MAORI SPEECH ON MR. FOX'S MOTION.

Southland Times, Issue 1010, 26 August 1868, Page 3

MAORI SPEECH ON MR. FOX'S MOTION.

TABEHAsaid, (Mr. Puckly, interpreter) I, a Maori, stand up in the presence of this Assembly, to speak what I think. During the administration of former Governors I heard there was an Assembly in Auckland, and that from that Assembly I and other Maoris would get intelligence. After the Assembly, we used to hear what took place, and used to listen attentively. During this session Maoris have been admitted to tell the feelings of the. Maoris. I am pleased at the manner in which buiiness is is conducted, and the laws that are initiated, particularly those for making roads and depasturing sheep. I have therefore risen amongst you to speak. The thoughts of the Maori people are not the same as the thoughts of the Europeans. They were beside eacb. other from the beginning. You are the men who have wisdom. Haying understanding, you do that which is good. Evil can be always overcome. This is all I have to say at present. I shall speak of other things hereafter. Some things are being done that are clear ; others are being done at my place that are not clear. There are some things which have been done by you pakehas which I do not look favorably upon. One of them is the Native Land Court. Persons who are not entitled to the land are included ia the Crown Grant. Thus persons.without right become possessed of the land of others. I ask you the Assembly to look into this matter, for I am not pleased "with it. 1 will will now 1 speak o£ other matters which are being carried on. I speak oF a pound that is there. (That is there.) My property has been put into the pound — (laughter) — and sold (laughter) ; therefore I propose to Europeans that I have a pound to myself. (Loud laughter.) When I wanted a pound I was taken to the Court. (A laugh.) I say to you when you make a law, make it for the Maori as well as for yourself. (Cheers.) It is laid down in Scripture as well as by mas, that there should be the one law for both of us. I leave you to consider this matter.