KING COUNTRY MAORIS AND LIQUOR

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27191, 7 November 1953, Page 3

KING COUNTRY MAORIS AND LIQUOR

Sir, —After several years’ residence in Te Kuiti and Otorohanga and personal friendships with leading Maoris, I have some knowledge of the liquor question and its effects on our Maori brethren. A widely accepted belief among early settlers and Maoris is that when the Government was negotiating a route for the Main Trunk railway and opening up the King Country, a sacred pledge was given to the Maori chiefs that no pakeha liquor would ever be allowed into that territory. Perhaps the Parliamentary Historian cannot find a “sealed and signed” document, but the Maoris know that a gentleman’s agreement was made between the paramount chiefs and the Great White Queen’s Government. The agreement was well known to exist, and was mentioned in the schools and churches throughout the area. Perhaps modern pakeha opinion now wants licensed houses in the area, but do not let us force them on our Maori friends without their consent. — Yours, etc., S. J. GEARY. November 6, 1953.

THE FISHING INDUSTRY Sir, —On reading of the possibility of an inquiry into the fishing industry, I most certainly hope it will eventuate. All women’s organisations should support this inquiry, as we are the guardians of our families’ health. We should be loud in our protest at the shocking price of fish, and of the time it seems to be kept in the cool store. — Yours, etc., RANGI GIBSON. Loburn, November 6, 1953.