AUCKLAND ENQUIRY

Hokitika Guardian, 5 September 1929, Page 3

AUCKLAND ENQUIRY

MAORI GIRLS AND CHINESE

GARDENERS. v, t Bv Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, Sept. 4. The Government has appointed a committee to investigate the employment of Maori girls by Chinese in Auckland and the surrounding districts. Members of the committee are : —Dr T. J. Hughes, Medical Officer of Health at Auckland (chairman); W. Slaughter representing the Labour Department; •and Tukere Te Anga, representing the Native Department. They will hear preliminary evidence to-morrow. The committee is empowered to make thorough investigations into' the question of Maori girls living with Chinese and to suggest in its report to the Minister' of Native" Affairs any remedy that may be required. The order of reference provides for the committee to inquire into the extent to which Maoris are employed by Asiatics or Europeans in the market gardens in and around Auckland, and the circumstances under which they are employed, with regard to payment, housing and general health and sanitary conditions. The committee will also decide whether it is in the interest of public morality that the employment of Maori girls and women by Chinese and Indians should be permitted.

If in the opinion of the committee the existing conditions require amendment, it is to suggest a remedy.

The proceedings will not be opened to the press.