NORTHERN MAORI SEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 177, 5 January 1915, Page 7

NORTHERN MAORI SEAT.

TAU lIENIARE'S ATTITUDE. The meeting of constituents of Mr Tail 'llenare, the newly-elected member for the Northern Maori district, to decide the political course to be taken by their member, which was fixed for New Year's Day, lias been postponed to a day not yet "fixed (says an Auckland correspondent). The general opinion held by leading natives is that before getting Tail Hemire's course they should know in what direction lies the safe anchorage of a party majority. In the meantime, to put it in their own picturesque phraseology "Let Tau keep standing on one leg and then on the other till all is quiet." There, is another matter to be taken into consideration. Tf Tau Ilenare declares for one party the supporters of the other party will probably petition to have the election declared void on the ground of irregularities. If the mem' ber can keep them "guessing" and alternately stand oil one foot and then on the other, till the time for lodging a petition has expired, one of the great dangers of making a declaration would be removed. In conversation with tliree prominent Maoris, the Times correspondent was informed that owing to the exceptional circumstances and the fac! that, as they say. natives . supporting both the Reform and the Opposition parties voted for Tau Ilenare, the prevailing opinion amongst the leading men is that he should definitely state his in dependence and pledge himself not to vote on a confidence motion. Tau [fenare, like "Brer Rabbit," politically lies low. He says it is the holiday season and lie docs not mix politics with pleasure. At the Kawakawa sports, one of ' his supporters got into a heated politiI eal discussion. The new member pushed I his way through and dragged his man I out informing the croud that "polities ' can wait; the sports can't." So wait | polities will have to till Tau ITenare gets i a clearer and fuller view "I' the results (if tin; general elect inn. and the pople ; arc satisfied that their interests will j not be jeopardised by the course they set J for him.