MAORIS AND LIQUOR

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 180, 21 July 1908, Page 2

MAORIS AND LIQUOR

UNT YING'THE NATIVES' HANDS. DEPUTATION TO THE PREMIER. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A deputation from the Maori Congress submitted a petition to the Premier to-day praying that it be enacted that either the supply of liquor be absolutely pro'hibted, both to Maoris and also to half-castes living in Maori set-i tlements amongst Maoris, or else that power be given to the Maori people t(0 express an opinion to vote upon the question whether or not liquor should be supplied to Maoris, either within the existing Maori electoral areas or within the Maori Council districts.

Sir Joseph Ward promised that this question would receive t'lie fullest and most careful consideration. It was not an easy matter, however, because if any legislation were introduced on licensing matters it would open the flood gates for proposals by anybody, but he was in full sympathy with the request and would do all in his power to further it. He certainly thought the Maoris should have the power, a3 they liad the right, to vote upon the liquor question, which was an important one affecting themselves and their descendants. Whether this could be done this session he doubted, but Cabinet would consider the advisability of bringing this matter forward.