A MAORI MINISTER

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1926, Page 4

A MAORI MINISTER

COMMENT RESENTED. AUCKLAND, Feb. 7. Special reference to his relinquishment of the portfolio of Health was made by Sir Maui Pomace, in an address at the opening of the Native school at -Moerangi near Kawhia. He prefaced his remarks with a brief review of the relations between the Maoris and Europeans, saying that the days of strife were past, and both races now worked together for the good of the community. “There are still some, however, who appear anxious to stir up bitterness and ill-feeling between the two peoples’’ he continued. “Recently an Auckland daily, when referring to the new Cabinet, expressed satisfaction that the Department of Health had reverted to a representative of a white constituency.” Sir Maui said he did not harbour any complaint or resentment at relinquishing the portfolio of Health. Mr Coates had a perfect, right to choose his own team, and place them where lie liked. It was the Prime Minister's prerogative, and lie would be the last to question it. but lie took the strongest exception to 'the inference that he was not qualified to hold the position because he represented a Maori seat. It would be equally absurd to follow tiiis form, of specious reasoning, and say that the Prime Minister was not capable of bolding the portfolio of Native Affairs because Mr Coates was mot a Maori nor did he- represent a Maori constituency. It was a further instance of that bad taste and illbreeding which strove to create a cleavage between the two races, when the better disposed were endeavouring to promote harmony and co-r.peralion. There was no reflection on bis qualifications nor tin his administration ot the Department, which be contended would bear the fullest investigation, and had been frequently the subject of favourable comment front those competent to form an opinion. He could claim it. certain amount of knowledge regarding medicine, and bad become interested in the work and to that extent 101 l some regret- on leaving it, but lie wished it to be clearly understood that he entertained no regret at the action of the Prime Minitser. He lutd been tutored on the football fiield to play where Lite captain had placed him, and to work not for his personal interest, but for the benefit, of the whole team. Ibis principle was equally'applicable in the game of politics as if was in loaibull.