MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 June 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

LAND DEALS. (Recorded by J.H.S., or Palmerston North for the “Times-Age.”) The Colonial land transactions were dealt with in every way by the newspapers of many countries. Even Father Punch devoted pages and pictures of candid criticism to it. The verdict of the Supreme Court of Justice was a paradox worthy of some great humorist. “They could not prevent the Maoris selling their lands, and seeing large tracts about to be purchased by strangers; they could not resist buying what they probably thought was their own share. As men of the world their conduct was blameless, and the Supreme Court affirms the legality of their claims. As Missionaries, they were very censurable, for they indirectly violated the order of the society they served.” The Church Mission Society took the Scriptural view and decided that they much cither give up their excessive land claims or leave the Mission. Two resigned, one was superannuated, and the others offered to cancel their claims. The Archdeacon was reinstated after suffering five years’ suspension. The Mission Society was severely criticised; but modern judgment will no doubt affirm that the suspension and restoration were alike creditable to the Church Mission.

Following up this upheaval between the Governor and the Church, the settlers demanded and obtained a charter of self-government for the Colony. Accompanying the charter was a despatch from Lord Grey of the British Parliament, declaring that, “savages have no right to land they do not occupy."

Bishop Selwyn, Chief Justice Martin, and over 400 intelligent settlers protested against this and with influential chiefs wrote to Her Majesty on the subject. The Chief Justice and the' Wesleyan Mission bogged Lord Grey to reconsider tho question.