MAORI COMMITTEES.

LABOUR PARTY ORGANISING. STUDY OF SOCIAL CONDITIONS. Some figures showing the rapid progress of the Maori Labour organising committee have been disclosed by Mr. P. K. Paikea, of North Auckland, who, as well as being secretary for the Parliamentary Maori organising committee, is also organiser for the Northern Maori electoral district. Mr. Paikea formed a committee last night among the Maori members of the Labour party in the Orakei district. He states that during his recent tour of the North enthusiasm characterised his meetings, and many times he was required to address half a dozen meetings in the one day. Branches have recently been formed by Mr. Paikea at Auckland, Takahiwai, Mangakaliia, Taiigowaliine, Whangarci, Rawhiti, Whananaki, Te Tii, Waimatc North, Matauri Bay, Matangirau, Te Patunga, Waiaua Pa, Peria, Pamaptiria, Pukepoto, To Kao, Te Hapua, Paparore, Aliipara, Manukau, Wliangape, Mangamuka, Rangialiua, Utakura, le Aliualiu, Kaikohe, Taheke, Whirinaki, Pakanae, Ruawai, Otamatea, Arapaoa, Ivoptia, Oruawharo, Puatahi, Kakanui and Poutu, while six others are expected to be formed shortly.

It is the desire of the Maori organising committee, of which the chairman is°Mr. E. T. Tirikatene, M.P., and the convener the Hon. Rangi Mawhete, M.L.C., that thousands of Maoris shall be enabled and encouraged to study social conditions, and to have closer contact with the Government with regard to local and national grievances, political views, social and economic conditions and the land question (consolidation and development). The co-opera-tion of women members is especially wished for, particularly for social and domestic problems. It is necessary for there to be more political-mindedness among the Maori people, said Mr. Paikea, for the Government, through the Hon. Walter Nash, M.P"., has announced its determination to bring Maori electoral laws into line with the pakeha laws. Mr. Paikea, who was educated at St. Stephen's Maori Boys' College and at Three Kings Wesleyan Training College, studied for the ministry and became a fully-ordained Methodist Maori missioner. He acted as private secretary to the founder of the Ratana movement, and also to the present member for Western Maori, Mr. W. T. Ratana.