EASTERN MAORI SEAT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3389, 2 December 1911, Page 7

EASTERN MAORI SEAT.

HON. A. T. NCATA RE-ELECTED UNOPPOSED. TWO! OTHER CANDIDATES WITHDRAW CONGRATULATORY SPEECHES. The Hon. A. T. Ngata was yesterday re-elected unopposed for the Eastern Maori electorate. Two other candidates, Tiki Paaka and Hori Pawa, were nominated, but they both withdrew. Tiki Paaka, it is understood, withdrew after a conference with Mr. Ngata. The Native land policy of the Government was reviewed, and is said to have formed the chief subject of contention. However, the points raised were satisfactorily explained to Tiki Paaka, and he withdrew from the contest.

It is stated there was some informality regarding Hori Pawn’s qualifications to stand. It seems that his name appeared on the roll of a European electorate, and he was not a qualified elector for the Eastern Maori district. This point, however, was not raised, and the candidate withdrew for other reasons.

The Hon. A. T. Ngata*s nominators were: —Heni Materoa, Henare Ruru, Mihi Hetekia, Wi Pere, Rawiri Karaha, Hone Parata, Rawiri Hinake, Karaitiana Ruru, Riliara Porou, Maika Taruke, Hamahona Pohatu, Hemi Ngarangikotuku, Rawhiti Paorata, Mateno Kaipau, To Miini Kere Kero, Noa Whakaatero, Otene Pitau, Ho/opa Kahuroa, Eruera Te Kura, Arapeta Rangiura, Harata Aratapn, Heni Tipuna and Epanaia Whaanga. Hori Pawa, farmer, Whakatano, whs nominated by Make Rangiheuea and Te Mame Wiremu.

Tiki Paaka, agent, Wanganui, was nominated by Aitini P. Kaipara and Rew r i M. Wikiriwhi. When it was announced that the Hon. Ngata had been re-elected unopposed, a number of bis friends and constituents assembled at Lysnar’s Hall, where congratulatory speeches were delivered. Sir James Carroll extended his congratulations to the Hon. Ngata and the other two candidates on the satisfactory settlement which had been accomplished in a friendly spirit and in a way the old chiefs would have liked to see the matter treated. The event was very important, for throughout the whole Dominion it would be known that in the whole of his district the electors had seen fit to return Mr Ngata. unopposed. Although this was the first time there had not been a contest, he did not say that they would always be so fortunate. Other” questions might arise in the future that would render a contest in the best interest of the people, but. however that might be. be desired to congratulate the candidates on having effected a settlement. Mr Ngata was also made the recipient of congratulations from Lady Carroll, Rawiri Karaha, Maika Tiaruke, and Hone Paerata. In responding to the speeches he said that they had seen fit to extend to him the same tribute as the European electors in this district had paid to the Native Minister. He thanked those who had opposed him for their withdrawal. Hori Pawa welcomed the opportunity of addressing the Native Minister for the first time, and also of meeting the people of Gisborne. In explanation of lus coming forward as a candidate lie said that be bad been urged to do so by the Natives residing in his district. They were not satisfied with the operations of the Rangitaiki Drainage Act. and the Scenery Preservation Act, and there wore a number of matters that had caused discontent. Although he was retiring on this occasion, he might possibly he taking part in a contest at some future time. Tibi Paaka was also among the speakers, and he said that their European friends had paid a great compliment to the race in returning Sir James unopposed. It was only after full consideration that he (the speaker) had retired from the contest. Hori Pawa was accompanied by Mi WTiaitiri and the latter also spoke in terms of congratulation to the Native Minister and the Hon. Ngata. The Native Minister later addressed those who wore assembled on matters concerning the Native race.