RUATOKI SCHEME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 22, 9 November 1943, Page 5

RUATOKI SCHEME

THE MAORI AS A FARMER SETTLEMENT'S IMi()l T l> RECORD Few realise the remarkable success which has crowned the venture known more widely as the Ruatoki Native Development Scheme, Avhich apart from transforming a vast area of waste land reverted largely to second growth, lias established a Maori population of seventeen hundred people in a surfing and; prosperous valley which yields' receipts to the community totalling £42,000 (1942 figures). All this has been accomplished in just oyer twelve years. Ruatoki may he classed as one of the most successful, Maori land ventures ever undertaken by the Government and represents a rehabilitation of Maoris back on the Jaiid of which we might well be proud. Up till 1942 it is interesting to record that, the Ruatoki factory to which there are only three; European suppliers Avon the Auckland Provincial and New Zealand, Championship l'or export cheese at the Auckland Winter Show. The. Ahuwhenua Cup ''Son of the Soil" (translation "the triumph of the warrior may fade, but he who conquers the soil gains a lasting victory") presented by Viscount Bledisloe when Gover-nor-General of this country, for competition amongst Maori farmers, was awarded to two Maoris in the Bay of one of which farnied under the Ruatoki scheme. The Tuhoe Pig Club likewise secured Ist and 2nd prizes for the best export porker at the. Whakatane A. and P. Show, The scheme has constructed 130 cottages and 128 cowsheds. From tne farms under its control were produced no less than hall" a million lbs of butterfat. Another feature is that the administration staff arc Maoris and the building operations arc carried out by local Maori labour. A Maori director likewise is now silting on the Board, of Directors ol the local cheese factory. The scheme is still in the process ol extension and further developed areas, being consolidated comprising 1200 acres are at present depasturing station stock. These areas it is anticipated will be converted into dairy farms in the near future under the Rehabilitation Scheme: for returned Maori soldiers. The majority of the settlers are keen and are making an effort to justify their appointments as occupiers of their respective sections, and consequently the success of the project appears lo be assured. The policy to-day is to assist the Maori to develop and farm his lands, to train him in those branches of agriciiltlre. most suited to his needs; to profitably occupy and improve his idle territory; to settle and cultivate the remnants of his tribal inheritance, and to rehabilitate and establish himself as a producing and self-reliant, citizen.