NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 8, 5 October 1943, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

A welcome assurance as to the completeness and regularity of the distribution of parcels of food and comforts among the forces on active service has been given by Brigadier 1-1. K. Kippenberger, D.S.O. His statement that those men who have complained Hint they did not receive parcels must have been on leave, in detention camps, or not telling the truth, is blunt and to the point. It should assist to Correct the harmful belief —still encountered in many quarters—that the dispatch of parcels is a hit-and-miss business involving muddle and loss, or worse. It is disappointing, however, to learn from Brigadier Kippenberger that many of the men overseas are confused ns to the source of the comforts, looking upon them as tbe gift of the various bodies conducting canteens and recreation lints, rather than ns coming out of the national patriotic funds. In view of the publicity given to tbe work of the Patriotic Board, and tbe labelling of ninny of the gifts themselves, it is difficult to fathom this misunderstanding. But if it exists to any appreciable extent it should lie corrected. The better our men overseas understand the system which Ims been devised for their welfare, the more strongly is that system likely to bo supported—as it requires to be—by their relatives and friends at lionie.

When Parliament meets it will seem strange to many people not to find Sir Apirana Ngata in his accustomed place. For 38 years he has been a member of tbe House, and for a long while was a member of the Ministry. The House will miss one who, when dealing with tiny question that touched the welfare of his people, could speak with lire and eloquence. People will not soon forget his work in building up the young Maori movement. As for Maori deputations that come to Wellington from time to time they will not now be able to discuss matters with this experienced parliamentarian before going to see any Minister, or reviewing the position with him after the official part of lhe work bad been done. Sir Apirana was the father of the House, the last parliamentarian connected with the days of the Scddon regime, for lie entered Parliament a year before the Liberal leader died. To have been a member of the House of Representatives under no fewer than 10 Prime Ministers is a surprising record. Sir Apirana’s long period of service covered many years of war and he took a keen interest in the welfare of the .Maori men who served in 191-1-18 and in this struggle. Some "people state that he devoted to the coming celebrations on the East Coast, in commemoration of the winning of Hie Victoria Cross by a young Maori officer, time that he should have used in furthering his election campaign. But the decision of Hie electors will be taken philosophically and the former member will find scope for his leadership and ability among his own people.