MAORIS AND LIQUOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23060, 10 June 1938, Page 18

MAORIS AND LIQUOR

COMBATING INTEMPERANCE LABOUR CONFERENCE DECISION [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON. Thursday Reports on over-indulgence in strong drink among Maoris were discussed by delegates to the second annual assembly of representatives of Maori committees affiliated with the New Zealand Labour Party, which concluded at Wellington yesterday. Several recommendations for overcoming the difficulties associated with this question were put forward, and it was decided to refer these to the Maori Advisory Council to make any representations they considered necessary to the Government. .

Dealing with this matter the annual report stated: This question; is of vital importance to Maori people, and if we are to preesrve our race it is imperative that, much propaganda against over-indulgence in strong drink must be disseminated and thus turn the much-improved financial conditions of the people to better use. A suggestion was made that Maqris should be allowed to vote on the nolicence issue, but was opposed on the grounds of existing pacts. Among the recommendations was a proposal that Maori councils under the Maori Council Act, which had become more or less defunct, should be revived and given power to deal with breaches, ~/Hueh as fining persons who brought liquor into Maori villages. This recommendation, along with several others, is to be referred to tho Maori Advisory Council.