A PETITION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1931, Page 5

A PETITION

AFFECTING MAORI AFFAIRS

WELLINGTON, August 18

Allegations which reflect upon the administration of the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata as Native Minister and the integrity of the Maori Princess, To Puea, are contained in a petition presented to the House to-day by Mr IT. MeKeen, on behalf of Patrick Barry, formerly an employee of the Native Lands Department. Petitioner, who is seeking reinstatement in the Public Service, stated that after tweny years in the Agriculture and Lands Department he was transferred to the Native Lands Department as farm director, and among his duties he had charge of the Waipipi native land development scheme. He added that “Te Puea a leading native lady, has interested herself in native land development schemes including Waipipi, and exercised influence and control over the natives and the \voiking of the scheme.” By arrangement with the natives, all wages paid on the "Warpi pi scheme were paid to Te Puea, "ho distributed the money in such a way as to her seemed best among the natives on tlie settlement. In September, 1930, there was work for only three men on the settlement and eight Maoris were being employed. Petitioner pointed out that the payment of wages to Maoris whose work was not required ipmtd seriously prejudice the scheme, and on this being represented to Te Puea It was airanged that the wages for October should be restricted of £22 10s. However, the wages sheet sent in by Te Puon for tlmt month totalled £49 Is. Petitioner refused to pass the claim without the sanction of Judge McCormick, of the Native Land Court. and referred it to him. According to the petition Judge McCormick interviewed Te Puea, and she made it clear she expected to hove wages provided for her party of fortyuine Maoris whether their services were required or not. and refused to accept any explanation from .Judge McCormick that this could not be done. The Judge informed the Native Minister of Te Puoa’s complaint and s' he agreed with petitioner that the wage claims were far too high.

Petitioner then alleges that the Native Minister thereupon gave instruction that bis services were to lie dispensed with, and he was now without employment and without superannuation. lie asks tliafc a full enquiry be held and that he be reinstated in the Public Service without loss oi superannuation.