Reassuring Statement About Maoris

Chronicle (Levin), 1 May 1948, Page 5

Reassuring Statement About Maoris

CANBERRA, April 30. Tlie statement -on Alaoris in. Aus-,. tralia, attributed to Air. Calwell, was': definitely* made by hihi and has * not been denie'd in any form. It is learhed from ministerial sources that Air. 'Calwell 's statement was- a stric't legal interpretation of the? imhugration Act, but that, in praetice, Australia iiiakes no diserimiiiation against Alaoris. .The question will be adjus.ted between the New Zealand High Oomniissioner's office ahd the 'Austrahan immigration officials. , • Air. Calwell has given correspondents an assuraiice that Alaoris already resident in Australia _ will remain unaisturbed, despite the Australian immigration l'aws. He added: "We like the Alaoris and appreciate the entertainment given by Princess Te Puea Herangi to many Australians. We have appreciated the splendid qualities of the Alaoris in war 'and neaee. There have never been any difficulties when application has been made {h rough the New Zealand administration for passports; ' Each case has" been judged on its" merits. ' ' It is Jielieved that, Atr. -Ralwell was caught unawarea by the question in the House , of .' Eepresentativdsyyesterday. Few individuals are involved, in the matter, which is entireiy oue of praetice, and ' he is anxious to reassure Alaoris without admitting his mistake.