‘Education Lessens Racial Prejudice’

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30451, 27 May 1964, Page 16

‘Education Lessens Racial Prejudice’

lA’cw Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, May 26

The Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr Hanan) said today he agreed the successes of the Maori people rather than their failures were the outstanding truth of the adaptation of the Maori people to the twentieth century way of life.

He was commenting on a reported address on race relations given by Dr. J. E. Ritchie, of the department of psychology, Victoria University, whose standing and experience were such, said Mr Hanan, that his views demanded respect. Mr Hanan said he believed in a policy of drawing attention to Maori achievements, rather than their relatively few failures. He did not know if the actual number of 100,000 pakehas whom Dr. Ritchie assessed as being deeply prejudiced against Maoris was an accurate figure, but even if it were true it still meant that 24 out of 25 pakehas were not thus prejudiced. Whichever the number, said Mr Hanan, he was confident that as the general level of education of both races improved, particularly Maori education, discrimination would be reduced. It would probably never be entirely eliminated because people were prone to prejudices of various kinds. When more Maoris took their place in the skilled trades and managerial and professional positions, stereotyped attitudes against the Maori would be steadily demolished.

At the same time, increasing contact between the two peoples at all levels would reduce prejudice based on ignorance and lack of contact, as people regarded each other as individuals rather than as. generalised types, said Mr Hanan. Partly for this reason, the Government had made increased education its prime goal in Maori affairs policy and had set up the Maori Education Foundation. Instances of racial discrimination could best be dealt with by public example, exposure and persuasion rather than legislation, said Mr Hanan. However, if legislation could be proved necessary and effective, he would consider it. Already the Government had made it an offence for any hotel to deny service on grounds of race or colour, said Mr Hanan.