There has been a long and wearisome discussion of the proposal that the Maori leaders shall proceed to England and lay the grievances of the race before the British authorities.
The movement has been initiated by Tupu Taingakawa, adviser to the young Maori ''King'', Te Rata, but the majority of the delegates are strongly opposed to it.
Supported by the Hon. Dr Pomare and Mr Henare Kaihau, they argue that before representations are made to the British authorities every possible means at hand of remedying their grievances should be exhausted.
Also, if an embassy is to go forward, it should be fully representative of the Native races, which should be united under ''King'' Te Rata.
The following of Tupu, on the other hand, are impatient of further delay, and declare that immediate application to the highest authority in the Empire is the only way to finality, especially as the New Zealand Governments for decades past have made no effort to bring about the remedies desired.
The chief aims of the visitors to England would be the restoration of lands confiscated as the result of the Maori wars, and the conservation of fishing and forest rights in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Notwithstanding the vigorous nature of the opposition, Tupu is determined that the visit to England shall take place, and berths have been booked in the Niagara, sailing of April 11, for a party of four, comprising Te Rata (the ''King''), Tupu Taingakawa (King's adviser), Paul (interpreter), and Meta Taraka. The intention of the party is to return in six months.
Tupu is confident of success, and determined that social distractions shall not interfere with the object of the visit. Proceeding through Canada, the party will endeavour to gain all possible information about the sister dominion.
• The well-known Deans Bush at Riccarton, the last remnant of the original bush which covered the country in that locality, has been presented to the city by the Deans family.
The bush comprises an area of 16 acres, and contains a very fine collection of native trees and shrubs, all growing naturally. The following condition attaching to the gift are laid down:- (1) That the bush be known as the Riccarton Bush, and be kept for all time for the preservation of native trees and plants; (2) that it be vested in and controlled by a board of five members, two of whom shall be nominated by the City Council, two by the Deans family, and one by the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury; (3) that entrance be free to all, subject to necessary restrictions and regulations made by the board; (4) that provision be made for the upkeep of the bush,. such provision to be not less than 100 per annum, and to be of a permanent nature, and not subject to an annual vote of the City Council; (5) that the City Council take the earliest opportunity of securing the necessary authority from Parliament for the carrying out of the above provisions.
• On her trip round the South Island the Government steamer Hinemoa (the Wellington Post says) encountered an exploring party on Wetjacket Island, Dusky Sound. The island is the scene of an old copper mine, which, it is believed, was worked out long ago.
An Invercargill company, however, thinks it quite possible that other minerals are to be found, and a party of four is now making a thorough investigation. The men will remain some weeks on the island for the purpose of collecting specimens of ore.
- ODT, 31.3.1914.
