MAORIS AND DRINK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23106, 4 February 1937, Page 10

MAORIS AND DRINK

"DISGRACE TO THEIR TRIBES" WARNING BY MINISTER (Per United Piiess Association) WHANGAREI, Feb. 3. "We feci that the Maori requires different treatment from the pakeha," said Mr T. Moor (Kaikohe), when lie waited on the Minister of Lands (Mr F. Langstonc) concerning Natives and drink. Mr Moor said that he was representing the Kaikohe Chamber of Commerce, which had prepared data on the matter. There still appears to be some rankling feeling of injustice in the hearts of the Maoris," proceeded Mr Moor. We, as business people, certainly want the Maoris to have additional income, but I am afraid that they haven't been educated up t spending the money in the right way. They spend far too much money on drink. In its desire to help it would seem that the Government has not helped at all." Replying to Mr Moor, Mr Langstone said that he had warned Maoris throughout the north against excessive drinking. " I've told the Maoris that the ones who drink bring disgrace on their tribes, and that no Maori who loves his own people will bring discredit on them."

The Minister said that the pakeha did not mind paying taxation if it really assisted the Maori. " However," he continued, " if the Maori does not. spend his money in the right way and do the right thing 1 we will take it away from him and spend it for him by placing food and clothing in his home. We've done it before, and not only with the Maori. We are the elder brother to the Maori, and can't wash our hands like Pontius Pilate and say 'lt is no concern of ours.' We are asking for co-operation from pakehas so that the besmirching finger of scorn, which has been pointed at the Maori, can be taken away." Workers receiving relief assistance in the Kerikeri district told Mr Langstone that because circumstances forced them on to this work there was " a stigma" placed on them, and they found it difficult to get work again privately in the district. " Don't take any notice of a lot of snobs," advised the Minister. "Many of these people are receiving pensions and superannuation contributed by people who are not as well off as themselves. They are receiving a dole in a greater sense than you are. I pity them in their ignorance."