IMPRISONED CHIEFS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5473, 11 September 1929, Page 2

IMPRISONED CHIEFS.

THE POLYNESIAN VIEW. MAORIS AND SAMOANS. The Polynesian view of the imprisonment of the Samoan chiefs for nonpayment of taxes was illustrated in the House of Representatives by the Ministei’ of Native Affairs (the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata) during the course of a very eloquent address on the problems of Samoa. Sir Apirana Ngata said that the chiefs of Samoa were very high-born and proud, and he asked why a highborn chief should be imprisoned for non-payment of a small tax while thousands and thousands of hospital fees were not paid by Maori patients. (Laughter.) Thousands of Maoris did not pay their rates either. “Imagine the feelings of a Maori,” said the Minister, “at the scion of a royal race being imprisoned in Mount Eden Gaol for not paying * head tax of about £2, while th6usands of Maoris wander round New Zealand wallowing in debt. (Laughter.) Now, I’m only ■-

giving the Polynesian view.” Mr R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs), replying to the point raised by the Minister, said that the difference was that the Maoris were unable to pay their rates. As far as payment of debt was concerned, he did not care whether royal blood came into the question or not. If a man could pay and would not, gaol was the only place for him.