MAORI PROBLEMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 235, 3 October 1936, Page 22

MAORI PROBLEMS.

FEDERATION'S WORK. APPROVAL OF CONSTITUTION. FIRST OFFICERS ELECTED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) ROTORUA, this day. A number of important matters were considered at the conference of the newly-formed Maori and Pakeha Federation, which resumed its sitting yesterday at Ohinemutu. The most important matter was the approval given the draft constitution, which was submitted by a sub-committee, while the first officers of the new body were also elected. As a tribute to the memory of the late Sir James Carroll, whose famous motto, "Tatau tatau" —all of us together —will be the slogan of the new body. It was decided to leave vacant the office of patron for one year and dedicate it to the memory of the late Sir James. It was decided that the headquarters of the federation for the first year should be in Rotorua, its location thereafter to be decided at annual meetings, which are to be held in July. The aims and objects of the federation were set out in detail, but, summarised, tliey are to promote the moral and economic well-being of the Maori people by every possible means. The election of officers resulted: President, Mr. Hemana Pokiha (Rotorua); secretary, Major R. Dansey (Rotorua); treasurer, Mr. D. Tatere (Dannevirke) ; auditor, Mr. M. R. Jones (Ilawera); publicity officer, Mr. W. E. Bullivant (Gisborne) ; executive committee, Messrs. Turi Carroll (Wairoa), the Rev. J. Laughton (Taupo), Tai Mitchell (Rotorua), T. Hetet (Te Kuiti), J. Asher (Tokaanu), G. Elliott (Te Kuiti), T. Bennett (Wanganui), and W. Bird (Murupara).

The confcrence discussed the question of the Maori Council system, the opinion being expressed that the system was a good one, and of definite use in matters of local Maori administration, but that the councils did not possess wide enough powers at present, as they could not enforce their authority, with the result that they were falling into disrepute. It was suggested that the members of the councils should be given the same powers as justices of the peace within the Maori villages. It decided to make recommendations to the Government, along these lines. The question of liquor and its effect upon the Maori people was also discussed at some length, flic matter came up for discussion when Mr. G. Elliott, on behalf of the constitution sub-com-mittee, moved, "That this federation urge upon the Government that, in view of the degrading effect of the excessive consumption of liquor upon the Maori rat*, regulation and restriction and, if necessary, the total prohibition of the supply of liquor to Maoris, he considered." In moving the resolution,. Mr. Elliott said that while it might appear drastic, they must recognise the tremendous damage being done to the Maori by the effects of liquor. The Maori had not the same power of resisting alcohol as v.he European, and, consequently, fell more easily under its influence.

Other delegates expressed the opinion that total prohibition would be unwise and ineffective. .. Mr. Turi Carroll (Wairoa) said that differentiation against the Maori so far as liquor was concerned should be removed. At present a negro or a Chinese could obtain liquor in a New Zealand hotel and take it away, while a Maori was refused that right. It was making the Maori race back-door drinkers. Archdeacon R. Hodgson (Rotorua) supported Mr. Carroll. Public opinion must be educated, and the Maori people must be encouraged to realise the benefits of temperance. Prohibition was not the remedy, but greater Mr. Elliott's motion was unanimously carried. The conference adjourned at 3 p.m., and resumed again in the evening for its final session.