MAORI MEMBERS EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE BUDGET

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6627, 14 August 1931, Page 7

MAORI MEMBERS EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE BUDGET

Why Mr Te Tomo Prefers an Interpreter

AN ENTERTAININGINTERLUDE

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. During tho financial debate to-day Mr Makitauara said New Zealand in common with the rest of the world was suffering because of the drop in the prices of our primary produce. The Prime Minister had taken courageous action to cut his coat to suit his ciotii and had taken upon himself a great deal of unpopularity among non-tiiink-ing people in the community. He was sure tho Prime xVlinister would not be deterred from tho course he had taken. Mr. Makitauara said he had grave doubts about the wisdom of the sugar duty. The Maoris were very fond of sugar and tho burden would be heavy upon them but he believed they would grin and bear it. Tho increased income tax would not affect a great many Maoris, but lie hoped the time would come when every Maori would bo in a position to contribute through tho income tax. Every inch of land should be made productive under tho guidance of the Native Minister. A great deal was being done on native lands. He believed the Maori was worthy of assistance in developing the laud. He referred to tobacco and wheat-growing by Maoris, claiming that in the Nortu Island tho Maoris had beaten Canterbury at wheat-growing and had grown -10 bushels to tho acre. *‘ If the .Maoris can do that why do not the pakehas do it's Instead of howling" about duties they should follow the example of tho Maoris and put tlicir shoulder to the wheel instead of sitting down,” he exclaimed. Mr. Taite Te Tomo. Mr. Taite Te Tomo, making his second speech in the House, spoke through an interpreter. After conveying a number of native requests to the Government ho mentioned that ho had urged tho Maoris in his electorate not to seolc work under tho Unemployment Board's schemes because lie recognised there were many Europeans who had no land whereas every Maori had at least some land and he had advised thorn to cultivate what little land they had. He asked why Hansard was no longer translated into Maori and circulated among his people. Was it because all the money of the country had already been absorbed in previous publications? (laughter). Mr. To Tomo expressed regret that he was unable to speak English, adding that he could make himself understood in that language but he feared if he attempted to do so the attendance ot ladies would not be required (laughter). He explained that he had learned his English in various occupations, the last being that of bullock driver (renewed laugliter). “I don’t know, Mister Speaker, whether you are aware how bullock drivers address their teams,” he added amid prolonged merriment. Continuing Mr. Te Tomo said he had on visiting America in 1915 realised how fortunate the Maoris were to bo under the sovereignty of Britain and lie had at the time expressed the hope that certain American laws relating ta the black races would never be introduced in New Zealand. It was now with regret that he had observed that in certain Wellington picture shows the Maoris were only allowed in particular portions of the houses. He was sorry such action was being taken in New Zealand and under the Union Jack. Mr. Te Tomo said he had previously referred to wheat growing by Maoris and he regretted that ho had since noticed ono area previously utilised in that manner now appeared to have been converted into a racecourse. He had reason to think racing was a fairway for people to go down, adding that he and a brother had lost £BOOO which they had received for land, in racing. That was why ho felt sad when he saw there was no longer wheat but a racecourse. Commenting on references L reducing the number of members of Parliament Mr. To Tomo said he did not mind the number being reduced so long as the number of Maoris in Parliament were increased. At the conclusion of his speech there were a number of exchanges between .Mr. Te Tomo and Mr. Makitauara through the medium of the interpreter, each contending the other had misrepresented him with reference to tlio Unemployment Act as it applied to Maoris and the cost of living.