Mr. Holland Speaks To The Maoris

Chronicle (Levin), 21 November 1949, Page 9

Mr. Holland Speaks To The Maoris

GISBORNE, Nov. 20. The leader of the Nationai Party, Mr S. G. Holland, was given a good reeeption by a large gathering of _ Eastern Maori electors in his flrst address to native constituents in the North Island, at the Poho-o-Rawiri meeting house.The waiting atnxosphere of the early part of the meeting changed later and Mr Holland was repeatedly applauded. Mr Holland was welcomed before his address, by Maori leaders from Gisborh, Wairoa, the East Coast, Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay. He gave an unqpalilied assurance that the Nationai Party would not interfere with social seeurity benelits whieh, under the Nationai Party 's policy, would be extended as circumstances warranted. Mr Holland treated with derision Mr Praser 's attempt to construe as a threat to the Maori people, Mr Holland 's earl ier statement that it would be a tragedy if a ehange of Government oceurred'and a new Government did not liave the advantage of a Maori* member's assistanee to deal with native problems. "Everyone knowTs what 1 said and knows wiiat I mean, " said Mr Holland. "If anyone cares to misinterpret my statement on this matter,., ! will leave it to the good sense of t-h'e Maori people." He paid a glowing tribute to the foundation work of Sir Apirana Ngata in Maori land settlement and development, emphasising tlie Nationai Party \s desire to see Sir Apirana 's ideals fulfilled. With the Maori family as the most desirable settlement unit, Sir Apirana provoked laughter among the audienee by quoting in his native tongue, aj Maori proverb which he translated as: i "The old net is laid aside. The new net goes alishing. " His allusion was to the| Nationai Party candidature of Mr A. T. Carroll for the Eastern Maori seat. Aj still freer version of tlie proverb, said, Sir Apirana was: "I've had it." Mr Holland 's replv delighted the j audienee. "I wish I had eommand of some of these expressive Maori proverbs," he said. "I should not quote oue meaning 1 1 've had it. ' I would look for one meaning 'I'm going to get it. ' "