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Proceedings of of the Kohimarama Conference, Comprising Nos. 13 to 18 of the "Maori Messenger."
Reply From Ngatitoa. No. 2
Reply From Ngatitoa. No. 2.
These are the subjects upon which I wish to speak in the Maori Conference at Kohinarama:
| 1. |
Land is the main root from whence spring the frequent quarrels of the Maories of this Island. This is the ruin of the Maories, causing them to destroy and murder one another. Let the Governor now consent that those wars among the Maories be made to cease. This runanga now stands as a light to both races, to the Pakeha and to the Maori. Let this runanga be a beckoner to those who are going astray, following the old customs of the Maories, that they may come back into the good path which the Governor has pointed out as that by which the Maori race in New Zealand may attain to what is for their welfare, and the two races—the Pakeha and the Maori—may preserve mutual friendship. There is but one Queen who is a parent for these two races, who thus stand in the mutual relation of elder and younger brothers. It is this runanga by which a light appears above the horizon like the morning star. |
| 2. | Future sales of land by the Natives to the Government should be conducted by a Commissioner, to be appointed as follows:—Let the Governor select a Pakeha gentleman, and a Maori Chief as an Assistant, and let them conduct the negotiations for lands offered for sale by the Maories to the Government. Let them investigate the title, conduct the purchase, and make all the arrangements. In my opinion the system of land purchasing by the Government would by such an arrangement be clear. |
| 3. | In future when land is sold to the Government, portions should be set apart for the pauper Maories. Let the Governor appoint a Pakeha and a Maori Chief as trustees for lands so appropriated, and let these superintend them, so that the possession of such lands may be rendered secure, lest there should be disputes among the Maories as in times past. In my opinion the Reserves would then be clear.page 30 |
| 4. | For persons of this class have not the means of purchasing lands from the Government. |
| 5. | The money paid for the land by the Government should be distributed among the real owners in the following manner:—If there are two hundred persons, a Chief should receive 2l., the person next in degree to the Chief, 1l., and those of inferior rank 10s. This is the reason why the Maories are not able to purchase Government lands,—they do not obtain large sums of money. If 30l. were received by one man, or even 20l., then it would be possible to purchase Government lands. |
| 6. | Another suggestion I would make with reference to our lands is this:—That portions of them should be set apart for the benefit of the Maori people. If the Governor approved, these lands might be leased to the Pakehas, and the proceeds applied to churches, mills, medical attendance, and in defraying other expenses connected with Maori towns; also to the improvement of roads, that they may be like the roads of the Pakeha; provision also should be made out of this fund for the entertainment of Maori visitors. |
| 7. | With reference to the law for reputed wizards. Let not such a man [a wizard] be murdered. It will be for the Governor to reprove those who believe in witchcraft. If they persist in such belief, let the case be brought before the magistrate, that the truth or falsehood of this Maori practice may be made to appear, and that this foolish thing may be abolished. |
| 8. | Another thing is, that the Governor should allow of provision being made for the Maori ministers. Let land to the extent of five hundred acres be taken from among the lands of the Maories, and other portions, as sites for schools for the children, and for Maori churches. |
If land could be thus made available for the support of Maori ministers, the necessity for money contributions from the Maori people for the maintenance of their ministers would cease. The land would furnish a permanent source of income. The Governor's permission is necessary in order to carry this into effect.
These are my thoughts.
TamiHana Te RauparaHa.