RUATOKI SCHEME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 87, 6 July 1943, Page 5

RUATOKI SCHEME

SOME INFORMATIVE FIGURES JJOURKABLE , PROGRESS In a district carrying a population of 1700 persons, the Ruatoki Native Land Development Scheme is to-day a veritable monument to the success which can attend a well run and sympathetically supervised Maori farm settlement. In J 932 the total return from 700 cows, pastured in the area was £1700. Steady improvements in farming conditions, systematic control and field, management has. revealed a miracle of progress. In 1934-35 season the total return from 'JOIN cows was £9620; in 1935-30 1994 cows produced £15i7f)0 and in 1930-37 2750 cows netted £24.870. The total receipts for 19-12 was no less than £42,000. Other comparative figures reveal that housing and general hygiene has likewise improved at an amazing rate. In 191*7 the scheme could boast 88 cottages (two designs) and 91 walk-through cowsheds. Five years later 130 cottages had been built and 128 cowsheds. All the administrative staff are Maoris and building operations are carried out. by Maori labour. A Maori Director is now sitting on the Board of Directors, of the local cheese factory. The great majority of the settlers are keen and are making every effort to justify their appointments as occupiers of their respective sections. Consequently the success of the project appears to be assured. The policy to-day is to assist the Maori to develop and farm his lands; to. train him in those branqjies of agriculture most suited to his needs to profitably occupy and improve his idle territory; to settle and cultivate the remnants of his tribal inheritance and establish himself as a producing and self reliant citizen.