THE SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 44

THE SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT.

WELLINGTON, .February 14. Sir Joseph Ward announced to-day that Mr Uenare Parata was the National Government cimdidato, approved by Mr Mas ; sey and himself, for the Southern Maori seat. CIIRISTCHTTRCiI. February 'U. Much surprise is expressed by tho Maoris at tho non-publication by tho Government of information regarding the election—the namea of the polling places, etc. It will probably result in many Natives remaining Ignorant of the contest.

j February 18. j Mr H. Parata, the Government candidate for the Southern Maori seat, is conducting a vigorous campaign in the South Island. He addressed a meeting nt Ttapaki en Saturday night. In regard to the conscription of the South Island Natives for sori vice abroad, he urged that compulsion should not bo applied. He pointed to their fine record, as a result of voluntary enlistment, amounting to 75 per cent, of those eligible for service. Ho said he considered the cconomio problem, ns it affected the Maori race, would best bo solved by self- - reliant action in tho form of small farmer

cooperative) organisations, aiming at the elimination of middlemen's profits. The candidate urged tho need of improvement in educational facilities afforded to Maoris, also the conservation of tho Maori language.