NATIVES AND LIQUOR

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 102, 27 October 1945, Page 9

NATIVES AND LIQUOR

COUNSEL'S SUGGESTIONS

"In all parts of New Zealand it is apparent that there has been an abuse by Maoris of social security benefits, and it is clear on the evidence that these should be paid, in select cases, through! the tribal committee or perhaps a Maori council or through some other authorised body," said Mr. J. D. Willis, counsel assisting the Commission,' in his submission regarding the problem, of Maoris and liquor before the Royal Commission on Licensing yesterday, afternoon.

Islanders should he on the same footing as Maoris, otherwise the latter would have a cause for grievance, said Mr. Willis. Regarding Indians, he submitted that although there were a large number of law-abiding ones in the country, it had been proved that many had supplied liquor to Natives, particularly to Native women for immoral purposes. To be safe, it might be considered desirable to put Indians on the same footing as Maoris. All witnesses had agreed that Maori ex-servicemen should have equal facilities with Europeans _>t soldiers' functions.

The use of sacramental wine in administering Communion to Maorishould be formally legalised. If it was desired that present Maori restrictions continue, or that Maoris still be not allowed to consume liquor off licensed premises, then it should be made an offence for the-Maori to receive the liquor. There was little doubt that the situation in the Chatham Islands was such as to cause concern, he submitted. Offconsumption caused the main trouble and was detrimental to the well-being of the community. Mr. Willis suggested that there be no sales for off-con-sumption to anybody in the Chathams, that there be only one licence there, that the store be separate from the hotel, and that penalties for breaches be increased. Alternatively, in view of the population bf only 350 Maoris and 150 Europeans, both licences might be cancelled and all importations of liquor except for sacramental and medicinal purposes be prohibited. That alternative was merely a suggestion for consideration.

Mr. Willis remarked upon the lack of unanimity of evidence concerning liquor and the Maoris, particularly those in the King Country. He summarised the abuses and disadvantages of the present King Country position and enumerated the advantages to both Maoris and Europeans. The Commission might consider the removal of discriminating restrictions except that there should be an extension of the powers of the Maori Council Act of 1900. Perhaps there should be a referendum of those over 21 or 25 years on a specified majority, or T it might be left for the Maori elders to decide, although the extent of their influence was, on the evidence, hard to decide. The last two suggestions had the disadvantage of excluding the Europeans in the King Country from the decision on supplies of liquor.