THE MAORI RACE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 47, 12 February 1943, Page 4

THE MAORI RACE

Sir.—After, the article appeared in youi; paper crediting Mr Brebner with making certain statements in regard to the fusion of the Maori and white races;, I discussed the matter fully with him and think it only right that further light should be shed on this vsubject. He stated that, the remedy suggested; by him at the Council meeting was partly in jest and partly to bring the matter under it.he notice of the County Council. He expressed surprise that any seriously thinking person would take the suggested remedy seriously and regretted the publicity it had; received. He has the greatest admiration for the Maori race and was actuated only b} r a desire to secure better living conditions, education and environment for them, so that itheir average level co.uld be brought to an equal to that of the Pakeha. In other words to make the Maori & full partner in every way with the white. By doing it.his it would be only natural to expect a fusion of the two races would come about which in his opinion, produce a beittc/r'master race. He expressed regret and concern that the feelings of anyone had been hurt. Yours etc-, "RANGITIRA." (In fairness to this paper and the fact that, our correspondent has voiced Mr Brebner's, regret at the. publicity given to his statement, we feel that must now state that we were especially enjoined by Mr Brebner after the Council meeting to 'boast the suggestion along' in rebuttal of our own efforts to have it modified. No doubt Mr Brebner's intentions were the best in the world but the taint of money and the anticipation of the universal plan which in d;ecades to come will quietly and unobtrusively achieve his objective whether we like it or not, is no doubt the part which so shocked and hurt our readers. In the interests of all concerned this question is now deemed to. be closed. Ed.) SUGAR FOR JAM-MAKING Sir,—A B.lb grant of sugar was made earlier in the season and a promise was made that those who didn't take up the grant then could take it later. The: jam season is nearly over and upon making enquiries at the post office 11 find no provision has been made for those who didn't lake the original grant. This means that some people: have had 121bs while others have had 21 lb. Are the authorities concerned going to rectify this inequality? Yours etc., ONE WHO TOOK THE GOVERNMENT AT ITS WORD.