INDIAN LIVING CONDITIONS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 24, 16 November 1943, Page 4

INDIAN LIVING CONDITIONS

Sir, —The representative of Indians and the President of The All N.Z. Indian Association (Inc.) Mr Unkabluii Iv. Patel of Murupara, have given the following comment on the . remarks passed by the council-* lors at a recent meeting of the Whakatane County Council, respecting the conditions, of Indians at Murupara, Te Whaiti and Ruatahuna. The All N.Z. Indian Association resents those remarks as they are untrue and unfair. Those Indians are human., they do not live in hovels, but they have proper houses which are much better than those of most Europeans residing in that district, and also they do not obtain trade by erecting shacks but they have proper up to date authorised stores, liy making such general but unfair statements they arc insulting Indians and attempting to insinuate that Indians should be looked upon as inferior. The Association believes that, those councillors who passed the remarks cannot prove their statements to be 1 true.. The All N.Z. t'ndian Association is, very annoyed at the publication of those objectionable remarks of Councillors Cawte and McCrcady of the Wliakatane County Council passed, at its recent meeting at What katane. To preach racial discrimination in the 20th century is to give the proof of their ignorance and utter lack of present civilisation. In the opinion of the Association the best interests of New Zealand will be served by promoting a better understanding and co-operat-r ing in the matter of making this Dominion a prosperous country judged, on its merits.. The Association believes, howe.ve|. that the baseless allegations of those councillors of the Wliakatane County Council will die a natural death.

The Indian Association also deems it necessary to point out to the public in general and the responsible men in particular the fact that India paid licr share in the last Great War more than any of the Dominions by money, men and materials, and also the way she is. help-: ing again in the present one. The fact is not to be overlooked that Indians, being British subjects and being also the citizens of this Dominion deserve all British justice: and appeals to peaceable and sound thinking New Zcalanders; not to be hindered or misled by any of the* baseless allegations; which were made at the last meeting of the Whakatane County Council. Yours etc.,, UNIvABHAI K. PATKL. President.