VALUE EMPHASISED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 29, 4 December 1945, Page 3

VALUE EMPHASISED

MAORIS AS REHABILITATION OFFICERS WORK AMONG OWN RACK The value of the present policy or employing Maori rehabilitation officers among Maori ex-servicemen was emphasised by delegates to the -conjferenee in Wellington of rehabilitation officers l'rom all parts of New Zealand. Speaking from experience gained in his own the delegate from Te Mr G. M. Cole_ said that as the King Country was settled late the impact of the pakelia in that district was comparatively recent. For that reason they had to face up to the basic difference in the ways of living of the two peoples and that the Maori communal way' of life had not, gone by theboard. This he was the underlying factor in Maori rehabilitation in the King Country. Only a Maori or someone with a deep understanding of the Maori psychology could effectively rehabilitate Maori ex-servicemen, lie. felt that it every district with c Maori rehabilitation problem had a Maori contact officer who could won*, in close co-operation with the administrative staff good results would accrue. Having tribal affinities such an officer would have a social and moral obligation to his tribe; he would be able to attend whatever celebrations and functions as was fitting and would keep in touch with the tribal elders, who were the people who would really make Maori rehabilitation successful. He himself considered the Maori rehabilitation officer one of the most valued members of his staff. Similar comment was made by th>e delegate from Rotorua j Mr G. Myers who said the work in his district' where there was a large Maori population —was progressing largely be r cause of there being a Maori Rehabilitation Officer.