Maoris and Drink

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 7

Maoris and Drink

Spending Their Money Unwisely WARNING FROM MINISTER. Per Press Association. WHANGAREI, Last Night. “We feel that tho Maori requires different treatment from the pakcha," said Mr. T. Moor, of Kaikoho, when ha waited on Hon. F. Langstone concerning natives and drink. Mr. Moor said that he was representing the Kaikoho Chamber of Commerce which had prepared data on the matter. “There still appears to be some rankling feeling of injustice iu tho hearts of the Maoris," proceeded Mr. Moor. “To say that tho Maori should get the same pay as the pakeha does not meet the position. We as business people certainly want the Maoris to have an additional income but I am afraid they haven’t been educated up to spending their money in the right way and they spend far too much on drink. In their desire to help it would seem that the Government has not helped «t all." Replying to Mr. Moor, Mr. Langstone said that he had warned the Maoris throughout the north against excessive drinking. “I have told the Maoris that the ones who drink bring disgrace on their tribes and that no Maori who loves ins own people will bring discredit on them." The Minister said that the pakeha did not mind paying taxation if it really assisted the Maori. “However," he continued, “if the Maori docs not spend his money in tho right way and do the right thing we will take it away from him and spend it for him by placing food and clothing in his home.

“We have done it before and not only with the Maori. We are the elder brother to tho Maori and we cannot wash our hands like Pontius Pilate and say: ‘lt is no concern of ours.' “We are asking for co-operation from pakehas so that tho besmirching finger of scorn which has been pointed at the Maori can be takon away." Workers receiving relief assistance in tho Kcrikeri district told Mr. Langstone that because circumstances forced them on to this work there was a

“stigma" placed on them and they found it difficult to get work again privately in the district. “Don’t take any notice of a lot of snobs," advised the Minister. “Many of these people aro receiving pensions and superannuation contributed ty people who are not as well off as theiAselves. They are receiving a dole in a greater sense than you are. I pity them in their ignorance."