friends may well be proud of the manner in which the recently-elected mem-

bers conducted the business of the Council. With much pleasure we lay before our readers the detailed accounts of the whole proceedings of this Native Council, —pecu liarly notable, as being the first of its kind,which were forwarded to the Government by the Civil Commissioner for the Bay of Islands District, Mr. Clark, and which will, doubtless, be read with unusual interest both by Europeans and Natives.

Civil Commissioner's Office, Waimate, April sth, J862. Sir,—l herewith enclose to you for the information of the Government, the following documents, viz., Copy of the Minutes of the Bay of Islands District Runanga, with translations, March 25th, 1862, at Waimate. Copy of the address of* the President of the Runanga to the Chiefs of the Runanga, with translation. Copy of the proposed standing orders, for the guidance of the Runanga, with trantktion. Copy of the proposed organization of the District, with translation. Theaccompanying remarks will explain the principal business to which the enclosures refer. The proceedings of the first day, namely, 25th, call for a few observations. About 500 Natives were assembled at the Waimate; and at the request of Taraati Waka, and many othir Chiefs, who were not mem* bers of the Runanga, the day was given to them to discuss the new policy in their own way, as a preliminary for its formal introduction on the morrow. An outline of the speeches, which were taken by a Native reporter, shall be forwarded as soon as they can be collected.

It was gratifying to learn that no objections were raiaed to any of the appointed members of the Runanga by the assembled Chiefs, and there is every reason to believe, that if there had been an election to-morrow, those Chiefs "who have been already approved of by the Government, would have been returned by the people, as members of the Runanga, to represent the District. The only complaint I could hear was that the number of representatives was far too small, and when reminded that two more members -could be nominated by the Runanga during the Session, their reply was, " that there ought to be ten instead of two," and I apprehended that there would be great difficulty and dissatisfaction upon this point. On the 26th, accompanied by the magistrates, and interpreters of the district, with sever*l English ladies and gentlemen, I met the Chiefs of the Runanga, to open our first Session, in the order as stated in the Minutes. "Wegreatly felt the want of better accommodation, and though every arrangement was made to provide for the public, we were incommoded for want of room. As the was fine, we might have had our meeting in the open air; but I submit that such a step would not only have been inconvenient, but contrary to the expectation of the Chiefs, who had been given to understand that their assembly was to be after the model of English councils; moreover, had the meeting been held outside, we could have had no control oyer the Chiefs, who would (whether members or not) have made their speeches as they pleased; and would have been as disorderly as they usually are at their own meetings ; as it was, we had order and regularity, and a precedent for future Runangas. The documents enclosed will shew the amount of business done on the first day. The whole was conducted to the satisfaction of myself, the Native chiefs, and English visitors. Motions were made and seconded, as described in the Minutes ; the Chiefs having been schooled the night before in the way in which English assemblies are.con-r ducted; and by the energetic and persevering exertions of Mr. Williams, the magistrate of this hundred, who assisted them in writing out the motions, they soon became masters of the subjects. The Chiefs who could not write were selected to. second the motions, which they did with credit. On the 27th the real business of the session commenced; the first subjects discussed were standing orders, and the organization of the District. In considering the organization of the District, some of. the members remarked that the subject was too important to be lightly entered upon; I was of the

same opinion, and was glad of an opportunity of advising them to pass a resolution to have the papers printed ; so as to give the Government time to make such amendments as might be more fitting; or to prepare a more perfect organization to be laid before them at their next meeting, and to have copies of the proposed arrangements printed and placed in their hands, previous to their being called together. This was unanimously agreed to,, as shewn in the business of the. day. The next, business was the selection of two more Chiefs for the District Runanga ; and, as I expected, most of the members had a friend to provide for. The first chief proposed was Wiremu Tana Papahia, a Rarawa chief, living at the North Head of Hokianga, and whose influence, extends as far as False Hokianga • a very proper- person, and one that I had fixed upon while on my tour to Hokianga in December last. There was unanimity of feeling upon this matter ; he was therefore nominated: after which, Tamati Waka pressingly brought forward Ruhe, a chief of Pukenui, and so bent was Waka upon this point that he tpld the Runanga he would vacate his seat, if there was no other way of getting Ruhe into the House; and though many of the members thought that a more fit person should have been proposed, they gave way to Waka, and nominated Ruhe. lamat a loss what to recommend as the best course to be pursued in this case. Ruhe can do us much mischief, and but little good; but being a friend and relation of Waka's, if not admitted into the Runanga, we shall lose Waka, and much of his influence; and if the Government is unwilling to admit a larger number than twelve, by electing Ruhe we shut out more useful and influential men. The best suggestion I can offer is, that he be admitted as an honorary member, but I fear neither Waka nor himself would be satisfied. The next Chief was proposed by Marsh Kawiti, named Piripi Korongohi, of Tau* toro, a Chief of secondary rank, but over whom Marsh has influence, and claims him as his friend and neighbour. I reminded the Runanga that they had already made up their number to twelve, the original number proposed by the Government; but out of compliment to Marsh, Piripi was unanimously named for the approval of the Government. I could not recommend this Chief; even if the Government were prepared to admit a larger number of members; not being one of the first rank, his influence is very small, and even in a Native point of view, his character does not stand .very high. To prevent future embarrassment, both to the Government and the Chiefs themselves,

