"MARCH TOGETHER."

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1934, Page 9

"MARCH TOGETHER."

FUTURE OF TWO RACES. MR. COATES' CONFIDENCE. (By Telegraph.—Special Reporter.) WAITANGI, this day. Confidence in the ability of Maori and pakeha to advance together in harmony was expressed by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates yesterday when replying to the rcprjsentations of the assembled native tribes.

Mr. Coates said the consolidation of Maori hind had been a most difficult problem, in the solution of which Sir Apirana Ngata had rendered signal service. He (Mr. Coates) personally did not recognise a difference between Maori and pakeha land, as all would contribute to the future prosperity of New Zealand. Both races must look to the horizon. He agreed that the preservation of their folk lore customs and traditions would help the Maoris along, the road. Practically the last words addressed to him by the late Sir Maui Pomare were that if the course which had been started was followed success would be the ultimate result. Mr. Coates himself was confident that if the Maoris formed a sound policy and trusted their leaders, both pakeha and Maori, all would be well. "We have tried to make the Maori a pakeha and we have failed," said Mr. Coates. "However, there is no reason why the two races should not march forward together, in perfect harmony." Mr. Coates said the symbols adopted for New Zealand currency were indicative of the combined national outlook, and his announcement that the new crown coin would depict the actual signing of the Treaty was received enthusiastically. He said this would show the outside world that to New Zealand the Treaty meant everything.