MAORI

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 July 1940, Page 2

MAORI

SELF GOVERNMENT. r . i Recorded by J.U.S., of Palmerston North, for- the "Times-Age.") In 1852 a law was passed in England giving New Zealand a form of Provincial self government. When proroguing Parliament Queen. Victoria "trusted that the constitution might promote the welfare of that distant but interesting colony.” Among the most important measures concerning the Maoris were that the Sovereign only should have power to purchase land from the Maoris. That part of the constitution of 1846 which required every Maori voter to read and write English was abolished, and both races were now equal in the eyes of the constitution. The people of New Zealand were much indebted to Sir George Grey for that liberal constitution of 1852. When proclaimed in 1853 the House of Representatives had 37 members. The Provincial Councils, however, had 87 representatives. Auckland 24, New Plymouth 9, Wellington 18, Nelson 15, Canterbury 12, Otago 9. After 13 years of irresponsible government had made our people anxious to rule themselves, the eight newspapers were full of advertisements, leaders and clever skits concerning the candidates. Quite a’number of libel actions resulted. The Maoris in Auckland were greatly interested on election day. and when there were signs of discord they ie tired to a distance, but when, shouts of laughter followed a witticism fh e Y joined the hilarity, the cause of which in a strange language they could not understand. When the speakers platform was vacated, several Maoris climbed up and by monkey tricks of mimicry caricatured the speakers, fins was followed by roars of laughter from all sides.