NATIVE AFFAIRS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22517, 27 September 1938, Page 15

NATIVE AFFAIRS

TO THB EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir, —I should like to comment on some interesting points raised by "Wiremu . Teira" in his letter dated September 22. First, the reference to < Sir Apirana Ngata's appeal to the Maori race to look furtHer than the pick, shovel, and axe. Taking the advice at its worth, it shouts inconsistency on the part of the former Native Minister. During the period in which he held that important portfolio in the Coalition Government, he concentrated his efforts not on civil service training generally, as now advocated, but found fit to exspend over £BOO,OOO on development of small uneconomic farms, the chief implements by the way being pick, shovel, and axe. If the prod is intended to be a weapon against the present Government, I should like to record confidence in Labour's administration to give the Maori race the necessary advantages under discussion, remembering that in the history of New Zealand, and under all political party banners, the elevation of the Maori to such a plane was never seriously considered. Ido not . question the wisdom implied in Sir Apirana Ngata's appeal, but taking history as a guide, Labour is the Maoris' only salvation. It has been my privilege to tour Canterbury with the Maori Advisory Council to the Government, Mr E. L. Cullen being a member. In discussing the housing problem, I was informed that the South Island Maori residences stood in a very favourable light compared with the North Island. This is borne out by the following figures:— Out of a grant of £60,000 for Maori housing, £6OOO was allotted to this island. I will again repeat what was published by you in a previous letter of mine, that this sum was utilised in the West Coast, Nelson, and Canterbury districts. I agree with "Wiremu Teira" that urgent steps must be taken to provide a water supply for Wairewa. Still, it is pleasing to note that the Government has not forgotten its responsibility. , • I should also like to thank "Wiremu Teira" for his sincere interest in the general welfare of my people, but when he appoints himself as an adviser on Maori politics he immediately cloaks himself with the mantle of an intruder. As ambition and happiness in a race are largely governed by humanitarian measures legislated, I have much pleasure in reminding my people that to obtain those heights the return of Labour is essential. So to them I beg to submit a popular quotation: "Heed not the advice of the inferior pakeha." —Yours, etc., A. MANAWATU. September 26, 1938.