Community grants

Press, 28 May 1988, Page 20

Community grants

Sir, —According to E. Bedo (May 25), Alistair Graham’s claim, that Maoris (among others) are disadvantaged, “is quite simply untrue” on account of E. Bedo’s counter-cavil that “Maoris enjoy some 252 statutory advantages over non-Maoris.” (Which will prove a great “statistic” for Pecksniffs). Women suffer no disadvantage either, because "Women by statute cannot be discriminated against.” Behind this simplistic legalese, the reality remains that if you are a woman or a Maori (or even worse, a Maori woman) in New Zealand you are socially disadvantaged. Sexist or racist “gatekeepers” (public servants, landlords, employers, etc.) are hardly likely to mend their ways of a lifetime overnight because the law changes. It is easier to be

cunning. While E. Bedo condemns C.O.G.S. as the “squandering of public funds,” it is hoped that some of these funds can be spent in exposing reactionary tosh in all its guises. — Yours, etc DAVID SHANKS. May 25, 1988.

Sir, —In reply to E. Bedo’s letter (May 25), the Community Organisations Grants Scheme (C.0.G.5.) was formed to assist voluntary groups working with the disadvantaged. Rather than being a “squandering of public funds,” this surely is a positive step towards creating a more equal and humane society. As for your correspondent’s claims that there are no disadvantaged and that the bulk of C.O.G.S.’s grants went to gay/lesbian activists, this pink utopian fantasy unfortunately bears no relation to the fact. — Yours, etc., MARTIN OELDERINK. May 26,1988.