WAITANGI WASTE

Evening Star, Issue 21640, 8 February 1934, Page 14

WAITANGI WASTE

LEGION LEADER'S REPROOF [Feb Übitbd : Fksn ' Amoc.atiom.} WELLINGTON 1 , February- 7.,; Strong exception to the r expenditure of so. much .public money on the present celebrations at Waitangi was taken by Dr Campbell: Legg, 1 leader of the New Zealand Legion,,- at a meeting of the National Executive to-night. “ I must refer, however reluctantly,” said Dr liegg, “to .something which must jar on the . whole national conscience—the .public, money now being expended in. the celebrations at Waitangi. The .'splendid' gift made by onr Governor-General to the nation has evoked well-deserved admiration and the gratitude ,of the people throughout New Zealand. The gift would, however, have been none, the less 'appreciated if the Government -had-realised that the. present-time is 'inopportune for the expenditure of .it.-large 1 sum of public money in connection with this splendid and permanent gift. The developmental work coukLhave been well postponed until better times. “ As for the present celebrations, if 1934 had been.-the centenary; of some such definite, point, they would have been in order-as a means of cementing friendship with; the Maori race and stimulating the people,by;tjie remainder of their historical background and the work of pioneers. This is no time, however, for a lavish expenditure Of public money on festivities of this nature. 1 feel sure that the; reports of special trains and other extravagances and the exodus,,of almost all ■'.members of the Cabinet from'their, duties to take part in these celebrations will be looked on with regret hnd disapproval by a large section of the,.public..’