MAORIS GRIEVANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1916, Page 8

MAORIS GRIEVANCES.

RpAD THROUGH A KAINGA. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Wellington, May 21

A grievance that is agitating tlie Maoris of the Te Kniti district was placed' before the Hon, Dr. Pomare on Saturday by a representative of the natives, Mr." Oabriel Elliot, who was introduced by Mr. W. T. Jennings, member i'or Taumarunui. The Te Kuiti Borough Council has let a contract for the construction of a road, which, if completed as proposed, would pass through the native kianga, involve the destruction of a -carved dining-hall, and disturb a well known monument to a Maori chieftainnss. The Maoris have shown their resentment by destroying survey pegs, and feeling over the matter appears to L<- running high. Mr. Elliot said that the Maoris had not b-en consulted in any way regarding the work, and they believed that they had a right to protest. The road was proposed to be taken through their land and they objected to interference with theii kainga. He handed the Minister a petition, which he asked should be conveyed to the King through His Excellency the Governor. The petition set forth tlugrievance, and asked for the protection of the rights of the Maoris under the Treaty of Waitangi. The jfaoris, stated the document, did not want a recurrence of such troubles as had recently taken place in the Urewcra Country, but tliev felt that a violation of their rights should not be tolerated. Dr. Pomare introduced Mr. Elliot to the Prime Minister- (lit.. Hon. W. F. jUassey), who ascertained from the Public Works Department that the local body bjid not secured permission for the construction of the road. Mr. Massev promised that he would investigate the natter and see what ought to be done.