SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26511, 28 August 1951, Page 8

SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT

ADDRESS BY MR W. K. BEATON NATIONAL CANDIDATE AT TUAHIWI The cost of living was one of the issues on which the election was being fought, but it was only a side track, saia Mr W. K. Beaton, National Party candidate for the Southern Maori electorate in an address at Tuahiwi on Sunday afternoon. New Zealand's cost of living was lower than that of any other country in the British Commonwealth. It could be seen by the great amount of money spent on amusement that there could not be a great deal of hardship. A 15 per cent, wage increase had been given, but the cost of living had not risen by more than 14.7 per cent, Mr Beaton said.

The Government had been accused of breaking promises, Mr Beaton said. Every Governipent broke political promises whichr were based on international economics. Mr Beaton ,?a»d., that in 1940-41 the Stabilisation Act was introduced to stablilise wageSLnnd costs. It prevented an employer from increasing wages. The act was introduced for the maintenance of efficiency of industry during war time, but after the war it was not abolished. Mr Beaton said that he had supported the Labour Party at one time. Under the policy of Mr Savage, in regard to the Maori, economic equality was given. The next step was social and racial equality. The Labour Party was drifting to Socialism, and it did harm in almost destroying the individuality of the people. A representative of the Maori people must have the confidence of the people, said Mr Beaton. It was essential that he should be in constant contact with his people to listen to them and be available always. There were two races of people in one country, but they should be as one race in one country. Numbers on Roll

Mr Beaton referred to a possible change in the Southern Maori electorate. The strength of the Maori vote in the South Island must be built up,

he said. If quarter-caste Maoris and under could vote for the Maori member the roll would be built up considerably. There were only 1200 Maori electors in the South Island, but there were 6000 Ngaitahu beneficiaries. The southern district did not want to be absorbed by the North Island. Welfare assistance would be reviewed, said Mr Beaton. It was the policy of the National Party to stand for equality of Maori and pakeha. There must be complete racial and social equality. There was economic equality, but there were other important points. If the Maori were to progress with the pakeha he must compete with him and have equality. The National Party’s greatest policy was education. It should be taken to a greater and higher degree. 'Education facilities were open to the Maori people. They should continue to use them and get the full benefit from them. Maori arts and crafts should be developed, and children should complete their education. Consideration should be given to vocational guidance and the establishment of youth centres. Maori and pakeha girls should live together. There was no need for special schools for either. The future of the Maori people was in the education of the young. A vote of thanks was carried.