NATIVE RIGHTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 9

NATIVE RIGHTS

GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE FEEDING AT NGARI’AWAHIA Antagonism towards the Government for its disrespect for native rights was shown by the Maoris at the Ngaruawahia pa yesterday, when they made representations to the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, to place their case against the railway authorities cutting into Taupiri Mountain, the burial ground of the Kings, before the Government. The Rev. M. Kepa, in the course of an address, alleged that the Government, in straightening the Main Trunk line near Taupiri, was actually encroaching on native land. ‘‘The Government’s action may be for the public good, but our rights should be considered,” said Mr Kepa. Replying to the natives, Mr Hamilton said every effort should be made to respect Maori sentiment. Even if the land were being taken for economic reasons, the attitude of the natives should not be lost sight of. He would take the matter up with the Government when he returned to Wellington. On his way to Auckland Mr Hamilton inspected the site referred to by the Maori spokesman. First Visit to Pa “This is my first visit to your pa,” said Mr Hamilton, “and it gives me the greatest pleasure to be welcomed in such picturesque surroundings. I have always had the greatest regard for the Maori race and for your representatives in Parliament, particularly men like Sir Maui Pomare. The native peoples are of the greatest value to this country and when we think what they have done for it we can have nothing else but admiration for them and would hate to have their social and moral values destroyed. You have your own ways of life, which are closely associated with nature, and we do not wish to disturb you. “The work Princess Te Puea is doing here, and elsewhere in New Zealand, is of paramount national importance and she is known far and wide for her wonderful qualities,” continued Mr Hamilton. “We appreciate all she and her people have done, especially in re-establishing the Maoris on the land. I have come to realise more and more the necessity of retaining the freehold of native land.” Members of Party Accompanying Mr Hamilton were Messrs W. S. Goosman, M.P. for Waikato, A. Gordon, chairman of the South Auckland Division of the National Party, and R. Braithwaite, secretary.