MANA LETTERS

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 6, 15 September 1977, Page 2

MANA LETTERS

The Suffering Overstayer!

Friends, — A young Samoan lass who registered under the “Stay of Proceedings” was told by the Secretary for Labour, Labour Department, Immigration Division. to get out of New Zealand by August 26, 1977. The girl was pregnant to a New Zealand citizen who had promised to marry her, before he found out she was pregnant. There was a deputation from her solicitor and doctor recommending that she be allowed to stay until the baby was born. Because the girl was due late 1 August or early September, the airlines were not prepared to take her to Samoa. Her doctor also refused to get a medical clearance saying one letter from him was good enough for the Immigration Division. f ortunately the case is now being handled by a competent and humanitarian friend as well as an M.P. But what 1 want to mention here is how inhumane and cruel the Secretary for Labour was in ordering the girl to travel with full knowledge of her eight month pregnancy and the problems she may have encountered on-the way to Samoa. Would he do likewise to his own wife!! Was the Secretary for Labour afraid that this unfortunate girl may incur extra hospital expenses and that her child might get the Family Benefit? She is prepared to pay any medical expenses and thought nothing of the “benefit” for the baby. But mind you she has been paying taxes since she arrived and worked in New Zealand. Also the Secretary for Labour in ordering her to leave the country denied the girl’s right to

sue and claim maternity maintenance from the deceiving New Zealand resident! Yours faithfully ‘Musu’ P S. Do not publish my name in case I’m called a communist. mana message “Toi te Kupu, toi te mana, toi te whenua” (The permanence of the language, prestige and land — ) Tena Koutou! The words of this Maori proverb were spoken by Chief Tinirau of Wanganui and the translation is by the Rev. Kingi Ihaka. The proverb stresses the fact that without the Maori language, without prestige or mana, and without land, maoritanga will cease to exist. The Maori language is a

beautiful language and must never be allowed to die. There is an obvious need for greater publicity about the language and wider efforts must be taken to introduce the teaching of Maori in our primary schools. It is sad that many young Maoris cannot speak or understand their language — this is a result of mistakes of the past when efforts, through ignorance and misunderstanding were made to destroy the language, culture and heritage of the Maori people. I welcome the observance of Maori Language Week and trust that the efforts made many people will help spread the teaching and learning of Maori language and culture. Tena ra Koutou Katoa (Greetings to you all) (Sir DOVE-MYER ROBINSON (Mayor of Auckland)