I applaud Robin Bishop's comments (The Weekend Sun 23 July) in his reply to Sam Nikora. He speaks the truth that there are no full-blooded Maori left. What we have now are a large number of people who would rather get something for nothing from the Government than join the workforce and earn something.
This treaty that seems to be a favourite subject of Maori, was never signed by a New Zealand Government, there wasn't one at that time. It was signed by a representative of the British Government, who was brought over from Australia to attend to this affair. (Something else we have to thank the Aussies for.) Therefore if anyone is liable for any complaints it should be the Crown, not New Zealand.
Untold millions of dollars have been paid out in an effort to pay for past grievances. A section of land that was paid for in trade of the time, has now reached astronomical value. Why? It probably was never bought by the vendor in the first place, more likely to have been taken after the previous owner was eaten. How can any reasonable Government allow this blackmail to continue?
What has happened to these vast payouts, how was the money distributed, why was it not used to educate or control the young and prevent the large number of Maori from being in our prisons today?
We have just had Maori Language Week, are we going to also have Chinese Language Week, followed by French, South African, who knows what else? What a farce! Outside this country it is unknown as is ancient Sanskrit from Indian but I doubt very much if that is taught in schools even in India.
Instead of ranting and raving about supposedly past injustices why not get an education, study politics and stand for election. Anyone can do it if they want to.
If not, then either join the mixed population living happily in this country or do everyone else a favour and go somewhere else. Don't rely on the treaty for handouts, it is way past its use by date. It is 160 years old. Be proud of your heritage but don't moan about it, be proud to be a Kiwi.
K Roke, Papamoa.