NATIVE PROBLEMS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6488, 7 April 1908, Page 6

NATIVE PROBLEMS

THE NEED FOE REFORM. STATEMENTS BY MR NGATA. P2SEBS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND. April C. Some sound advice was given to th© Maoris by the Hon. J. Carroll, Native Minister, at both, the meetings at Waharoa and at Ngaruawahia. He addressed himself especially to the chief Taiugakawa at Waharoa. and to the Hon. Mali uta at Ngaruawahia. Mr Ngata, M.P., speaking to. a press representative this morning, said; “1 wan very pleased.to bear the Hon. J. Carroll at the korero at Waharoa, and also at Ngaruawahia, try to impress upon the leaders of the Waikato’ natives, Hon. Mahuta and the chief Taingakawa, the absolute necessity of inculcating the principles of temperance amongst their people. A SERIOUS POSITION.

"I may say that the position has now become very serious indeed, as in some of the native districts •’where my people have shown themselves most industrious the alcohol habit has almost mined th© chances of th© movement in that particular direction. Many attempts have been made by legislation to counteract this evil, which seems to bo more rampant among the Maoris than the Euro-, peane, but I am sorry to say that the legislation does not seem to have been very effective. For instance, the supply of liquor to Maori women is absolutely prohibited by law. but still they seem to have no difficulty in getting whatever liquor' they wish. In most Maori districts the supply of liquor for consumption off tho premises is also prohibited,, and still the sale of bottles., casks and cases goes merrily on in spit© of the law.

LOCAL OPTION FOE NATIVES. "The latest suggestion is one made by the Eev. Mr Bennett and others of the Young Maori party, namely, that there should be introduced into the Maori electorates the wrinciple of local option, so as to enable the natives to express an opinion within the boundary of the Maori electorates , whether alcoholic Honor shall be supplied or whether it shall be absolutely prohibited. Of course this would in no way interfere with tho question of licensed houses, as mac would still have to be decided by -the European residents. What is suggested is that tho Maoris, shall have the power of saying whether or' not alcoholic Honor shall he supplied to them.. This matter will come before the Maori Congress, which is to he .opened in Wellington on July 14th, and will then be submitted to the Government for consideration amongst _ fenbjects requiring legislation next session apart from tnis '''“The 11 members of the Young Maori party feel that reform, to t* lasting, should commence from within the ranks iof the Maoris themselves, and a movement is now on foot to secure the sympathy and support of Maoris of rank and influence.” OBJECTS OF THE CONGEESS. AN IMPORTANT GATHERING. The Maori Congress which, is to be held in Wellington in July is the result of a suggestion emanating fro™ the To Ante Association. The object of this congress is to have representatives of different institutions and interests at work amongst the Maori pmple meetmg to discuss matters andobtain as accu committee has been appointed, consisting of the Native Mnuater as honorary chairman, ,the Maori members of the Legislature, and members of the To Ante Association, to make S'jss? sr=■ St til Sv.Sk to. I. te 1 ? has issued a notification for n conth«e”am time? And The U? gSlth has also convened a meeting of Maori sanitary inspectors of the °branches Afn S t^?i T ° y oha?go a rf° n Maori io seSw S-r.'srs* SagJSk i' <“»” - eoromodation of the delegates. ,