I would suggest that after having finally determined on the number of chiefs to be admitted to the Runanga, and to be paid by the Government, that if members wish any further augmentation -of their numbers, the Runanga must find means for paying them ; as the Government can only admit them as honorary members. This, I think, would save both Government and chiefs from being continu.lly pestered with applications from their friends. But, before leaving this subject, I am prepared to advise the Government that there should be an addition of at least three more members for this District, making them in all fifteen. The whole of the coast line from Russell to Tutukaka, being the greatest part of the hundred of Kororareka, is unrepresented in the Runanga by any chief of the hundred ; and Marsh Kawiti, though not living within that hundred, but possessing great influence in it, made some just observations in the Runanga upon the subject; he felt, he said, that they, the natives of that hundred and himself, as their friend, had been greatly neglected. I would therefore propose that three of the principal chiefs of that and the bordering hundred of the Waimute, with one warden, be selected by the people, assisted by Marsh and his friends, and approved of by the Government, to represent that part of the district in the Runanga. This, I think, would give general satisfaction to all the chiefs of the district. I feel confident that no district of the same extent and population coald at first be worked, with a smaller number of chiefs, with anything like success; gradually, the expenses attending this great policy may be lessened, fe\ver English magistrates will be required, when the district is well organized, and the Natives better understand their duties. The papers referring to the payment of the members of the Runanga, and other Native officers, were called for and laid before them; and in committee debated upon for hours. Nothing could convince them that they were on an equality, as members of the Runanga, while there was an inequality of salary. The salaries of constables and wardens, they remarked, were equal, and why should not theirs be ? They could not comprehend how it was that a constable should be paid more than an assessor? Their decision will be found in the Minutes of the day, and their debates and arguments were often a credit to their understanding. In revising the list of assessors, they struck off five or six as useless; but with the exception of Tamati Hapimana, whose name was

erased as a notorious drunkard, it appears to me that the others should retain their pittance as a pension, being very old men. Mitai Pene Taui was struck off with the rest, having left the district. I hope, at an early convenience, to supply you with a complete list ot assessors in the district, with a few suggestions for the further improvement and efficiency of these officers. The Runanga adjourned at about 11 o'clock, after sitting nearly 19 hours. On the 28th the Native Chiefs began to show symptoms of uneasiness, aud I found it would be impossible to keep them in good humour for business much longer; therefore at their unanimous request, I agreed to close this, our first session, in the evening, which I did, just before 4 o'clock ; first passing several motions respecting our next meeting, determining the place where, and the time when, it should be held. It will be seen that much more was pro. posed for the consideration of the Runanga than could have been got through in one session ; important subjects have been left untouched. Much time was taken up. in filling up offices, and I was unwilling either to hurry or weary the chiefs of the Runanga. It is only a beginning, but, with the assistance of the I hope to be able to make more comfortable provision for the next meeting, and secure more time for business. In the int rim, the chiefs will be much better prepared to understand their duties. I hope that, upon the whole, this first effort will meet with the approbation of the Government. It has afforded roe satisr faction : and too much cannot be said, of the respectful and praiseworthy conduct of the chiefs aod Natives in general, upon the occasion. The meeting broke up, with but one cloud to darken our otherwise bright day, and that was an attempt by Native sellers to introduce spirits; but, with the exception of a few unsteady Natives, it was a perfect failure; harmony prevailed, and all returned to their homes much pleased. I have only one more remark to make, and that is, that if the proceedings of the Runanga meet with the approval of the Government, I suggest that they should be printed, in the shape of a small pamphlet, in English and Maoii, and sent to the different chiefs; if published piecemeal in the Maori Messenger, I fear they will never be read ; a few copies will suffice, and will please the Ngapuhi, and will not interfere with their insertion in the Messenger. The subject for erecting a suitable build*

fag fof a RotHngft house, and its locality, I wilf resume at. another opportunity. I have, &c, George Clarke, Civil Commissioner. The Honorable The Native Minister.

