LIQUOR PROBLEM

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 70, 23 March 1945, Page 6

LIQUOR PROBLEM

DRINKING BY MAORIS WARDEN CONTROL SYSTEM O.C. ROTORUA, this day. A statement on the question of the control of drinking amongst Maoris was made to the Maori conference in Rotorua yesterday by Mr. Z. E. D. Mitchell, chairman of the Arawa Trust Board. "When wage conditions were reinstated by the Government and the Maori people in the district found ample pocket-money, following a long period of deprivation and unemployment, the question of uncontrolled and excessive drinking in public bars immediately began to exercise the leaders of the Maori people, and also the responsible pakehas who have «i-iendly interest in the Maori race," &sid Mr. Mitchell "It was felt that it would be detri-' mental to the prestige of the race if irresponsible members were permitted to spend money that should have gone to buy necessities in the home, and that excessive drinking bringing in its wake bar-room arguments and possible disturbances wherein the police became involved would bring the Maori into disrepute. "When the matter was brought before the controllers of the hotels in the district it was dealt with promptly and sympathetically. The problem was thoroughly discussed at a series of meetings and as a result it was decided to place the onus of control on our own people in conjunction with the hotelkeepers. Rules Displayed "Accordingly a number of Maori wardens were appointed and rules were drawn up and displayed in hotel bars. It was the duty of wardens to control the bars quietly, and when any Maori was noticed to be over-indulging, a quiet word from the warden was very effective, and a marked improvement in bar-room conduct generally was effected. "When any individual became intractable the warden was given full power to issue a prohibition instruction to the barman, and. this also proved effective. Position in Pas "Another matter that has caused concern .in the district has been drinking in pas. Tribal committees and women's health league branches strongly disapproved of the tendency, but it has been ascertained that the liquor has not been obtained from the hotels, but from sly-grog-gers, unscrupulous pakehas or irom sources outside the district altogether. The police have been instructed by the Licensing Commission to keep a strict watch on this tendency," said Mr. Mitchell. "Discovered cases have been severely dealt with in the Courts. As a result, there has been a marked decrease in the complaints. "I would say that the system of Maori wardens has met with considerable success, and I can recommend it for adoption wherever the problem arises," added Mr. Mitchell. It is a system which stimulates the Maori's sense of responsibility and the necessity for good conduct and moderation, by showing him it receives the co-operation of his own people who participate in its observances and that it is not a restriction forced upon him by purely pakeha laws.