PROGRESS OF THE MAORI

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1938, Page 9

PROGRESS OF THE MAORI

EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATED ADDRESS IN UPPER HOUSE (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “The Maori is very proud of his position, and I am sure our pakeha friends are desirous of helping the Maori people to cherish and preserve their culture," said the Hon Rangi Mawhete (Wellington), seconding the Address-in-Reply motion in the Legislative Council yesterday. It is understood that this is the first occasion on which the traditional motion in the Upper House has been seconded by a members of the Maori race. Mr Mawhete expressed his thanks for the honour that had been bestowed on him. It was unique in the history of the Chamber, he said. He devoted his remarks largely to a survey of the progress of the Maori people under the administration of the Labour Government. Mr Mawhete expressed appreciation of the progress made in Native land settlement, and of the electoral reform which had given the Maori a secret vote. Concluding his speech, Mr Mawhete said he had tried to bring the Maori mind and the Maori outlook before the members of the Council. "I hope that very soon we Maori people will be fellow citizens with you in all our activities and help to make New Zealand God's own country," he said. Mi- Mawhete was warmly applauded by his fellow members as he resumed his seat.