New Zealand Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 1875.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4454, 29 June 1875, Page 2

New Zealand Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 1875.

The South Island Maoris having, in their own opinion, apparently failed in obtaining justice at the hands of the New Zealand Parliament, have determined upon seeking, it from a higher tribunal—if they ever get so far. Like Mrs. Weller and her friends, they have been holding meetings, and passing resolutions and voting supplies, but it is a question whether their resolutions will have even the transient effect of those who met to consider the injustice of clergymen being called upon to pay water rates, and the supplies certainly seem problematical alongside of the celebrated collection made in a soup plate. . At this date we •do not care to waste-time and space over an argument concerning the abstract and very remote justice of these Maori claims. We aro content to leavo that task to somo who, perhaps, for political purposes may deem it advisable just now to admit a claim that the colony could never pay. Perhaps the subject may even afford Sir George Grey an opportunity for another famous letter, treating of a history with which few will deny his claims to acquaintance, and of a people concerning whom he ought to know something. Indeed, we are prepared to go further, and allow that should the Maori claims ever come before the. Imperial Parliament, and should that Parliament admit thom, there can bo littlo or no objection to their forming a tolerably weighty item in somo futuro Imperial

budget. But in good sooth, and-with-out questioning for a moment the present zeal of Mr. Taiaroa, M.H.R., and his friends and < relatives, we have little hope of their ever getting so far as Westminster. We do not deny to these gentlemen a certain shrewdness and cautiousness in money matters. Some eighteen months ago they celebrated the opening of a house, wherein to discuss these claims, with much pomp, and invited their European friends to the festivities consequent thereon, not forgetting to charge those friends five or ten shillings each for admission to the- ball which followed. To a certain amount of providence in money matters, therefore, they may reasonably lay claim ; but even admitting this, we think the chances of some of their number going Home to represent them, and receiving some two pounds a day for doing so, or of a lawyer's expenses, on a similar excursion, being paid, are more than problematical. And yet we are free to acknowledge that even in this matter it is evident that the Maori has profited by the teachings of civilisation. That voting of £SOOO and another £SOOO on the back of it, with a refreshing trust in rather slight pecuniary resources, is very like the resolutions so often and easily arrived at by a meeting of indignant white men whose united possesions would fall short of five hundred halfpence. The tolerably munificent rate of payment for the delegates, too, is not wanting in resemblance to the pay which some civilised society, that has not a penny ■ to its . credit, will generously allow its officers and workmen. The Maoris have, however, only got. so far as the earlier teachings of the class of meetings they imitate. In time they will receive more advanced lessons, and will learn, in all likelihood, that it is easier in too many cases to vote supplies than to obtain them.