Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1929, Page 8

“Goodwill to the Maori,” was thes message delivered to members of the Patana movement on Christmas Day by .Mr \Y. A. Yoitcli ('Minister of Labour) on behalf of the Government. It was the first time that the movement has been recognised. On arrival at the pa the party, which included Air Tuiti Makitannra, ALP. for the Southern .Maori district, and Air Te A. Pitnma, was met by a hand ol the priests •ml sisters of the Katana Church in all their vestments, and led up to the porch of the prophet’s house. On the large open space in front were massed the people of the village, reinforced bv followers of Rataimi; from other parts of New Zealand. “Christmas day is a day of goodwill,” said Air Veitcli. “and we are here to express the goodwill of the Government to you The Government will help you to cultivate your land.” Sometimes it was thought that the -Maori would not make use of his land, but after travelling fairly extensively over New Zealand he had come to the conclusion that in the majority of cases the Maori was doing well. Mr Alakitanara said that the new Government would, wherever possible, return the bunds that had been coiifiseiated. The belief that one day Maori and pakclia would become united in one great race was the view expressed bv Mr Pitama who counselled the Maoris not to forgot that they came of a great race. The time for them to stand still and watch the amazing progress of the Dominion was over, and they should no longer hold aloof.