RIGHTS FOR MAORIS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29621, 18 September 1961, Page 12

RIGHTS FOR MAORIS

Equality With Europeans (N.Z. Press AssuirUion) NEW PLYMOUTH, September 17. The pakeha was determined that he and the Maori should have equal rights, and together with the co-operation of the Maori and European. New Zealand would be a country of one people, the Minister for Maori Affairs •Mr Hanan) said at the opening of the Taranaki Museum at ew Plymouth on Saturday.

Speaking on a recent Maori educational foundation grant passed by the House of Representatives, Mr Hanan said the pakeha had been determined that the Maori should have completely equal rights. It was a momentous occasion that a majority race had passed a bill favouring the minority. I “Bill Necessary” But the passing of the bill had been necessary. Mr Hanan said, because the Maori youth had certain handicaps to overcome Forty years hence, as well as today, the Maori would have to take his place in the community as an educated person. Equal rights would not be possible if he filled only the unskilled jobs in the country The passing of the bill would ensure the availability of ample funds to Mann youth to continue their education, not onlv at university level, but a'so at high, school level, he said The Maori had a great past but be had an even greater future. Mr Hanan said.