IN THE HOUSE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 192, 14 August 1931, Page 4

IN THE HOUSE.

Notes on the Work of the Day. MAORI MEMBERS SPEAK. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 13. With the exception of the Hon A. J Stallworthy all those who contributed to the debate on the Financial Statement in the House to-day were back benchers. Mr Stallworthy, in a vigorous speech, made no secret of the fact that the taxation proposals were unpalatable, but pointed out that Mr Forbes had to bow to the inevitable in order to balance his Budget and had resisted the temptation to budget for a deficit. Labour members were again openly hostile to the Budget and Mr Fletcher made it plain that the Government could expect no support from him so far as the taxation proposals were concerned. A picturesque touch was added to the proceedings by the intervention of two Maori members, Mr Makitanara and Mr Taite Te Tomo, the latter of whom spoke through an interpreter. In stating his regret at his inability to address the House in the English language Mr Tomo added: “At the same time I appreciate that I am not able to speak in your language. I am able to express myself in English, but I am afraid if I spoke it in this assembly the presence of ladies would not be required. (Laughter.) My first course in the English language when I was a navvy, then as a bushman, then as a drain digger, then as a shearer and as a bullock driver. (Laughter.) I don’t know’, Mr Speaker, whether you are aware of the manner in which a bullock driver addresses his oxen when they are fractious.” The adjournment of the debate was moved by Mr Jull. Racial Distinction. Some years ago on visiting America, said Mr Tai Te Tomo, Western Maori member, in the House to-night, he wrote back to the Native Minister telling him there was a law against natives which he would not like to see passed in New Zealand, and he felt proud and pleased to be under the British flag. However, he added, there was a sign that American laws were coming into New Zealand, for there were certain picture theatres in Wellington where Maoris were not allowed to go except into the gallery. (A member: “ Shame! ”) “ I regret,” added the Maori member, “ that such action has been taken in New Zealand and under the Union Jack.” From Wheat to Racing. The House of Representatives was reminded by the Western Maori member to-night that in a former speech he had mentioned how the Ratana Maoris on the West Coast of the North Island had taken up wheat-growing, but a few days ago he had passed Ratana settlement, and instead of wheat fields he saw a racecourse. “ And I was sad,” he said, “ because racing is a fair way of getting people down.” (Laughter.) He assured his European colleagues that he know what he was talking about, for he had been interested in racing since the early eighties and was well known to prominent owners.

As final (evidence of his capacity to speak with authority Mr Tai Te Tomo informed an amused audience: “Members may think I know little about racing, but my brother and I lost through racing £BOOO we received from the Wellington-Manawatu railway That is the reason why I felt sorry when I saw there was no wheat, but a racecourse.”