MAORI WAR EFFORT Work Of Organization To Date SURVEY BY MINISTER

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 108, 1 February 1943, Page 4

MAORI WAR EFFORT Work Of Organization To Date SURVEY BY MINISTER

The work accomplished by the Maori War Effort Organization since its formation six months ago was reviewed by the Minister in Charge of Maori War Effort, Mr. Paikea, in an interview. The object of Ihe oiganizaton is to stimulate the war effort of the Maori people, and to make it more effective by organization throughout New Zealand on a voluntary basis. To help in carrying out this object the organization has had the help of a committee consisting of the live Maori members of both Houses of Parliament with Mr. Paikea as chairman. The continuation of the organization for a further three months from February 1 has been ap proved by War Cabinet. Mr. .Paikea said that 356 tribal and executive committees had been established It was a revolutionary experience tor the Maori people to be given some form of control. Naturally many difficulties were encountered at the outset owing to a characteristic lack of confidence arising from past and historic experiences. Personal contact, however, together with an assurance of a position of leadership, brought about a wave of war effort enthusiasm among the people from one end of New Zealand to the other. “The number of Maori personnel serving as volunteers with gallant distinction overseas, and in the defence of New eZaland, as well as those engaged in the production and industrial life of New Zealand is striking evidence of and a tribute to the people's war effort,” said the Minister. “In addition the response of the Maori people toward/ patriotic appeals has been remarkable.” ' Men in Armed Forces.

The following summary , of the main achievements of the Maori War Effort Organization to dale was given by Mr. Paikea: — Number of men in essential industries, 10,825. Territorial Force for service within and beyond New Zealand, including those serving overseas—number recorded as having joined up, 4104; number enlisted by recruiting officers and tribal committees, 740; total, 4844. Territorial Force for service in New Zealand only—number recorded as having joined up, 1587; number enlisted by recruiting officers and tribal committees, 453; total, 2040. , , , Home Guard —number recorded as having enrolled, 7397; number enlisted by recruiting officers and tribal committees, 2478; total. 9875. Total engaged in defence forces, 16, io9. Grand total, 27,584. The Minister said, that as the . winprogressed the functions and duties of the Maori organization were widened out to embrace the control and direction of all Maori man and woman-power in essential industries in co-operation with the district manpower officers, and the increased production of potatoes, kunieras,' maize, green vegetables organized and operated not only as individual projects but as tribal projects. In addition the following other matters had also occupied the close and (Constant attention not only of the recruiting officers but, also of the tribal and executive committees: (a) Personal contact with employers of Maoris, resulting in bringing about in many instances a better understanding and consequently a greater smoothness of working; (b) prevention of absenteeism from essential work, and dealing with cases of absenteeism ; (c) reception and guidance of men returning from overseas; (d) matters pertintent to rehabilitation; (c) approach to the problem of social changes among the Maori people, particularly young women engaged in industry in the larger centres of population, and also the investigation of living and housing conditions in the cities of those engaged in industry; (f) intermediate duties of an assorted and often complex nature. Production of Foodstuffs.

Tho following is a summary of the estimated production for war purposes, that is production over and above the Alaori people’s own requirements both for food and for the adequate supply of seeds, for future crops: Alaize, 3017 acres, estimated to yield 126,590 bushels: kumeras, 707 acres, estimated to yield 3331 tons; potatoes 927 J acres, estimated to yield 4031 tons: pens, 18 acres, estimated to yield 1000 pecks; beans, 12 acres, estimated to yield 420. bushels; green vegetables, 36J acres, estimated to yield '176 tons: agar seaweed, estimated to yield 17,000 pounds; pumpkins, 15 acres, estimated to yield ISO tons. “The operations of the Alaori War Effort Organization has inevitably opened up latest problems in connexion with the present and future welfare of the Alaori people.” said Air. Paikea. “Not only is the future welfare of the race vitally involved in these problems, but. the social, economic and industrial life of New Zealand is also directly or indirectly involved by reason of tlie large mid increasing Alaori population. With . regard, however, to many outstanding claims and grievances the Alaori people, generally speaking, have decided to allow these to remain in abeyance till more propitious times. In any case at the present time their thoughts are. generally speaking, directed to one thing only —that is the war effort.” Mr. Paikea expressed his appreciation of the work of recruiting officers for their work in the organization of the Alaori war effort.