GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE

Southland Times, Issue 25692, 29 June 1943, Page 4

GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE

Maori Battalion Officer

(Spcial) CHRISTCHURCH, June 28. The member of the Executive Council representing the Maori race, the Hon. E. T. Tirikatene, is to be opposed for the Southern Maori seat at the approaching general election by Lieutenant Tony Tikao Barrett, M.C. At one of the largest and most representative Maori gatherings held in Canterbury for some time past, it was decided to invite Lieutenant Tikao Barrett to contest the seat in the Opposition interests. Lieutenant Barrett consented to do so, subject to permission being obtained from the military medical authorities. He returned six months ago after serving with much distinction in the Maori Battalion, and is still receiving treatment for an injured left hand.

Hitherto Mr Tirikatene has depended for support on the Ratana Church, in which he holds important office, and to which sect the majority of South Island Maoris have adhered in recent years. The contest with Lieutenant Barrett will, therefore, be of interest in Maori circles as it will demonstrate whether or not that Church still wields political power. Until the recent death of the Hon. P. K. Paikea the Ratana faction held three out of the four Maori Parliamentary seats. *