MAORIS ON THE LAND

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 109, 1 February 1935, Page 10

MAORIS ON THE LAND

The Prime Minister’s tour of investigation o'f the various Maori land settlement schemes, from which he has just returned, appeal s to have given him considerable satisfaction. He is filled with admiration at the spirit and zeal displayed by the Maoris in developing then lands and overcoming the various difficulties associated with the farming industries, especially in regard to the eradication of noxious weeds. v As a practical farmer himself, Mr. Forbes is well fitted to pass judgment on such matters, and it is pleasant and reassuring to hear from him that the Maori farmers are in such good hqart. 1«e legislation of 1929 which made provision for. these land settlement schemes Avas a very generous gesture to the Native race. It was made in recognition not only of the justice of the Maori’s claims for some measure of recompense for the errors of the past, but also of the pi mciple that he should be given facilities for working out his salvation-on the land under efficient guidance and with material assistance. . The Native Land Amendment and Native Claims Adjustment Act conferred large poAvers on the Minister of Native Affairs, and it was rather unfortunate that legislation so fair and generous in principle should have failed to be proof against subsequent muddlemcnt in administration, leading to a Royal Commission and disquieting revelations. But that phase of the question of the Maori and his land now belongs, it may be hoped, to the past. The nation s concern fot the future of the Native race and its well-being is sinceie, and it 1S encouraging and gratifying to be told that previous muddlemcnt notwithstanding, the land development schemes on the whole are showing promising results. The Maori race, arrested in time from decay auu possible disappearance, has shown remarkable powers of recuperation. Their numbers are steadily increasing, and while to a large extent the)' have assimilated European culture and habits, they have at the same time Aviselv determined that their historic traditions and communal fellowship.'their arts and crafts, must at all costs be preserved. And they are worth preserving. These aspirations are altogether to oe commended, and should command the respect of the European population. It will be greatly to the credit of this Dominion if the best elements of the Maori race, and its culture, are given the desired facilities for becoming a permanent and progressive, feature of its social and industrial system.