MAORI WELFARE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12904, 3 July 1936, Page 7

MAORI WELFARE

EXAMINATION WANTED. STATUS AND DISABILITIES. REQUEST TO PRIME MINISTER, Equality for Maoris with Europeans having been promised by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. I. Savage, the matter was discussed at the Maori korero at Manukorihi Pa,' j AVaitara, and the council reached a number of decisions, which have been submitted to Air Savage. The submissions are as follows: Tho meeting believes that the Prime Minister is sincere when making such a statement that it is in the best interests of the Alaori race. At the same time the meeting is of opinion that such a broad statement defines an ultimate objective and agrees that, as inhabitants of one country, brought up with common ideals under tho education system of the country and its common laws, with constant social and mental contacts, pakeha and Alaori will tend to converge to a place of equality. | RELUCTANT TO LOSE | INDIVIDUALITY. Tho Alaori people, the statement adds, is, however, reluctant to lose its individuality and those elements in the Alaori. culture that have been retained to the present day, and which, it believes, the people of New Zealand regard as an asset to the New Zealand nation. This may be comprised in the term “To Alaoritanga.” The meeting believes that a detailed examination is required at the present time of the status, privileges, restrictions and disabilities of the Alaori people under existing legislation and tho administration thereof. In particular, the following may be mentioned as subjects for examination : (a) Tho application of the liquor laws. • (b) The body of laws which relates to the alienation of Native-owned lands. There are restrictions imposed, as the result of experience, for the protection of Native owners of land. Tho question is when such restrictions are now necessary, on the assumption that the Alaori people as a whole is able to exercise proper judgment in the disposition. of ■ its lands. INHERITANCE AND SUCCESSION (c) Inheritance and succession to land, including testamentary disposi- | tion. In one respect the meeting is j disturbed to learn of the many cases where European trustees are appointed under will, with powers of disposition not subject to control of the organisation administered ’through the Native Department, thus evading the elaborate system of protection , applicable to the majority of the Alaori people. The Government is j requested to deal urgently with this special aspect. (d) Bankruptcy and its application to Native lands. (c) Liability of Native lands to forced sale in tho case of default in payment of rates. Tho meeting is emphatic that the time has not arrived for the wholesale application of tile Jaw, as m the case of the pakeha. •(f) Pensions and family allowances. Although the law places the Alaori and pakeha on an equal footing, ro practice special conditions connected with Native land-holding conspire to differentiate. In particular, the assessment of a pension in relation to the capital value of the landed interest of the applicant, without regard to the effective income from such interest, leaves without relief very many deserving cases. POLITICAL REPRESENTATION. (g) The trusteeship of Native lands, comprising Alaori land boards, the East Coast Commissioner, Native trustee and the Board of Native Affairs. (h) Compensation laws. The leai/uro hero is the desirability arising from the non-recognition of marriage according to Native custom. (j) Special Alaori political representation. . (k) Inadequate opportunities' offered in the Civil Servico for the youth o'; the Alaori race and the reluctance, in practice, to promote Maoris in the Civil Service classification. This meeting, the statement concludes, desires the Government to arrange for a conference in Wellington of Alaori delegates, representatives of all the'Maori tribes, to confer with Ministers and appropriate State departments in regard to Native affairs—the Government to hear the expenses of transport and accommodation .in .Wellington—and Alaoi’i representation lor tho coronation of His Alajesty King Edward.