THE WAAHI KORERO.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8813, 15 May 1907, Page 2

THE WAAHI KORERO.

A New Development. Per Press Association. Auckland, May 15. There was an unexpected development at the Maori meeting at Waabi. yesterday. When the remainder of tho natives were about to depart (tho Arawas having already returned home) the president of tho meeting, Taiugakawa, suggested an amendment to the resolutions arrived at. Ho pointed out that they had not nominated anyone to act as leader of tho movement for the federation of tho native race, aud had Mahuta’s name been omitted from leading the petition to Parliament it would have been better. This action was condemned, except by the Kiugites, as an unfair attempt to raise the maua of Maliuta above that of other chiefs, aud [to revive tho kingship, which Maliuta was understood to have yielded on accepting an appointment to tho Legislative Council with Cabinet rank. This action, one outspoken delegate said, if persisted in would render tho attempt to secure tho union of tho Maori race nugatory. Mahnta, ho said, was'Ja chief, but more than a chief, and tho claim ho had to kingship Jho sold for a Legislative mess of pottage. This creation of him head of the union formed among other things to protect against tho Legislative enactments, promulgated by Cabinet, of which lie was a member, would nullify the efforts of tiro deputation. * It was urged that any defects should have boon pointed out while the whole of tho natives wore present, aud eventually tho matter was allowed to stand over till Wednesday.