Pomare and Ngata

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume XXI, Issue 1137, 27 October 1922, Page 4

Pomare and Ngata

RATANA IN POLITICS A gentleman, well in touch with all the leaders of the Maori race, in conversation with a Wanganui Chronicle representative, referred to the Maori outlook on politics. This gentleman said it would be a distinct disaster to the Maoris and set the race back a lot if Ngata and Pomare were not re-elected. Asked as to Sir Maui Pomare’a chances, the gentleman aaid he was almost sure to be returned, because of his influence with the Waikato tribes. Ratana’s estrangement from tbe northern natives dated from tbe time when be said : "Who is this Rata ? ” referring to tbe Maori King, an insult'which has not been forgiven. In the informant's opinion Rataua had no wish to use his influence in politics but he is being pushed on by others by a more unscrupulous nature. Such is tbe Maori nature. Ratana is unable to cut adrift from the men who are merely using him for their own shortsighted purpose. As is well-known, the Maoris live together in a communal state, and Ratana cannot send these men away without hie being made to appear inhospitable, which, to the Maori mind, is unthinkable. Tbe result of using Ratana’s name in politics is that the Maoris will vote as prompted by pure fanaticism. They shake their heads and agree that so far as politics is concerned young Ratana is a "dud," but—. And there is no argument in tbe world that will influence them. They will admit that Pomare has done splendid service for bis race, and that he is tbe better man, but they will have to vote otherwise. It is unfortunate for the Maoris. "Do you know Ngata ?” asked the pressman. "What chance has he got ?’’ "Ngata will have a harder fight” was the reply. He is up against a good man, a man who is his friend, too.” Ngata is a brilliant man, be went on. He is an M.A. and LL.B., but he is more than that signifies. He is very intellectual, very intelligent, and very highly trained. He is a man of the greatest ability, very, very clever. There is no European in New Zealand who is bis superior. He ie also a man of exceptional business ability, quite unusual in the Maori race, Pomare is not a business man and never will be, but he has gifts which Ngata lacks. He is more diplomatic. He will gain bis purpose when the more gifted Ngata will fail. " The two should work together. They would make a good team,” said the reporter. " That is just what they do,” was tbe reply, " and tbe Maoris have a great deal to thank them for. Those two have done good for their race in the last few years than anyone ever before. Sometimes tbe Maoris criticise them for not doing enough, but it is because the Maoris expect them to break tbe law. ” As a final speaker said it was regrettable that Ratana’s work bad taken such a bad turn, for it the Maoris put out Ngata and Pomare, it was the Maori people who would suffer.