IMPORTANT MAORI CONFERENCE.

Shannon News, 10 January 1928, Page 3

IMPORTANT MAORI CONFERENCE.

DELEGATES FROM ALL LEADING TRIBES. DISCUSS NATIVE PROBLEMS. One of the most important conferences vet held by representatives ol the Maori race took place at Motuiti pah during the Christmas period. During the conference occasion was taken to unveil a monument, erected on an eminence near the pah to the memory of the late Rev. Hone Teri Pacrata. A confirmation service was also held by the Kight Rev. Dr. Sprott, Bishop of Wellington. The ijathering was distinct from many other large native assemblies in that" 1 here was an absence of the continual feasting and merry-making. Those assembled were present from all parts of-the Dominion to seriously discuss matters of vital importance and the discussions were marked with an impressiveness and dignity which in dieated that delegates were grappling with problems of vital importance. Among those present were: —Hon. Dr. Sir Maui Pomare, Hon. Sir A. T. Ngata, Messrs Hapi Love (Petone), Hira Parata (Waikanae), Tohuroa H. Parata (Waikanae), Arekatera (Otaki), Kipa Roera (Ohau), Rcre Nicholson (Levin), Wiremu Kiriona (Poroutawhao), Taitoko Matai (Rangiotu), Hocroa Harumaru (Bulls), Toro Iwi kau (Halcombe), P. Takarangi (Wanganui), H. Pumipi (Wanganui), Tupito (Patea), Pouwhareumu (Okaiawa), W. Rangitanga (Mangapehi), Hira To Akau (Manunui), Mita Taupopoki, Tetaru Heretaunga, Tekeepa Tamati, Miki Aporo, Aperahama< Wiari (Rotorua), Hoanui Te Heuheu, Werihe Te Tuiri (Taupo), Hoariri Te Paerata, Rauhina Ecweti, Whatanui, Pihi, Rangitohcriri, Papra (Mokai),, Taite Te Tomo (Shannon), Ilekenui Rauhihi, Petaera, T. Roera, Mahia (Poutu), M. R, Jones (Hawera), P. H. Jones (Wanganui), W. Ngahana (Wellington), E. Chadwick (Hawkes Bay), Wikitoria (Gladstone), Hoani llaeata (MasterThe following is a summary of the resolutions carried by the conference: APPRECIATION. That this representative gathering of the Maori race records its appreciation and indebtedness to our late illustrious Governor (Sir George Grey) for his thoughtfulness, industry and foresight, in compiling, publishing, ano preserving for posterity the Waiatas, Pateres and Karakias, which he published under the title of "Nga Moteatea me nga Hakirara." RATING.

That special legislation be enacted with the express purposes of exempting from liability to rates the following classes of Native land:— (a) Lands over which proclamations have been issued prohibiting alienations other than in favour of the Crown. . 1 For the purpose of tins legislation it be enacted that the issue of such proclamations be sufficient notification to local authorities and the Native Land Court for refraining from levying rates or making charging orders for rates in respect of such land. (1)) That in the cases of all unoccupied Native lands the Native Land Court, before making charging orderc for rates already levied, is to be per fectly satisfied that such lands can In profitably utilised. ' A special feature was made ot tn< position of rates levied on Native Lands placed under proclamation by the Native Land Purchase Board oi anv other department. Obviously wheYc lands not producing any revenue were placed under such an embargo it seem: unfair to assume any capacity to.asses, the land or its owners to ■ meet local or anv taxation. The oroblem is mosl acute'in the Taupo district. VESTED LANDS. That legislation be enacted to uphold Air Justice Reed's judgment of the Supreme Court (re security for advances to lessees by the State Advances Office), recently set aside by the Court ot Appeal, as a protective measure tor the interests of the Native owners of vested APPOINTMENT OF AGRTCVLTT7R-

AL EXPERTS. That the Government be recommend od to appoint advisory experts in agricultural find pastoral pursuits to assist Maori farmers. NATIYE SCHOLARSHIPS. That this conference recommend that the allocation of scholarships be I reviewed and that as a guidance to the authorities, the following method , of allocating same be adopted:— ()a That definite numbers ot scholarships he made available by the Maori Purposes Board to each Maori Land Board District, on a pro rata basis fixed by the contribution of each district to the fund. (b) If, at any annual distribution oi scholarships, any district fails to absorb the scholarships available for that district, such unallotted scholarships are to be at the disposal of the Board for re-distribution to other districts. (c) Any action taken in the above direction 'to be gazetted annually in the month of June. (d) AH Native pupils, whether m the State schools or Native schools, be accorded equal opportunities of being examined on the set questions deemed by the Native Schools' inspectors as sufficient lost for such seholarCOLLECTION AND ANNOTATION OF MAORI SONGS, ETC. The renewed interest in this branch of Maori literature suggests that the time is ripe for dome organisation to cover the field. It is recommended that the Maori Purposes and Ethnological Research Boards assist such organisation in a practical way. NATIVE LANDS. . During recent Session of Parliament the need was emphasised of undertaking consolidation schemes in various parts of the North Island, particular reference being made to North Auck-

land and the King Country. In regard to the King Country, it was considered there might be a difficulty in finding a staff oi- committee, to undertake and cany through a scheme. We have now to advise that the nucleus of a competent staff may be found as follows: Ex Native Land Court, Wanganui, P H. Jones; accountant, Hawera, M. R. Jones. Both are interested in lands under the proposed scheme and will have in addition to other qualifications, a motive of self-interest to suslain and maintain the tremendous effort involved in the carrying out of fiieli 't scheme. We have pleasure m recommending that a consolidation scheme be inaugurated in regard to Native Lands in the King Country and that in any organisation erected to carry out its details, Messrs P. H. and M. R. Jones be included.