MAORI FARMS

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

MAORI FARMS

Progress on the East Coast

MR. FORBES IMPRESSED

Sunshine and hundreds of miles’ travelling in the districts of the Eastern Maoris for eight days have given the Prime Minister, lit. Hon. G. AV. Forbes, the appropriate complexion for a Minister of Native Affairs, lie had a strenuous tour among the Maoris on the East Coast, and everywhere received a genial and characteristically lavish welcome. Most of his trip was spent in districts where the Natives, under the guidance of Sir Apirana Ngala, have been engaged on the development of Maori laud. Referring yesterday to his inspections tour, Mr. Forbes said that, as a farmer, he was impressed by the evidence of progress in the Rotorua and Taupo districts. Some of the land that had been brought info the scheme of Native development showed a thoroughness of cultivation and 'much promising enterprise. In some respects the Maoris had reason to be proud of the success of their husbandry; in some areas dairy production bad been doubled, while oif one settlement -where 130 settlers had been placed on the land, the financial returns had been more than trebled. In spite of low prices, the earnings in one season bad totalled £lO,OOO, as compared with only £3OOO during the height of the boom period. Frequently in the past, Maoris who had to buy dairy cows on credit did not always get creditable animals, bur now a good herd' standard was maintained with much better results. The Maoris were working enthusiastically and were confident of the future. The recent spirit of uncertainty had given way to a spirit of confidence. lie bad visited the settlements and Native schools, and everywhere had been gratified at the signs of progress. One of the most impressive features of the land development schemes was the absence of ragwort. The Maori farmers had eliminated any cause there may have been previously for ijeproach about noxious weeds.

The Prime Minister mentioned that a Native Land Bill was being drafted for introduction to Parliament during the coming session. It would give effect to several recommendations made by the Native Affairs Commission regarding the administration of the various land settlement schemes on the East Coast.