MAORI DISTRICTS

Franklin Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 49, 9 May 1945, Page 2

MAORI DISTRICTS

THROUGHOUT DOMINION SUGGESTION TO COMMITTEE The suggestion that the scope of the Maori Councils Act, 1900, be enlarged to provide for the establishment of Maori Council districts embracing the whole of New Zealand so that every Maori would come within one or other district was made at a sitting in Auckland of the Parliamentary Committee on local government by Mr M. R. D. McGahan, Tuakau. lie suggested also that compulsory registration of adult Maoris be adopted and that the councils be made elective.

For every council, there should be appointed' a clerk, preferably a wellqualified Maori, and such other officers as might be necessary. In order fo assist and encourage Maoris in the habit of saving the clerk should be empowered to act as agent for the post office to collect and pay in lodgments on a scheme similar to that now in use for the National Savings group scheme. The costs of administration should be borne by the Government.

“Such an extension of local selfgovernment should tend to a sense of responsibility and citizenship, the incentive to which is now wanting.”

said Mr McGahan. The size and boundaries of districts would depend on tribal and community interests, lie added.