MAORI WELFARE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22443, 2 July 1938, Page 20

MAORI WELFARE

*0 THE BDITOB OB THE PEES* Sir,—l read a letter signed B. Manawatu in which he takes offence at some of “Wiremu Teira’s’ remarks in one of his letters about. “Maori Welf'iro.” Although an official of our socalled Maori Labour Party. I for one dislike B. Manawatu s; letter and I know that there are all over Canterbury and the South Island scores of Maoris who look just beyond Labours policy for the welfare of our people. Now as far as “Wiremu Teira, my old friend, is concerned, I. with lots of other Maoris, know a friend, and have always enjoyed reading that same old friend’s articles in the press witn my children, who I know often wonder why I, a Maori, cannot tell them so much of our own history and' place names as a grand old pakeha like nun can. ‘' . I want it clearly understood by the previous writers on Maori welfare that I would not have written this letter but for B. Manawatu’s remarks about Hilda M. Traill and “Wiremu Teira, and his remarks on party politics. Of Hilda M. Traill I know nothing. It is quite possible I know her by another name; I am not sure. I am afraid the mention of our M.P. had a lot to do with the letting off of so much steam, as it were, but I know that even with all our organising, etc., m a straight-out contest with Mr Bragg I am afraid I should be only wiling to wager the price of an art union ticket on our man. That is saying a lot for-Labour legislation as far as Maoris are concerned. Mr Morgan’s letter holds little of interest so far as we South Islanders are concerned, although to be honest he has certainly earned much credit and helped all of our people who have asked for aid. Personally. I do regret, that a writer of more ability man myself has not answered these men. Lots could be said in favour of Hilda M. Traill’s letter, but as I have previously stated, I happen to be a staunch Labour man, but I only hope that .in our political arguments one thing above all will remain before my people, the welfare of our Maoris. To conclude, our opponent, Mr Bragg, has nothing to fear. He is not the only candidate who has stood as an independent, or represented the. South Island Maoris, and once again to our old rangatira “Wiremu Teira** I know he is too much of a gentleman to take offence at some of the remarks of previous writers. —Yours, etc., ONAWE. June 30, 1938.

* TO THE EDITOE OT THE PEESB.

Sir —x have noted with amusement the effort attempted in your correspondence columns to retard Labour s advance in Maori political thought. Joke (a) must go to Hilda M. Traill. Her alternative to Labour is Mr Bragg, independent National. Through her tirade on Labour’s policy, she unwittingly becomes an ally to Labour s cause. To the junior student of politics (that is all the Maori race can claim) ignorant press expressions as penned by Hilda M. Traill create a feeling of security under Labour’s banner, as distortion, prejudice, and abuse are known to be the children of the dead and dying, in this case the sunk ship of Conservatism. . _ , , I will use her theory that Labour s support was attained through “the urge of cupboard love,” to analyse the gradual development of Maori interest in national politics. (1) The Grey-Bal-lance-Seddon era undoubtedly ranks as the fish-hook stage. (2) Massey to Coates-Forbes, the eel-spear and sugarbag period. (3) Michael Savage and his Labour yeomanry—the shovel and scoop age. bringing with it happiness and enlightenment, a distinct advance from the primitive and disgraceful exercises encountered in era (2). Through the hardships thus experienced one lefarns to appreciate the true value of Labour’s legislation. This must prove to Hilda M. Traill and “Wiremu Teira” how impossible Mr Bragg’s candidature appears in the eyes of a people who are now beginning to think for themselves. “Wiremu Teira’s” admission that he is an independent thinker must occasion surprise, particularly when one has read the lauding and support of Mr Atmore (Independent) of Government measures. It is surprising that he should advocate support of the Southland aspirant for political honours. It ip not my intention to defend Mr E. T. Tirikatene. M-F. (be is quite capable of doing that when necessary), but to make known to those who may, through this debate, think their representative and his organised Labour committee officers are falling down on their appointed duty, do I reply to “Wiremu Teira’s” note about “neglected and misled” Southern Maoris. The following table of achievements will dispose of that hallucination;—(a) Employment and land development are notable features, (b) Maori roadway formations, quoting Port Lew. Access to this fair settlement for "over 40 years was chiefly by.

boat, adverse road conditions preventing normal school attendance by Maori children. This position is common to every native kainga. With • improvements recently instituted, our children must eventually enjoy better primary educational facilities, therefore assuring the race of the future “go-ahead and push type,’’ that is lamented by the above writer as missing to-day. (c) Housing. This scheme has been, and is, used in the West Coast. Nelson, and Canterbury districts, (d) Maintenance of reserves has also received State attention, (e) Numerous equality rights have been obtained, an inheritance privilege withheld by previous legislators. I now ask, can Labour’s critics continue to say nothing has been done? It is not optimism that encourages one to believe in brighter, bigger deeds to come, but faith and confidence in a humane Government. —Yours, etc., A. MANAWATU. (Hon. Sec. Otautahi Labour Committee). July 1. 1938.