THE NEW WAKA MAORI.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5306, 28 March 1878, Page 3

THE NEW WAKA MAORI.

The following translation of a circular Issued to the natives relative to the publication of: a Maori newspaper has been forwarded to us for publication : . The “ Waka Maori ” having been wrecked by political storms and opposing currents, the late editor of that paper has great pleasure iu informing the Maori chiefs and tribes of New Zealand that he is making arrangements for netting another “ Waka" afloat to take the, place of the foundered craft ; with this difference, however, that the late “ Waka” was under the influence and subject to the supervision of the Government, while the new craft will be essentially a Maori vessel, navigated, read, and owned to some extent, by Maoris themselves, and altogether independent of Government influence. The natives in this country are the owners of a large and valuable landed estate, they are equal in intelligence to the generality of their pakeha compatriots, and they evince a keen interest in the political economy of the Government. These facts ought to place them in a position which would enable them to bring to bear no small influence on the deliberations of Parliament, and the framing of laws which vitally affect their interests. At the present time, however, owing to the want of a medium for giving public expression to their voices, their wants, and their grievances, they are unable to make their influence and their power felt. It is not so with the pakeha. Questions affecting the interests of the pakeha are, by means of the newspapers, ventilated and discussed from oue eud of the colony to the other, and thus a pressure is brought to bear both upon the representatives of the people and the Government, which cannot be ignored. But the Maori has no means of making his voice heard, except through the medium of men professing to be his friends, whereas the latter too frequently prove themselves political schemers and intriguers, seeking only to gain their own ends regardless of the welfare of the Maori. The editor of the “ Waka,” which is now about to be launched, is desirous of remedying this evil as far as may be, and not only affording to the natives a means of expressing their views on any question, affecting their interests, but of promoting and encouraging an interchange of sentiments between the two races inhabiting these islands. Notwithstanding past disagreements and misunderstandings, there is much kindly feeling existing between the two races towards each other, for the expression of which the paper will afford facilities to each at present unattainable by either. With the assistance of a number of pakeha gentlemen, who are desirous of affording the Maoris the advantage of possessing a paper of their own, advocating their true interests and supported by themselves; the editor of the late “ Waka” is preparing to get another craft afloat—and he depends upon the assistance and co-operation of the Maoris throughout New Zealand to keep it afloat. So long as he receives their encouragement and support, he will stick steadily to the helm of his vessel, and navigate her in a straight course, regardless of wind or tide, storm or o dm. The “‘Waka” a’ill be launched from Turanga, and the subscription will be per year, payable in advance. Any Native or European desirous of becoming a subscriber is requested to be good enou.h to forward post office order for that:: mount, together with his address, to the editor at Gisborne, upon receipt of which the paper will be sent to him. The Maoris may rest assured that the new paper will ever be found fearlessly supporting the cause of justice and truth. From your old friend, James Gmndell. Gisborne, March 9th, 1878.