STAND FOR PROHIBITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21879, 15 August 1934, Page 13

STAND FOR PROHIBITION

KING COUNTRY LICENCES ATTITUDE OF MAORIS [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Tuesday The attitude of the Maoris of th« King Country toward the petition recently presented to Parliament with regard to the sale of liquor in the King Country, was discussed at a attended meeting at Ohakune last week. Among those present were Koroki Tawhiao, the Maori "King," Mr. Taite Te Tomo, M.P., and Wiremu Ratana, the Maori "prophet." Those present strongly opposed the taking of a poll among the Maoris of the King Country on the licensing question. The meeting unanimously re-en-dorsied a declaration signed by' Koroki and 30 leading chiefs, which had been made some time ago on the question, in this statement the signatories said they would never agree to the petition asking for the opening of licensed houses in tho King Country, or the taking of a referendum among the Maoris. It was contended that the promise of a former Premier, the late Hon. John Ballance, that licences should not lie granted for the sale of liquor in the King Country should be adhered to. His words, it was stated, were regarded as a sacred pact between the pakeha and the Maori. The signatories said the petition on the subject would be of no benefit to the Maori people. Tho assertion that there was more drinking among the Maoris of the King Country than among Maoris of other parts of New Zealand was described as being absolutely false.