f MEMORANDUM.] Civil Comini&fcfonev's Office, April 7th, 1862. I( appeared to me better to send the Native Speeches made by the different members of the Runanga in their original form, as they came from. the Native repoi ter himself. They maybe depended upon as being perfectly Correct, though a good deal condensed, the reporter having been instructed to take down the heads of the speeches, and which wil be expected tor appear either in the Maori Messenger or in some other publication. The Ngapuhi chiefs have expressed themselves disappointed by not seeing in print an account of the meeting with His Excellency the Governor in November last at the Waimate, affd at Hokianga. They jstate that everything said and done by the dhaffected Natives of Waikato is printed in the Maori paper, but their loyal speeches and Conduct have been unnoticed. They hope that this will not be the case with tbe proceedings of this their first Runanga The speeches made by the chiefs out of doors on the first day of their meeting were very satisfactory. One and all urged the adoption of the new policy. The notes were tnostly taken in pencil, and would require .more time than I can at present command to .decipher them; but they will be carefully deposited with the records of the Runanga, and will be forthcoming whenever called for. I should be glad to have the accompanying original speeches returnee, to be kept with the other records of the meeting in this office. I must bfg to call the attention of the Gov«mraent to Maihi's speech, it will be seen thai he expresses himself disappointed at not having had an answer from tbe Government respecting his meeting .at the Kawakawa in January last. George Clabke, Civil Commissioner.

[translated from the Maori.] Friend^—Chiefs of the Runanga, listen t iny word*. Great is the joy of my heart this day. This is the first District Runanga of New Zealand, which has been convened by the Government We are assembled at this .time in the midst of peace, in order to layV

down, new and good regulations, that we may dwell together in love. Friends, I have in remembrance another Maori Runanga called by your fathers long" ago (most of whom are dead). It is nearly forty years since that Runanga (took place). I was then listening to the words of the chiefs. Hongi Hika was there, and Kawiti and Muriv wai and Taonui and Pi, and many others of the chiefs—the thoughts (or deliberations) of that Runanga were about war, and the destruction of the Ngatiwhatua of Kaipara. I did not know then that I should see a day in the future when I should be required to call you to assemble in peace. Your fathers have passed away, but you their children have met this day in harmony and love. The thoughts of the ancient Runanga were of war and mischief, but the counsels of the present Runanga are to holdfast peace, that we may do that which is right. What is our objecc in thus meeting together ? la it to throw down wors for the destruction of man ? No, we are seeding for a different order of things. Our business at this Runanga is to lay down regulations by which men may live; that the Englishman and the Maori may dwell together in peace ; that we may be united as one people, with one code of laws for us all, and one great head, our compassionate (or loving) sovereign Queen Victoria. It is by the desire of the Governor and his Council, that this assembly has been convened and set up as a Runanga, that we may make regulations by which the law can be carried out by every one in this district. For many years past you have urged the Government to.give you laws like those of the English,, that you might be enabled to do that Which is right. You are quite sensible of the errors of some of your Maori usages. One thing which has weakened (or disheartened) you in your labours was the thought,' that if you possessedproperty, some excuse would be found by others whereby you would be robbed of all your gains. It is on account of this practice that the Maori cannot equal the Englishman, for he possesses-no law (which can act)as a guardian to his property. Many of the thoughts (or opinions expressed) at your Maori Bunangas were very excellent, but those good ideas were com' pletely lost for want of unity in the work. If you did agree on perceiving a good proposition, yet because this regulation wasneither made public, nor written (nor recorded), it was never carried out, b«ng hidden '(or forgotten).

