MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 November 1940, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

WILLIAM FOX, PREMIER. (Recorded by J.H.S., or Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) The final duty of Sir George Grey, that of moving the obvious responsibility of ruling the Maori affairs from the British Parliament to that of the Colonial House of Representatives, was made possible by the defeat of the Richmond Ministry, and the accession of William Fox by one vote. It is, by the way, a remarkable coincidence that, in 1881, after long service as Prime Minister, Sir William Fox was finally deprived of his seat as member for Rangitikei by two votes. Mr Fox, as the new , leader of the House, declared that "The King Movement" was merely a desire on the part lof the Maori people for peace. Sir George Grey suggested that the Imperial Government should hand over the conduct of Native Affairs to a responsible Minister chosen by the Colonists. Mr Fox became the first Native Minister with statutory powers. The Governor still retained absolute command over the 6000 British soldiers, and not a man could be moved without his consent. Sir George knew more about the Maori language, their nature and interests, than all his advisers combined, and was still their real ruler. Had he been permitted to remain here another few years, the history and circumstances of the Maori race would today be an example to the world. There still, however, was that subtle handicap to success—finance. The British Treasui’-j er, through the Governor, still held the “key of the safe." This difference eventually led to the disaster of war. The new Premier, Mr Fox, announced in the House that his policy was a face-to-face conference with the Maori King and his leaders. On each occasion the Governor and the Premier were received with true Maori hospitality and friendly gestures.