Eastern Maori Seat

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19699, 3 August 1938, Page 16

Eastern Maori Seat

Sir,—-I have been surprised at the national Labour Party executive's selection of a candidate for the Eastern Maori seat to oppose Sir Apirana Ngala. 1 believe the executive was advised by the Maori committee at Vellinglon. With what I know of Maori committees I cannot place much reliance in them; they are so easily influenced. Mr. Matu Rangi has been selected to carry Labour's proud banner and I must say I do not know nuch about, him. The matter does not concern only he Wellington committee or even he national executive. If the Labour Party could not place in the field a bolter known opponent to Sir Apirana Ngata it may as well leave the oopular member unopposed. Maoris vole for the man, not for party. What has become of Mr, Bob Tutaki, of

Hawke's Bay? He is an old Labour supporter and stood against Sir Apirana Ngata some years ago .when Labour was not as popular as it is to-day. It is easy enough to be a I Labour supporter when Labour is on ! the box seat. It was not so a few ] years ago. When Sir Apirana Ngata | was the idol of the Maori people it I required courage for any Maori to oppose him. Last election Mr. R. T. Kohere stood against Sir Apirana Ngata and unfolded Labour's policy, but he has been turned down. Everybody knows of the position he holds amongst the Maoris. For the Welling- ; ton people to turn him down is hard to understand and is enough to make . one disgusted. At any rate, Mr. Ham- . ilton can be sure of the Eastern : Maori seat.--Yours, etc., LABOURITE. . ; . ~