Mrs Iriaka Ratana speaking to her people during the tour
National Publicity Studios

Parliamentary Committee Tour

Ten members of parliament were among a group who recently studied Maori land and housing development. Starting at Wanganui, they travelled almost 1,000 miles, visiting Taranaki, Taumarunui, Rotorua, Taupo and Tauranga.

As well as making roadside observation of many incorporations and schemes, the party visited Ratana Pa, Ohorea Station, Waerenga Incorporation, and development schemes at Parihaka, Ranana, Morikaunui, Waimiha, Manunui, Taumanuka, Hurakia, Tuaropaki, Kokako, Opepe and Tikitere. Included in their very full programme were ‘meet the people’ visits to several pas, a trip to Mayor Island and an entertaining evening at the Tamatekapua meeting house, Rotorua.

Speaking to her people about the help given with development of their land, Mrs Iriaka Ratana, M.P. for Western Maori, said, ‘It is up to the Maori now to be realistic. He must hoist himself up by his bootstraps.’

Secretary for Maori and Island Affairs, Mr J. M. McEwen, speaking at Manukorihi marae