The Maori
Sir, —The question of the so-called “colour bar” in New Zealand is brought about, I think, largely by tourists, who come here in large numbers from countries where the colour line is rigidly drawn and enforced, and also in a lesser way, perhaps,.by retired Anglo-Indians, who bring witn them prejudices about the natives' proper place in the universe. The Treaty of Waitangi gave the Maori equal right with the European in those days. There was no colour bar, or calk of such.
It seems a pity in view of the Centennial celebrations that the presentday New Zealander and that section of the community from abroad who earn their living here, should lose sight of this point and allow the views held in their own country to influence them in their attitude to the Maori. '
Nevertheless, the young Maori of to-day must keep in mind that he has many privileges under the British Crown. He is also in keen competition in the labour market, civil service and the professions with his pakeha neighbour, where he must, in the natural course of things, come up against a racial and possibly a class barrier—quite a different matter from the so-called “colour bar.” TAKAPUNA RANGIUIA.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GISH19390829.2.164.1
Bibliographic details
Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 29 August 1939, Page 16
Word Count
203The Maori Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 29 August 1939, Page 16
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