MAORI HUMOUR

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1933, Page 5

MAORI HUMOUR

A MEMBER’S SPEECH WELLINGTON, September 29. A pretty vein of humour was developed by Mr Tabic Te Tomo (C., Western Maori) when speaking through an interpreter in the House of Representatives to-day. Mr To Tcmo accompanied his remarks with eloquent gestures, and showing no little skill in replying to interjections. “In my electorate I have people who have different ideas in regard to Parliament,” he said. “Some have no jdea what Parliament is, some have no need for laws, and some are indifferent to matters national. All these I have to carry on my shoulders.” (Laughter.)

Mr Coates: We all have to do that. “1 want all the Dominion to know what kind of electorate I have,” continued Mr Te Tomo. “I want all to know we are proud to be under the British flag. Although we have not been given everything, we are satisfied to have a quarter of a loaf, and to leave the other three-quarters to the pakeha.” He advocated the establishment of a common fund, to which Maoris who had money would contribute to assist those who were without means. Personally he did not favour Maoris going on relief works, particularly when they had land. Mr D. W. Coleman (Lab., Gisborne'). But they can get nothing off their land.

Mr Te Tnmo: That is according to you; but mv knowledge is different from yours. (Laughter.) Most of the Maoris are gravitating to the cities to get on relief works so that they can go to the pictures. I do not blame the Government for that; I blame the Maoris themselves.

Pai'liment was rn™pn red by Mr Tc Tori’o to a team oi horses.

“Some aro willing to pull and some arc' not.’’ He said. I appreciate the efforts of the Minister for finance to. spin out the finances, hut since he has not been liberal with ns we say lip is a had man. It he had been more liberal we would certain 1 :’ say he was a very good man.” (Laughter.) Mr Te Tomo was roundly applauded on resuming li's seat.