Post by Kiwi Frontline on Aug 18, 2019 9:56:05 GMT 12
Sunday Star Times 18/8/19
FAIR GO FOR OLD GUYS
It is time for one important message to be stated loudly and clearly.
Slow and uncertain may progress have been at times, but the modern democracy in which all citizens are equal before the law is primarily an achievement of old, white, English-speaking men.
BRUCE MOON, Nelson
NZ Listener 18/8/19
IHUMATAO IMBROGLIO
I rarely quibble with Bill’s column but his latest jump onto the populist wagon over Ihumatao needs clarification.
In 1863 the Maori King of the day decided he no longer wanted to owe allegiance to the Crown. He followed his father on that stance, as he had earlier declared that “Waikato”” had not signed the Treaty.
In so saying he conveniently forgot that 40 or more Waikato aligned chiefs had in fact signed the Treaty at both the Waikato Heads and at Kawhia.
The Government believed Auckland was at risk, so built the Gt South Rd to Pokeno so force could be met with force if needs be.
That road was virtually indefensible so the Government built a series of redoubts from Miranda to Pokeno to prevent the infiltration via the Hunua Ranges.
The Government also demanded that all Waikato Maori living north of the Mangatawhiri river either pledge allegiance to the Crown or leave the district.
Once vacated the land at Ihumatao was then sold. It was certainly forfeited but it was not stolen or confiscated.
MURRAY REID, Cambridge
FAIR GO FOR OLD GUYS
It is time for one important message to be stated loudly and clearly.
Slow and uncertain may progress have been at times, but the modern democracy in which all citizens are equal before the law is primarily an achievement of old, white, English-speaking men.
BRUCE MOON, Nelson
NZ Listener 18/8/19
IHUMATAO IMBROGLIO
I rarely quibble with Bill’s column but his latest jump onto the populist wagon over Ihumatao needs clarification.
In 1863 the Maori King of the day decided he no longer wanted to owe allegiance to the Crown. He followed his father on that stance, as he had earlier declared that “Waikato”” had not signed the Treaty.
In so saying he conveniently forgot that 40 or more Waikato aligned chiefs had in fact signed the Treaty at both the Waikato Heads and at Kawhia.
The Government believed Auckland was at risk, so built the Gt South Rd to Pokeno so force could be met with force if needs be.
That road was virtually indefensible so the Government built a series of redoubts from Miranda to Pokeno to prevent the infiltration via the Hunua Ranges.
The Government also demanded that all Waikato Maori living north of the Mangatawhiri river either pledge allegiance to the Crown or leave the district.
Once vacated the land at Ihumatao was then sold. It was certainly forfeited but it was not stolen or confiscated.
MURRAY REID, Cambridge