THE MAORI RACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19440, 28 October 1925, Page 11

THE MAORI RACE

PARLIAMENTARY REPRESENTATION APPEAL FOR UNITY. SUGGESTION OF LABOUR WITHDRAWAL. The following letter has been addressed by Mr Rangi Marumaru, of Alma Road, Gonville, to the members of the Executive Committee conducting the Maori Labour candidates’ electioneering campaign:— In view of the fact that the Government has after these many years stated definitely, through the Hon. the Prime Minister, that it recognises the necessity of setting up a Royal Commission to enquire into and report upon the many alleged grievances of the Maori people, together with the matter of the confiscated native lands, I feel in view of this important move as far as

matters relating to the Maoris are concerned, which to my mind is the most important stop yet taken by any New Zealand Government for a very lengthy period a duty devolves upon every individual of our people in this, country to stand by the Hon. J. G. Coates and the four members representing the Maori race in the New Zealand Parliament, in order that definite steps may be taken to set up the Royal Commission.

In view of this undoubtedly progressive move there should really be no need for stressing the point any further, for I am sure you arc all well acquainted with the importance of these matters to the Maori people, and as you know, the announcement has given much satisfaction to our people throughout the Dominion. I am writing this letter, therefore, with the express object of assisting to ensure the return of the present Government, and thereby facilitating the setting up of the Royal Commission referred to. I respectfully ask you, and the candidates you are about to place in the field, to withdraw from the elections, and thus assist in + he return of the present sitting members without opposition, thereby helping very materially the effort towards settling the said grievances for all time. I am well aware of the sacrifices you will have to make if you will consider my proposal favourably; but at the same time you will no doubt agree with me that it is not a matter which concerns the feelings or interests of a few Natives, but one which calls for wholehearted assistance from every Native in order that all who should receive consideration shall receive it. Our first duty is to consider the interest of the people as a whole, and not allow side-lines of political thought of little consequence to detract from the point at issue. The Maori people have long sought for redress, and now there is an opportunity of obtaining that wish, all assistance to further the matter should be offered.

The matters involved in the setting up of a Royal Commission are not of party character, and it would be unfortunate if, owing to the Maori Race becoming involved in party politics, a present advtangc be sacrificed to a very vague possibility of something better turning up. Under those circumstances it behoves you, ourselves, and every other Maori to assist the present Government to bring about the final and successful conclusion of the whole subject. I think you will also agree with mo when I say that, were those wise old chiefs who wero responsible for the setting up of the Kotahitanga at Papawai in the year 1887, and again in the year 1890, which unfortunately fell through, alive to-day, the suggestions I am placing before you at thia moment would be adopted throughout tha Dominion, without further comment.

I am making this appeal entirely on my own initiative and responsibility, and am in no way acting as an emissary for the Reform Government, from whom, as you can easily ascertain, I have no instructions whatever. Tn making such a suggestion, I believe I am voicing the opinion of the majority of our people throughout the length and breadth of Aotoaroa and To Waipounamu.

In concluding I hope you will not mistake my purpose. Although I am not greatly apprehensive of the results of the poll as far as the existing Native members are concerned, I suggest that you place the general interest of our race in the foreground. There can only be one result if you insist to go forward to the poll. I hope, therefore, that you will consider the matter very seriously, and decide to fall in with my humble, but I suggest, important request. Should you wish to discuss the matter with me personally, I will only be too pleased to do so. In view of the early approach of the poll I shall be glad to hear from you as soon as possible.