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for. They had a great deal of respect for his energy, ability and sincerity.

Mr A. McCready, speaking for Mr Hanan, who was ill, had noted Mr Souter's ambition to raise the status of young Maori men and women, saying ‘He has gone into it with everything he has.’

Replying, Mr Souter said that New Zealand's democratic government would continue to work well, so long as public servants gave loyal, efficient and self-effacing service to the government of the day. Acknowledging other speakers, he said, ‘I would not like you to think that I am a devotee of efficiency. It should always be tempered with humanity. It is not difficult to decide what should be done in the interests of efficiency, but it is difficult to decide what should be done efficiently in the interests of people.’ Commenting on the role of the Department, he said it should not be regarded as a fatherly figure, guiding the future of the Maori people. ‘Progress lies in themselves. The Department can only create favourable conditions.’