MAORI DIFFICULTY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 14

MAORI DIFFICULTY

CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE

(By Telegraph— Press Association.)

WHANGAREI, February 3.

"We feel that the Maori requires different treatment from the pakeha," said Mr. T. Moor, of Kaikohe, when he waited on the Acting Minister of Native Affairs (the Hon. F. Langstone) concerning Natives and drink. Mr. Moor said that he was representing the Kaikohe Chamber of Commerce, which had prepared data on the matter.

"There still appears to be some rankling feeling of injustice in the hearts of the Maoris," proceeded Mr. Moor. "To say that the Maori should get the same pay as the pakeha does not meet the position. We as business people certainly want the Maoris to have additional income, but I am afraid they have not been educated up to spending money in the right way; they spend far too much on drink. In its desire to help, it would seem that the Government has not helped at all."

Replying to Mr. Moor, Mr. Langstone said that he had warned the Maoris throughout the north against excessive drinking. "I have told Maoris that the ones who drink bring disgrace on their tribes, and that no Maori who loves his own people will bring discredit on them," he said.

The Minister said that the pakeha did not mind paying taxation if it really assisted the Maori. "However," he continued, "if the Maori does not spend money in the right way and do the right thing he will take it away from him and spend it for him by placing food and clothing in his home. We have done it before, and not only with the Maori. We are the elder brother to the Maori and cannot wash our hands like Pontius Pilate and say 'It is no concern of ours.' We are asking for co-operation from the pakeha so that the besmirching finger of scorn, which has been pointed at the Maori can be taken away."

Workers receiving relief assistance in the Kerikeri district told Mr. Langstone that because circumstances forced them on to ■ this work there was a "stigma" placed on them and they found it difficult to get work again privately in the district. "Don't take any notice of a lot of snobs," advised the Minister. • "Many of these people are receiving pensions and superannuation contributed by people who are not as well off as themselves. They are receiving a dole in a greater/sense than you are. I pity them in their ignorance."