MAORI EMPLOYEES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 53, 4 March 1931, Page 8

MAORI EMPLOYEES.

HARBOUR BOARD POLICY. DISCUSSION IN WELLINGTON. The question of non-employment of Maoris as members of the permanent staff was raised at a recent meeting of the Wellington Harbour Board by Mr. H. D. Bennett. Mr. Bennett said he had been surprised to find that, for some reason or other, the board did not employ members of the Native race. He understood that it was a question of insurance. If that were so he would like the board to be given an opportunity of amending the position. he could see no reason for such differentiation against Maoris. The chairman, Mr. J. W. MacEwan, said he understood that several Maoris were employed by the board. The difficulty was that, so far as employment on the permanent staff was concerned, the question of insurance stood in the way. Mr. Bennett: Is that an obstacle, or have you merely allowed the question to arise and let it stop at that? ; The general manager (Mr. J. Marchbanks) said the Government Life Assurance Department and the insurance companies would not accept risks on members of the Native race. The board's regulations required that members of the permanent staff must be insured. Mr. Bennett: Does the board accept that position as a policy Not a member of the board would agree with the attitude of the Department. (Hear, hear.). Were they going to stand by and make no effort to remedy the position ? Mr. C. J. Norwood said it was not the policy of the board. He was pleased the matter had been brought up, because the circumstances warranted careful investi-

gation. Mr. M. A. Eliott said he could not understand the statement of the general manager. He knew of one Maori who was a member of the permanent staff of a power board, and no objection had been taken to him by the insurance people. The chairman said it was not fair to differentiate against Maoris, and if possible the board should find a remedy for the position. Mr. C. Turrell: The matter is N news to all of us. The matter should h* discussed and overcome. After further discussion, the chairman said the matter would be carefully looked into and reported upon at the next meeting.