THE PRESS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 1980 Two Labour victories

Press, 9 June 1980, Page 18

THE PRESS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 1980 Two Labour victories

When fewer than half the eligible electors bother to vote, political parties and their supporters would be unwise to draw significant conclusions from the results of by-elections. Probably the most important point that can be made from the polling in Onehunga and Northern Maori electorates on Saturday is that in neither election was there much sense of excitement or determination to use the occasion to express strongly held feelings about parties or candidates.

The Government can take some comfort from the good showing of its Onehunga candidate. Mrs Sue Wood, although her local popularity was not sufficient to make a significant difference to the majority of the successful Labour Party candidate. Mr F. M. Gerbic. In a larger poll Mr Gerbic might well have increased his majority to eoual or exceed the Labour majority of 1417 votes at the last General Election. Mr Gerbic has achieved a fairly safe seat in Parliament: Mrs Wood has demonstrated that she is an able and attractive candidate who can be expected to pursue further her quest for political office.

The Labour Party can probably take more heart from its success in Northern Maori. Dr Bruce Gregory’s victory suggests that even after 17

years as Labour member for the electorate. Mr M. Rata’s prestige was not high enough to survive his break with the party. Dr Gregory, a doctor of medicine with a practice in Kaitaia. has a reputation for being deeply concerned with the well-being of Maoris, while at the same time expressing his belief that, the future of New Zealand’s races is indissolubly linked. He could bring to Parliament the kind of informed concern for Maoris which has not always been evident among Maori members in recent years.

Mr Rata’s political future must be doubtful. If his Mana Motuhake movement could not succeed in his own electorate, it is unlikely to do better elsewhere, even though he has talked of putting fqrward candidates for the four Maori electorates in the 1981 General Election; Doubt remains about whether personal pique or a genuine concern for the attitude of the Labour Party towards its Maori supporters was at the root of Mr Rata’s resignation. Some confusion also exists about the aims of the Mana Motuhake movement; at times its advocates sounded as though they were in favour of a kind of “separate development” for Maoris and part-Maoris. If that is so. Mr Rata’s defeat has been a victory for moderation and good sense, as well as a victory for the Labour Party.