WORK FOR MAORIS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 143, 18 August 1941, Page 5

WORK FOR MAORIS

TEACHING OF TRADES

RAPID INCREASE IN POPULATION Speaking on aspects of the Maori situation in the Dominion, the general superintendent of the Methodist Home and Maori Mission, the Rev. G. I. Laurenson, of Auckland, urged Rotorua Rotarians and business men to assist younger members of the native race as much as possible in their efforts to find employment.

"You will be doing an excellent Service to the country as business men if you watch for those with hereditary leadership," he said. "Give them your patient help and understanding, and you will find that they will stand as tho£te who hold a key to the awkward problems lying nhead." The Maori population was now estimated at 92,000, said Mr Laurenson. It had more than doubled in 30 years and it was doubtful if any other native race in the world could show such a splendid achievement at the present time.

As a result of this increase there was a predominant youth population among the native rjtce. Sixty-three per cent, of the Maoris were under 21 years of age, compared ,'with 4T! per cent, of Europeans;, 45 per cent, of the Maoris were under 15 years, «s against 25 per cent. European. According to authorities, the population increase would be much higher. in the next few years. A place would have to be found for a number in the trades and professions and latent talent must be allowed to develop. A transitional stage, however, had to' be faced, and this meant securing those who po> gessed a well informed and discipliiv pel leadership in the interests ol their own people. "If .we can assis' In this direction we will bp helfjini! to tide the country over the period nf readjustment that must come." concluded the speaker.