THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25247, 28 July 1947, Page 6

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

ARAWA MAORI MEMBER WANTED

PROPOSAL BY MEETING OF TRIBES “ The Press ” Special Service

AUCKLAND, July 27. The appointment of a representative of . the Arawa confederation of Maori tribes to the Legislative Council will be sought. This was decided at a meeting of the confederation to-day at Ohinemutu, Rotorua.

Supporters of the Labour and National parties clashed at the meeting when the selection of a candidate was considered. When the name of a wellknown Labour figure in the district, was mentioned. National Party supporters. saying that they wished to nominate their own representative, mentioned the name of a chief. In deciding to ask for the appointment of an Arawa Maori to a vacancy which, it was claimed, existed in the Upper House, the confederation pointed out that it represented more than 4COO Maoris in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty districts, and one of the largest Maori districts in New Zealand. It had not had any direct representation in the council.

It was officially stated in Wellington to-night- there were was no actual vacancy in the Legislative Council at present. The number of seats is not fixed by statute, but custom has decreed that it should be about half the strength of the Lower House, and the present strength is 36. It has been as low as 18 and as high as 53.