KING “TE RATA.”

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 92, 9 April 1914, Page 4

KING “TE RATA.”

For the sake of the Natives themselves the Auckland “Star” expresses much regret that “King” Te Rata and some of his advisers have decided to make a pilgrimage to England to lay their grievances in person before the Throne. Tiio purpose which the deputation lias in view is to secure the observance of the Treaty of Waitangi in accordance with Maori views, and to petition once more for the restoration of the native lands confiscated after the Maori wars. The “Star” points out that even supposing the Maoris have genuine grievances there is no reasonable excuse for tin; proposed mission, and the natural course for them is to lay then case before the local courts, and, if necessary, carry it on appeal to the Privy Council. The Maoris know well that they can depend upon evenhanded justice being administered hy our courts, and it is quite unnecessary for them to embark on such a problematic and futile enterprise as this to got their rights. At least, they can be sure that such interests and privileges as they arc unable to secure here are not at*all likely to be granted in England. Another practical objection to the suggested mission is that a laige and influential section of the Natives do not acknowledge the claims of Te Rata to represent them, and under the circumstances the project can bring nothing but trouble and expense to the Maori people without doing them auv appreciable good.