POLITICAL OPINION

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30093, 29 March 1963, Page 12

POLITICAL OPINION

Maori Swing Claimed (NX. Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 28. The Maori political pendulum had reached the zenith of its Labour-oriented swing and was now moving in the direction of National, said Mr J. Te H. Grace, Maori vicepresident of the National Party, at a meeting of the party’s Dominion council today. “These swings have a life of about 20 or 25 years where the Maori is concerned,” Mr Grace said. He was speaking in a discussion on policy in the light of National’s heavy gain in the Northern Maori by-election. Mr P. J. Hura said the change in Maori thinking had been caused by the impression created by the Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr Hanan). Particular importance was attached to Mr Hanan’s setting up of a Dominion council of tribal executives and his establishment of the Maori Education Foundation. The National Party council, under the president (Mr J. S. Meadowcroft), con* sidered policy and plans for the General Election in the first session of its two-day meeting. The day concluded with a reception given for delegates and members of Parliament by the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) and Mrs Holyoake at their home in Pipitea street.