RECENT DISCLOSURES

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1929, Page 5

RECENT DISCLOSURES

ABOUT MAORI GIRLS.

IBy Telegraph—i'er Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 19. Commenting on the disclosures made by Sir A. Ngata in the House of Representatives, an officer of the Abanina Maori Association said it was known that at the present time there were fifty-four Maori girls employed-in Chinese gardens, and that during the past two years probably one hundred had been so employed. The Association had proof that a recruiting campaign had been going on to bring girls from the country. Gobetweens had been two unscrupulous aiaori women who had been going into Maori settlements, inducing girls to come in. When the practice was first started, an ostensible call was made for labour, but when young Maori men offered for the positions they were told that girls were wanted. When Maori girls from the country districts came to town-and tasted the pleasures of town amusements, they were told to go back to the kainga. They learned they could get work in the Chinese gardens, and drifted into that kind of life.

' At a meeting of ttlie Akarana Association last night, as a practical step towards meeting the conditions,.it was resolved to perfect arrangements to form social organisations in Auckland)' which would provide Maori girls with somewhere to stay when in town, and also rational amusements. .