THE MAORI RACE

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1929, Page 8

THE MAORI RACE

AN ECONOMIC’ SURVEY. WELLINGTON, ,Tally 12. A new work ‘winch’ is’ being undertaken by the Government, and one of great consequence, ; is'an economic survey of the Maori race. For vCars the natives have presented a problem', • statistical data concerning many 'phases of Maori life being admit'tediy 'incomplete.' ' The' object "'of; this economic and general survey will: be more •*fc6mplete’ 1, W!al!'Sfi‘(3ion of the' Maori’s place in the community. At 1 present there is much opinion as to what Maoris are doing in specific fields of endeavour, but no scientific knowledge. There is not, for instance, any complete data upon the use which Maoris are making of occupied lands and how far those lands are being developed as it may be expected they should be developed. The task is being undertaken at the suggestion off and with the enthusiastic co-operation of prominent members of the Maori race, who themselves are very interested to know just how much the'Maori is giving to the community hi the matter of service. ' Already investigations have made the surprising revelation that in some districts the hard labour of clearing country for farming purposes', credit for which Inis popularly been given to the pioneer pakelia, was performed by the natives themselves. The conclusions of the survey are expected to be of great value to the Government in its care and attention to the Maori race.