Large Meeting of Maories near Wanganui.

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 4991, 10 January 1885, Page 2

Large Meeting of Maories near Wanganui.

SPEECH BY NATIVE MINISTER.

(Per Pkess Association.)

Wanganui, Last.night,

The juative meetings at Ranana com menced on Thursday morning, when a large number of natives were present. The Hon. Mr Ballance ou arrival at the village received a very cordial welcome. The following is the native programme : — (1). The consideration of the inferior bouodary of the property of the Wanganui people, which required to be confirmed by Parliament 12). They wished a native committee to be confined to Wanganui district only. (3). They had agreed to allow a steampr to be placed on (he Wanganui river. (4). AH surreys of land belonging to them the committees would deal with. (5 and 6). Leases and sales of land would also be dealt with by committees. (7). A committee would also deal with the question of the railway when it went through land held under Maori title. (8) Committees would deal with the question of surveys of land within the boundaries of their tribes.

In addressing the meeting, the Native Minister said the wants of the native people would be ascertained. It was necessary that in the enactment of law for their welfare they should receive assistance from Government, who also wished them to understand that laws were not made for one race, but for.the people as a whole. It was true that increased population meant increased prosperity to the natives, but it | was essential the land should not be held by the few. He would'take steps to have a new Wanganui district established on his return to Wellington. He asked them to settle the boundaries of the district amongst themselves, but as to the power to be given to the native committee, that was a large question, and would be carefully considered by Government. He had urged that the Land Courts should move about, and be held near the lands the titles of which were being investigated. Referring to clause three, he said it was a question for private individuals. He agreed that the committees should have some control of the'surveys of native lands, but it would be necessary for the Govern ment to find the money,, to be refunded out of the proceeds of the land. Referring to questions 5 and 6, he considered the people should hate 'the principal con* trol in leasing and selling of land. Boards would be formed consisting of three mem bers, one to be appointed by Government and two by the natives. Mr Ballance spoke for an hour re the railway, which he said the natives should gladly welcome, as it would greatly enchance the value of their lands. It was not the intention of the Government to revive the West Coast Peace Preservation Act, as.they did not object to the West Coast natives holding meetings, provided they would keep within the bounds of law. If they did not, Government were powerful enough to maintain law and order.' Tawhiao's trip home was alluded to. It showed the natives "it was useless to go to London for redress, as the petition was referred back to the colonial authorities. The gold prospecting on native lands would be left to the Native Committee, as the Government intended to legislate for the people of both races, and were not to be influenced by land sharks. He intended visiting the Maori people in all parts of the islands, when affairs affecting their welfare would no doubt be discussed. ... , .

The greater portion of the korero was over on Thursday night,