MAORIS AND LIQUOR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13673, 11 April 1908, Page 6

MAORIS AND LIQUOR.

NEED FOE REFORM URGED.

Mr A. T. Ngata, M.P., speaking to a press representative at Auckland, said — "I was very pleased to hear the Hon. J. Carroll at the korero at Waharoa, and also at Ngaruavvahia, try to impress upon the leaders of the Waikato natives, Hon. Mahuta and the chief Taingakawa, the absohite necessity of inculcating the principles of temperance amongst their people. "I may say that the position has v now become very serious indeed, as in some of *the native districts where niy .' people have shown themselves most industrious the alcohol has almost mined tho chances of the^ movement in that particular direction; Many attempts' have been made by legislation to counteract this evil, which seems to be more rampant among the Maoris t than the Europeans, but I am , sorry to say x that the legislation) does not seem to have been very effective. F<)r instance, the supply of liquor to Maori women is absolutely prohibited by law, bnt still they seem to have no difficulty in getting whatever liquor they wish. In mdst Maori districts the supply of liquor for, consumption off the premises is also ■ prohibited, and still ihe sale of bottles, casks, and cases goes merrily on in spite of the law. ''The Latost suggestion is one made by the Rev. Mr Bennett and others of the Young Maori Party, namely, that there shonld hb introduced into> tho Maori electorates the principle of local option,' so as to enable the natives to express an ©pinion within the boundary of, tho Maori electorates whether alcoholic liquor shall be supplied or whether it should be absolutely prohibited). Of course, this would in no way interfere with the question of licensed houses, as that would still h&ve to be decided by. the European residents. 'What is suggested is that the ( Maoris shall have, the power pf saying w bother ,or not alcoholic liquor shall be supplied to them. Tliis matter will come before the Maori Congress, which is to beopened in "Wellington on July 14, and will then be 'submitted to the Government for consrderation amongst tho subject^ requirinig legislation next session apart from this question. "Tne members of the Young Maori Party feel that reform, to be lasting\ should commence from within the ranks of the- Maori themselves, and n movement is now on 'foot to secure the sympathy and support of Maoris of rank I and influenoe.