MAORI MEETING HOUSE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 918, 11 March 1930, Page 8

MAORI MEETING HOUSE

NEW GISBORNE BUILDING RESOLUTIONS AT HUI Press Association GISBORNE, Monday. Stirring scenes were witnessed today at Te Poho-o-Rawiri, the new Maori meeting: house in Gisborne which is to be officially opened tomorrow morrV ing by the Hon. G. NY. Forbes. Yesterday and today Maoris poured into Gisborne from all parts of the district, A large number of visitors came from the Waiomatatini hui, which was concluded yesterday, and tomorrow morning’ more Maoris wii: arrive, ar.<J before noon it is expected that there will bo 1,000 natives assembled at the new Kaiti Pa. An advance guard of Takitimus and Ngatipor eus came down first, in readiness to receive the visitors on their arrival. There were interesting scenes oday on the marae in front of the meeting house, as the joint hosts to the hut welcomed in the traditional manner the visiting tribes with chants, hakas, speeches and other customary greetings, which were replied to in kind. The speechmakers were the elders of the respective tribes. The tennis courts at the new pa were receiving the last touches this morning, in preparation for the special matches and for the continuance of the Maori tennis championships, which will be played tomorrow. At Ruatoria the championships were carried to the round just prior to the senii-finals, and the remaining games will occupy probably two or three days. In addition, the Moreliu Cup played for by teams representing various districts, under Davis Cup rules, * with one minor modification, is to bo contested at the new pa. A collection made at the Waiomatatini hui totalled £2,666, although the outside tribes represented were not asked to contribute. RESOLUTIONS PASSED Tlie following resolutions were passed by the hui: (1) In view of the lucid and comprehensive character of the interpretation of clauses of the Treaty of Waitangi by Sir Apirana Ngata. this meeting of responsible leaders of the native race unanimously declares its continued loyalty to the provisions of the said treaty, solemnly entered into by tlie confederated chiefs of New Zealand and her Majesty Queen Victoria in 1840. That a close study of the history of this country since 1840, in spite of certain tragic misunderstandings between the two races which, in some cases unfortunately led to war, reveals a strong and constant desire on the part of the Government to rectify its past mistakes, and to assist the development of the Maori

people, for which this meeting takes tlie opportunity of recording its thanks and deep appreciation. (2) This meeting declares its unbounded trust and confidence in the leadership of Sir Apirana Ngata, in all questions affecting the welfare of the native race of New Zealand. (3) That the time has arrived for a consideration of the Statutes affecting the Maori people and their lands. (4) This meeting considers that the consolidation scheme should be extended to Taupo, Wanganui and the Waikato right through to Hauraki. and that the consolidation of land interests be the chief function of the Native Land Court. (5) This meeting considers that the time has arrived when Parliament should make a larger annual grant, to enable the Native Minister to settle Idle native lands by native* more expeditiously, and that such grant be not less than £75 000. (6) In view of the more rapid development of native lands by natives, the Native Minister be empowered to direct that the funds of one Maori Land Board be lent to another. (7) In view of the more equitable rating of native lands, that such lands be classified, and that native lands classified es waste land be exempt from taxation.