ADDRESS TO ELECTORS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1930, Page 7

ADDRESS TO ELECTORS

MR TE TOM BS POLICY

WANGANUI, September 19

Maori electors met at “Te I’aku-ote-rangi,” Put'iki, Wanganui, during the week and xvore addressed by Mr Taite Te Tomo, the .Maori king’s nominee, xvho is contesting the Western Maori seat at the coming byelection.

In outlining his policy Mr Te Tomo said that it was the same ate that of his predecessor, and that he lvould endhax r o'.ir to d.o his best and see that the various matters left unfinished by Sir Maui Pomare were completed. “Reform,’’ said Mr Te. Tomo, “xvas the only party since the Treaty o c Wn’itangi xvas signed which so befriended the Maori people avs to lookin to their griex-ances regarding the wholesale confiscation of Natix-e lands. Among the host of matters the Reform Party had done for the benefit of the {Maori people xve re the settlement of questions affecting Lakes Wairarapa, Rotoura and Taupo, the Puketiritiri Block, the Mangatu, Patutahi, Taraxvera, Te Wainui, Waipioi, and Waipu Kupates Blocks, and many others,”' Several speakers (supported, the candidature of Mr Te Tcmo, hut Mr Emia respectfully asked Mr Te Tomo to stand down 'in favour of Mr P> H. Jones. In doing so lie dxvelt on the political situation as seen through the eyes of the Young Maori Party, of xvbieh the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, the present Native Minister, xvas head and founder.

Mr Emia said that Mr Te Tomo xvas not the right man to represent the Maori people, as lie was not a product of pakeha learning, and he did not like the idea of leaving xvith the older school n c Maori thought the problem,s of to-day. Mr Joges xvas allied to the United Party, said Mr Te Tomo, and his politics xvould nob get the Maoris out of their present difficulties; therefore he could net accede to Mr Emin’s request to stand doxvn.