MAORI LANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1933, Page 2

MAORI LANDS

DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH,

MONEY WELL AND WISELY SPENT. . • •.

\2.'er-Press Association — Copyright.)

ROTORUA, January 5

The opinion that valuable work in the Maori race . was being done through Maori land development scljfeipes was expressed in an interview lies?;? by the Bishop of Aotea-roa ) the ltight Bev.: F. A. "Bennett, who has juist returned from an episcopal visitation of the Bay of Plenty area. Th 6 Bishop said remarkable work was being done on the Arawa .farm at Makehu, where . modern „ methods were serving as an example to other Maori farmers in the vicinity. The farm was giving employment to a number of Maori farmers and would . undoubtedly he a valuable productive asset to the district.

Bishop Bennett also went over the Horohoro scheme, and ©aid that here again excellent work had been done, and" what was previously wilderness, bracken, and pumice had now become a productive area, giving, subsistence to many Maoris. He said: “I am fully convinced that the results so' far obtained will prove that the money has been well and wisely spent. Not only ha» it developed the land, but, more important still, it has created enthusiasm in the-minds of the Maori people for higher material development and the creation of a wonderful aa-et to the nation. If one thing more than another has been responsible for the preservation and physical welfare of 1 the Maori race it is the Maori land, development schemes and, they have served, a- noble purpose in putting new heart, new hope, and higher ideals in the Maori people as a whole.”