A FLAT DENIAL.

Patea Mail, Volume IX, Issue 1118, 28 November 1883, Page 2

A FLAT DENIAL.

[per press ASSOCIATION.j

WELLINGTON, This day. Mr Mcßeth contradicts the statement that he is the author of the letter of the Maori members to the Aborigines Protection Society. The following is Mr Mcßeth’s version: “ During last session I was asked by Mr Tawhai, who met me in Molcsworth street, to attend a meeting of Maoris, including four members whom I had not s-’en or had communication with for about 12 months. The letter was the joint production ot the meeting, and i s substance had, I believe, been before thoroughly discussed. I wish it to he distinctly understood that I did not even suggest that the letter should be written and the Maoris probably consulted mo merely because they knew me to ho one of those who objected to the illegal treatment of Maoris on the West Coast. The statement that the letter 'was offered to the Press is quite true. I offered it to the manager of the Press association,since i's publication in Great Britain. I thought the coarse might prove the most expeditious way of raising money to transact n" little business in the interests of the Maoris, lam fully authorised by the Maoris to act for-, them in all matters relating, to the letter. I told them that it might probably be necessary to : publish it, and I have no doubt Major Tc iWheoro would endorse my doing so!”