MAORI INFLUENCE IN PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2348, 14 November 1908, Page 6

MAORI INFLUENCE IN PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS.

(To the Editor.]

Sir, —I read in the columns of the Now Zealand “Times” the other day “That it was a proud boast of the Ward Administration tint none of the ministers- had appointed a single relative, either by blood or marriage •to any place of profit in the public service of the Dominion.” This is ii-ot true, so far -.is our own and only

•Tiini Kara” is concerned. Let us we! Gisborne, of course, is “Timi’s” particular pocket borough, and woo oeti-de tlie belated one who dares- to advocate a change, from the Maori autocracy and its myriad ramifications that in past and present days ‘Hold the Fort” in the public departments of Gisborne. But about; local appointments of Minister’s own relations by blood or marriage or his bosom and boon companions to positions of profit in the public service here in Gisborne. First there was the- vacancy caused by the ictirement on compensation of Mr J. Brooking, late Native Court Registrar in Gisborne. The position is now filled by one who was then a junior by some 14 or 15 heads to other clerks ill the Native Department. But foriiinately for the young man lie is a son of "one of the Native Minister’s sisters, a full nephew to “Timi.” Another brother, also a nephew to the Minister, is clerk to the Local Native Land Board, whilst the grand panandriim of this same Board .is the versatile Air M. Keefer, bosom friend and Talleyrand in ordinary to “Tini-i Kara” himself. Another brand new appointment is a full-blown clerk in cue Native Land Court Office here in Gisborne, one of his chief qualifications being that he is brother-in-law co the first mentioned clerk. The Lands and Survey Department here is just permeated with Maori friends and relatives of other friends of genial “Timi Kara.” The Maori element “bosses” to such an astounding bXtent all path's of public preferment Here in “The Bay” that, without a follow lias a dash of the redoubtable .Ngatinawawav blood 'in his veins, or is allied to some Nga tin aw a way Princess, well, “He hasn’t a hope.” He nad better “Say nothin’,” but keep on sawing wood.” Look at our Maori rulers! First in importance after Timi Kara himself is che redoubtable Wi Fere, who whilst m the Lower House and merely to give exuberance to his feelings, as a Rangatira admost knocked an interpreter down, emphasising his action oy his historical Maori proverb, "ivo l-o Hera You.” And, again the other day, the Honorable Avi held the floor of the Upper House whilst indulging in a few generalities. Then there is the Honorable Captain Tucker, a European ’tis true. But withal a past master in all things pertaining to Alaori-Pakeha folk. Love! yes. Verily we ol : Gisborne and district are most- effectually and efficiently “bossed” by these tliree or four leaders of Mauri thought -and culture, and so mote it be, for many a long dav to come. RICHARD SMITH. Wellington Street, Gisborne.