Opotiki Maoris Offended

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 21, 13 February 1948, Page 5

Opotiki Maoris Offended

Alleged Statements To Sheepfarm Commission Evidence allegedly given by Opotiki farmers before the Royal Commission on Sheepfarming that the Maori people in that district were concentrating on increasing the t population and living on Social Security has brought forth indignant pro- " tests. “This sort of thing has gone too far: it is time we put our foot down,” said Mr H. Matchitt, president of the Whanau Apanui Maori R.S.A. when a press report of the evidence given in Opotiki to the Royal Commission on Sheepfarming was before a meeting of the R.S.A. and tribal elders, reports the Opotiki News. “It is hard to believe that such cynical remarks about large Maori families were really made.” Under a sub-heading “They Are Good Maoris, But Just Got A Bit Cunning,” the article under discussion alleged that evidence was given by one witness that the Maoris seemed .to be concentrating on trying to increase the population. One of the witnesses was stated to have said that the cost of living in the bush is very low but the Maoris get

wild cattle and pigs and so on, and they really only have to buy sugar and tea and clothes. If they could have a dozen children they were on the box seat.

Several members spoke of the “ridiculous statements” and questioned if it could be a true picture of the evidence. Others wanted to demand an inquiry into the whole affair and one tribal elder said while the offending statements may be true of one or two Maori people, they were also true of some pakeha. Firm Resolutions After considerable discussion the meeting resolved: — 1. “To forward a copy of the report to those sheepfarmers who gave evidence, asking if it was a true picture of their evidence, and if so, ask that they should submit a list of the cases they had in mind so that the tribal executives could investigate, 'and if necessary- discipline, under the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act.” 2. “To ask the Royal Commission if the report is a correct impression of the evidence they received: and if so, that the Commission should send a delegation of its members back to Opotiki to hear submissions in reply.” • 3. “To ask the Royal Commission, that if the report is not a fair account of the evidence, the Commission notify the Press accordingly.” “Too Sleeping”

It was also resolved to discuss the report with the Supervisor of the Department of Maori Affairs and the chairman of Federated Farmers, Opotiki. Mr H. S/ Holmes, chairman of Federated Farmers, Opotiki, and chairman of directors of the Opotiki Dairy Company stated that he disassociated himself from the sweeping statements published. He said Federated Farmers, Opotiki, were very proud of the cordial relationships existing between Maori and Pakeha in the district. He said that personally he had complete satisfaction from his Maori employees, some of whom had been with him for many years. The Field Supervisor of the Maori Affairs Department agreed with Mr Holmes and declared that the report was far too sweeping.