WAITANGI TREATY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 13, 13 December 1932, Page 6

WAITANGI TREATY.

ARAWA’S FIRM STAND

TIME NOT RIPE FOR EQUALITY

ROTORUA, Dec. 12. Members of the Arawa tribe have taken a very definite stand with regard to the continuance of the Treaty of "Waitangi, as they do not agree with the Southern Maori petition against the treaty Mr H. Tai Mitchell has sent a telegram to the Prime Minister intimating that the following resolution was unanimously carried by the tribe assembled at Ohinemutu :

“(1) That the petition presented to Parliament re the Treaty of Waitangi be not given effect to. As far as the Arawas are conoerned the principle of total equality as set out in clause 3 of the treaty' is not desirable during this transitory period, although equality should be the eventual goal. The Arawas have full confidence in the fairness of the Parliament of this country to accept the operation of its will, knowing well that what laws are passed on their behalf are for the preservation of the race until such time as it is considered safe to remove all restriction.

“(2) The Arawas respectfully record their deep admiration of Lord Bledisloe and the Lady Bledisloe for their magnificent gift to the nation, which clothes with added lustre that wonderful monument in New Zealand history, born of English virtue, sanctified by many trials, and now consecrated as it should be by an Englishman and his noble lady. Tho Arawas to-day bow' to these lofty mountains of Great Britain and Ireland.”

The communication is signed by Te Haera Te Houkotuki as chairman.