MAORI POLITICS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 225, 22 September 1943, Page 6

MAORI POLITICS

ALL-NIGHT MEETING CAMPAIGNING IN NORTH

How a big audience of Maoris at Mangamuka, in Hokianga County, waited patiently for six hours and a half for him to arrive and address them, and then listened to him for over three hours, from 2.30 a.m. until daylight, was related to-day by Mr. Tapihana Paraire Paikea, official Labour candidate for the Northern Maori seat, and son of the late Hon. P. K. Paikea, previous holder of the seat.

In fourteen days Mr. Paikea, who has been a prominent League footballer, weighing over 18st, addressed meetings at 63 different places. Difficulties of campaigning and the native ceremonial surrounding meetings, made it impossible to adhere to a strict timetable. Therefore audiences of placid Maoris were often compelled to exercise their characteristic patience. Many Tribal Problems

Mr. Paikea said he spoke at all the principal places on the tour, and many questions were . asked by the electors. The contentions of the Maoris were that the Government should set up a tribunal to deal with land grievances, and that there should be consolidation and development of native lands. Other questions raised were housing schemes, war policy, rehabilitation In its many phases, social security, the farming industries, and education. Mr. Paikea said frequent reference was made by native electors to the closing of St. Stephen's College and Wesley College for war purposes, thus depriving native students of higher education. He said he had pointed out the purpose for which the schools were taken, and added the Maoris looked forward to the time when the colleges could be vacated and restored to their original use.

Problems mentioned on the tour were accommodation for native workers in Auckland, including the hostel for Maori girls. Mr. Paikea stated that a burning question was an error made in the Press as to a Maori candidate by the name of H. T. Paikea. There was no such person. That gave the impression that it was an uncle and nephew in opposition to one another, and to the Maori mind that was very bad. Mr. Haupapa ("Snowy") Paikea had stated definitely that he hadnot been nominated for the election, nor did he wish to oppose a member of his own family. It might have been meant for Mr. P. H! Toka, who recently came back from overseas. In his case, the initial "P" stood for Paikea, his Christian name. He had j decided not to stand.

Candidate's Selection Mr. Paikea said he had denied a rumour that he had been selected by one or two pakeha officials. At the funeral of the late Hon. P. K. Paikea, the seat of mourning was offered by the Northern tribes to the tribe of deceased, with the result that he, the son of the late member, was chosen by the Ngatiwhatua tribe, Unfortunately, before the expiration of the term a northern candidate had been nominated to oppose the selection.

Mr. Paikea said the Maori Labour committees of the north had selected him as the official Labour candidate, and that selection had been endorsed by the Government. On the tour, Mr. Paikea was accompanied by the organiser, Mr. Lou W. Parore, Mr. Perene Huirama, Mr. Pirinita Whareumu, and Mr. Wana Paikea.

Last evening Mr. Paikea addressed a large meeting at Orakei, and he is concluding his campaign in the city and suburbs.