LANDLESSNESS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 77, 30 May 1944, Page 5

LANDLESSNESS

MAJOR MAORI PROBLEM QUESTION OF REHABILITATION "In the background l of most Native problems to-day, looms the question of landlessness, and dates back to the confiscation of Maori lands by the Pakeha Government," said Sir Apirana Ngata when introducing the Ngatiawa delegation to the Hon. H. G. R. Mason, Minister for Native Affairs, at Whakatane last Saturday morning. He add&d' that although as a rule Native grievances under the heading burned very deeply the Maoris of Whakatane had' made an extraordinary war effort having only four eligible young men left of military ageSir Apirana Ngata said that the local Maoris considered that the time was ripe, to extend the Ngatiawa Native Scheme at Ohope by settling thereon permanent settlers in the shape of their men who were returning from the. front. Already there were several back who could be settled there. He knew that the Department had in the past looked askance at the idea of settling the individually, but felt that if the Government were sincere in rehabilitating the young men on the land were was obviously the chance to do so. Mr Keepa Tawhio, for the. local Maoris supported the above representations and contended that by enlarging the present scheme most of the Maori soldiers who returned could still be under the control of the Native Lands Department. He trusted the Minister coukl bring this about.

Replying, the Minister said that he could not give any direct promise yet as to whether the suggestion could be carried out by his Department. The whole question would be thoroughly into and if the area was considered suitably he could assure the delegates present that there would be nothing to stop their wishes being carried out. It would be obviously unfair however to put these men on to land which would eventually break their hearts and destroy their faith in the Government.

He reminded the gathering that settling the land to-day presented many difficulties in view of the shortage of manures and fencing wire. However his Department desired to lend every encouragement to the Maori who desired to go on to the land for it was recognised that the Maori and the land were inseparable. With it was linked his ancestral pride and rights and it became very necessary that, he should succeed in agricultural pursuits. He congratulated the Maori race upon its magnificent war effort and added that the prowess and gallantry of their soldiers had been the admiration of the world.