MAORIS AND DRINK.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2159, 7 April 1908, Page 2

MAORIS AND DRINK.

L LOCAL OPTION PROPOSITION,

MAORI CONGRESS AT WELLINGTON,

(Per Press Association.) ■ AUCKLAND, April C. i Some sound advice was given to me Maoris by the Hon. J. Carroll, -Native Minister, at both the rneetng6 at Waharoa and at Ngaruawana. Mr. Ngata, M.P., speaking to 5 i press representative this morning, •aid“l was very pleased to hear he lion, J. Carroll at the korero at aliaroa, and also at Ngaruawaliia, -{■y Le impress upon the leaders Of ho Waikato natives, the Hon. \Mamta and the chief Taingakawa, the ibsolute necessity of inculcating the principles of temnerance amongst -heir people. 1- may say that the position lias now become very seriptis, and indeed, in some of the native districts where my -people have made themselves most industrious, .ne alcohol lias almost ruined tlio chances of the movement in that particular direction. Many attempts nave been mule by legislation to counteract this evil, nfiiich seems to oe more rampant amongst tho Maoris .nan tlie Europeans, but- I am sorry :o say tliat the legislation does not leem to havo been very effective. For instance, the supply of liquor to Maori women is absolutely prohibited ! >y law, but still they seem to have no difficulty in .getting whatever liquor they wish in most Maori districts. The supply of liquor for consumption off the premises is also prohibited, and still the sale of bottles,'" casks, and eases goes merrily on in spite of the law. The latest suggestion is oil© made by the Rev. "Mr. Bennett and others of tho Young Maori Party, namely, that there should be introduced into’ tho -Maori electorates tho -principle of local option, so as to enable the natives to express an opinion within the boundary of the -Maori electorates, whether -alcoholic liquor shall be supplied or whether it shall, be absolutely prohibited. Of course, this would in no way interfere with the question of licensed houses, as that would still have to be deckled by tlie European residents. What is suggested is that tho Maoris shall liavo tlio power of saying whether or not- alcoholic liquor shall ho supplied to them. . This matter will come -before the Maori congress which is to bo onenod in Wellington, and will then be submitted to tho Government for consideration amongst subjects requiring legislation next session. Anart from tins question, the members of the loung /Maori /Party feel that reform, to be lasting, should commence from within tho ranks of tho Maoris themselves, and a movement is now on foot to secure the sympathy and support of Maoris of rank -and influence. ”

,A Maori congress is to he held in Wellington on the 14th July, tho movement- emanating from the To Ante Association. The obiect- of this congress Is to promote a meeting ofrepresentatives of different institutions and interests in work amongst Uie Maoris. Those in charge of Maori secondary schools and others have been approached with the view of sending representatives to this congress. It is anticipated that from 60 to 80 delegates will assemble in Y\ cllington, and the congress is expected to last for a week. The executive committee is now arranging for the accommodation of delegates to congress.