‘No Govt variance on artefacts'

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33611, 13 August 1974, Page 11

‘No Govt variance on artefacts'

"There is no variance on [the Government's proposals for the care and disposal of Maori artefacts between my colleague, the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr May), and myself,” said the Minister of Maori Affairs (Mr Rata). He was commenting on I the views expressed by Mr W. J. Karetai, chairman of jTe Waipounamu District .Maori Council, as reported ■ in "The Press” on August 6. “Had Mr Karetai been able to attend the committee .meeting of the New Zealand [Maori Council in Wellington

on July 26, which I addressed, he would have heard me explain the details of Mr May’s proposed antiquities bill,” Mr Rata said. "It is correct that any artefact found will be deemed to be, prime facie, owned by the Crown. However, actual ownership will be determined by the Maori Land Court — as is the practice now. “It is unfortunate that the Press Association report appearing in The Press’ of August 3, omitted to mention the part the Maori Land Court is to p’.ay in determining ownership of Maori artefacts. Had this been included Mr Karetai would have seen that the bill’s provisions are much closer to the intentions of the White Paper than he thinks they are. "The South Island District Maori Council would, I suggest, assist with this important question by making its opinions known to the Parliamentary Select Committee' on Maori Affairs," said Mr; Rata.