Now all that is done at this Runanga will be written, and, if the Governor and his Council consent, will be printed, so that being a -fixed record, men may learn, and thus all of this district will be enabled to fulfil the laws. Another thing causing difficulties among you has been the want of a leader (for carrying put) these regulations. According to your Maori usages every man was an adjudicator or magistrate, and if any man did evil ypn did not quietly judge bim for his fault, but took tauas (or fighting men) to strip his village—thus casting the sin of one man upon many, robbing all, whether orphans, widows, or sick people; distressing all by this system of plunder. It is by this means that the Maori rape is kept in poverty. Friends, now will be the time of your prosperity if jpu carry put the Governor's new scheme which has been given tp us, because it is for this Runanga to devise measures (or laws) for the magistrates or assessors to lead in the Courts. It is for the wardens (or guardians) and the heralds (or constables} to preserve peace, so that order may be kept throughout the district. Perhaps you have not forgotten your loving friend Mr. Marsden r You urged him to give you laws that evil might cease ; but he replied that he was a minister, and had other work to do, which was, to teach the laws of God and make known the Gospel. You also urged your other missionary friends to give you laws, but the answer they returned was the same as Mr. Marsden's. After this you prayed to the British Government to devise laws for you. This was long before the Government arrived in this island; but on account of suspicions and a want of unity among your chiefs, this thing could not be accomplished. Then when the Government came to this island, you looked cautiously, and you bad no confidence in the good feelings of the English towards you. Other things which added to the difficulty were the divisions (or wars) among yourselves, and then the de« sire for British laws ceased. At this time you are seeking for good regulations, and the Governor and his Council are desirous that you should work together, in order to devise such measures as will enable the Maori people to climb upward in the good path, that our laws may be alike, so that we ruay become one nation, and that the English and the Maori may dwell together in trapquillity. This is the -reason why .this assembly is called together by the Governor and set up to be a Runanga, in order to lay down good laws. let us labour as one with the'

Government in this good work, let.alL our thoughts null one way and thus throw all our strength together. Let us fulfil that proverb of the English, " A long pull, and a strong pull, and a pull altogether." How would the plough speed if one ox was yoked in front and the other behind, thus pulling (in opposite directions) ?—the plough would stand still upon the ground. What would beome of the swiftness of the canoe if some determined to paddle backwards while the rest pulled forwards ?—the canoe wonld lie helpless upon the ocean. Our labour will fee in vain and our canoe will float helplessly if our thoughts are not agreed about this great work we have to do. Let us not foe gloomy because of our ignorance respecting this new work. The child does not arrive at manhood in one day; nor does a sapling become a large tree within a week. I know that there are many rules in this new work which will not foe quite clear to you at first, but let us persevere. It was by perseverance that you learned to read and write. Many things are done easily by you now which were looked upon ignorantly (or as great difficulties) before. You have seen the ordination of Maori clergymen, and your ears have listened to the words of the Gospel preached to you by them. Perhaps hereafter some of you or your children will speak in the English House of Assembly ; that is, if you study the English language. You are able (or equal) to do this. You must strive to have your children taught the English language, that they may by that means learn all the good knowledge of the English. I will now proceed to place before the Runanga an outline of the business of the session. 1. In the first place I shall lay upon the table for your consideration and approval the rales and standing orders tor the guidance of the Runanga. 2. The rules by which it is proposed to organize or constitute this district will require the most attentive consideration of the Runanga, for .when fully settled and ap- | proved of by the Governor and the Runanga, will form the basis of all future proceedings. I shall bring under the notice of the Runanga the following subjects, namely : 1. The number of chiefs which are to constitute the District Runanga. Ten have already been appointed by the Governor and Council. Two wardens are required for the Hundreds of Warmate and Kororareka. 2. The Runanga will proceed to; nominate the above officers for the approval of the Governor.

3. The Runanga will proceed to nominate 20 Kareies in! the following order :—7. for Hundred of Hokianga, 9 for Hundred of - Wahnate, 4 for Hundred of Kororareka. 4. The Runanga will consider whether any additional assessors are needed, and if needed will nominate proper persons. ■- Motions made by the Runanga and seconded upon the following subjects: 1. That all Tau as shall cease; and all disputes shall be settled by the magistrates and assessors. 2. No one be allowed to take the law into his own hands, nor be judge in bis own case. 3. That the English law be the tale of, action and decision. { »•■ 4. That the Runanga will provide for the settling of disputed boundaries of land. 5. The Runanga pledges itself to carry out the decisions of the Courts. 6. That the Runanga will use all lawful means for stopping the excessive use of ardent spirits. -■ - ■ % That the Runanga will decide upon the locality for their future meeting. 8. That the Runanga will determine upon the erection of suitable buildings for its accommodation. > 9. As funds will be required beyond the Governmentgrant of £IOO, that the Runanga - consider the way in which they be raised. 10. Provision for schools, school endow- - merits,' endowment for religious -purposes, medical aid, for consideration of members at next meeting; . • ■ 11. The place arid time of next meeting to be determined upon before breaking up. These will form the principal subjects for your consideration this session. May all our deliberations be guided and directed by the God of all wisdom, without whom: nothing is strong, nothing is holy. May He lead and teach us, that we may do that which is pleasing in His sight.