MAORI DEBTORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 41, 11 May 1927, Page 3

MAORI DEBTORS

PRESSED FOR PAYMENT COLLECTION IMPOSSIBLE < From. Our Own Correspondent .) WANGANUI, To-day. Judging by the number of cases coming into court it would appear that the Maoris at Ratana are being severely pressed by retailers. To-day a judgment debtor subjected to examination said he was an engineer residing at Ratana. How long have you been at Ratana? Twelve months.

Since November last how much have you earned? —About 7s a week on an average. What family have you?—A wife and four children. The Magistrate: What have your wife and family lived on? —We lived on very little.

The Magistrate: Did you live on 7s ft week?—We did not get 7s a week all the time.

The Magistrate: You mean that you lived on less?—Sometimes How did you manage it? —We go without meat and butter. I grew four bags of potatoes. Who do you live with? —My wife’s People.

Fay rent? —No. Nothing. Did you pay anything into the Ratana venture when you went there? You just went in and lived there?— Yea.

Counsel: You are an engineer; why don’t you get work at your trade? —I nave tried and can’t. What do you do now? —Dodge about and get odd jobs and repair a car or two.

Counsel: Could you produce a statement of your earnings?—No, but I tell you honest truth. “No order,” said the magistrate.