BRIGADIER RELISHED CHANCE TO “GET ONE OVER” SOVIET DELEGATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26958, 18 December 1948, Page 8

BRIGADIER RELISHED CHANCE TO “GET ONE OVER” SOVIET DELEGATE

PA AUCKLAND, Dec. 17.

The clash with the Soviet delegate over the living standard of Maoris during a debate at the conference of the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East was explained by Brigadier F. L. Hunt, New Zealand delegate to the commission, in an interview upon his return by air from the conference to-day. Brigadier Hunt said that when the Soviet delegate spoke about the poor standard of living of Maoris and quoted incorrect figures, it was just too easy for him. It gave him great pleasure to be able to tell the Russians and the world that equal rights and privileges were enjoyed by the Maoris and the white people in New Zealand. '

“ The opportunity of ‘ getting one over’ the Soviet delegates did not come very often, but on this occasion we scored a points victory,” said the brigadier. Although some of the delegates had been disappointed with the conference he felt that some definite progress had been made. The reports on the economic development of the Far East had arrived late and certain parts of the reports had to be left. These matters would be referred to the various Governments and would be discussed at the next conference to be held, probably in Singapore, in about three months.

He had also attended a meeting of the South Pacific Commission at Mossman, New South Wales, on Thursday, he said. General organisational rnatters were discussed and it was decided to move the headquarters of the commission to Noumea, New Caledonia. The next meeting of this commission was to be held some time in January.