NEW ZEALAND BRAINS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24106, 27 October 1941, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND BRAINS

Sir, —Is it not time the majority ol New Zcahmders took themselves to task and had a real overhaul ol themselves and their abilities r 1 Arc they slipping hack, and becoming just a pack ol In/.v, shiftless, non-thinkers, ready to let someone else talc on their responsibilities, and do their thinking lor them, or is it that they fee I on the whole they lack tlie brains and ability? It seems strange that one meets them in every part ol the world, and invariably they have made a name, and place, lor themselves in every walk ol lil'e, by sheer brains and ability, and yet, with all duo respect to the present (Jovernmeut, here at home they are governed by a body ol outsiders. Their Parliament. is practically run by Australians, Knglishmen and Scotsmen, while they have to leave these shores to find the metal they are made of. In science, exploration, medicine, literature, engineering, lighting ami sport they have put New Zealand on the map, and yet Now Zealanders l'ail to stand behind their own countrymen when it comes to electing their members of Parliament. In America the first qualification required to become President is to be a native born subject. The Maoris must

be represented by natives, but the pakeha New Zealander can be represented by anyone. Wo hear a lot about leading the world: why not be a little more modest—although I realise this is asking a lot of politicians—and begin by leading the Dominions by passing a law to the effect that, to become Prime Minister, one must first be New Zealand horn ? Then, when we did give a load in other directions, we would have something to he proud of. Wake up you New Zealanders, back your own brains; they are as good, it not better, than any you may import—you've been sleeping too long. WA 1,1.1 K Hales.