PROGRESS OF THE MAORI

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1929, Page 2

PROGRESS OF THE MAORI

ENCOURAGING REPORT

LAND BEING DEVELOPED

WELLINGTON, September 3

The upward march of the Maori race towards full enjoyment of modern conditions off life is described in theannual report of the Native Land Courts, tabled in the House to-day. The report says a splendid illustration of the fruits of Maori perseverance under proper guidance is shown in the results of a Maori-owned factory, which last season saw an output of 295 tons of liigh-grade butter, liie Ray of Plenty Maoris have also a butter factory of their own. 'lheie are various drawbacks vvluch prevent that 'factory making greater strides, but it serves a very useful purpose in encouraging the Natives in habits of industry and thrift. In Taranaki there aro many [Maori suppliers, while in the Far North during the 1927-28 season some 550 Maoris supplied butter-fat valued at £53,000 to local factories. Some people are apt to consider the Maori as one who is not accustomed to work; but returns recently published by the Government Statisticianshow that out of n population of some sixty-four thousand Maori, including women and children, over twenty-two thousand were engaged in various labouring pursuits, at least half being in primary industries. Tiie great problem is bow to find sufficient money to enable the Maori usefully to develop his own land and to reap an adequate return for his labour. The Maori Land Boards are doing wlmt they can to give an incentive to agricultural development. Advances to Maoris have increased bv £BO, TOO, while certain areas of land have been acquired by .boards for Native farming purposes.

During the year a forward move was made, as far as the Maori people are concerned, in bringing the Waikato Natives into line with their less conservative brothers. In the heart of what was known as the King Country, -the inhabitants of which have to a certain extent held aloof from the march of progress, a. meeting- was held at which representatives .of every other tribe in New Zealand were present, and questions dealing with, industrial organisation, Maori agricultural development and other matters making, for the physical, moral and social, welfare of the Maori were discussed from all angles. The Waikato people, having - profited by the experience of other. Maoris, are now anxious to turn .their energies to the occupation anddevelopment,, of suitable areas of land for farming purr poses. Delegations cf Maori farmers, having visited their brother-Maoris in less favoured districts, have pointed out how lands can be profitably used and have opened up for, them a vista of 'future development and prosperity. When nh unfortunate epidemic of dysentery broke out the Department joined with the Health Department in setting up a special organisation which effectively dealt with dysentery and its probable causes. The report adds that precautions are being taken with a view to prevent a recurrence, and a general clean-up of Maori pas within the area most affected is being carried out. The Maoris themselves are wholeheartedly seconding the efforts of the organisation, having been brought to see that it was in their own interests to have their general living conditions reviewed and improved. .