Backlash feared on Maori land

Press, 7 May 1980, Page 14

Backlash feared on Maori land

PA Tauranga, A “pakeha backlash” det-j rimental to the whole of I' New Zealand could arise; unless the question of Maori: land claims was handled' carefully, the Minister of I Maori Affairs (.Mr Couch)' said Mr Couch, who is also: Postmaster-General, was vis-1; iting Tauranga to inspect! Post Office facilities and to: open a Maori village at theh Tauranga District Museum. ' He said the question of I compensation for Tauranga;, Maoris for land taken after';: the battle of Gate Pa would : be considered by the Cabinet I on Monday. He was confident the decision would be , in favour of compensation. “I must agree the people i of Tauranga had a grievance that was worth considering : and coming out in their ;

favour was not an easy decision for the Government.”! Ihe said. “It was a unique, |decision ftfr the Government' Ito reverse a recommendation; I made by a Royal Commis- : ision previously." • I Mr Couch said it was important that Maori claims be listened to carefully and oneI at a time. I “The recent reawakening of Maoritanga is under-: ’standabie. but we have to i watch the situation very! I carefully. We do not want a 'sudden backlash from the 'pakeha that could be detri-l '■mental to the whole of New; Zealand. ' “Most New Zealanders should be aware of the activities of Maori activists but we must remember that' though we are two different races we are still one people.”