MAORIS AND ASIATICS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 648, 27 April 1929, Page 20

MAORIS AND ASIATICS

AKARANA ASSOCIATIONS CONCERN FORMATION OF POI TROUPE Only organised assistance by European social workers can, in the opinion of Te Akarana Maori Association, eliminate the necessity, brought about by economic conditions, which compels young Maori women to seek employment with Asiatics. The mingling of Maoris with Asiatics is a question again before the association, which thinks that many of the complications could be avoided were employment for the young Maoris to be found in European homes. Efforts in this direction by the Methodist Social Service Mission have received the appreciation of the association. A communication from the Minister of Lands regarding topographical surveys of Maori historical places said that the suggestion is to receive consideration. The association wants to see surveys similar to the British ordnance surveys of historical sites. Several instances of native children not having been well treated by European school children have led the association to ask the Girl Guides’ Association to use its influence in this direction. Arrangements are being made with the Girl Guides’ control in Auckland for lectures on Maori history and customs. Several of the women members of the association have been deputed to instruct the guides in elementary plaiting and weaving, and in poi and welcoming dances. The association further intends to form a poi dance troupe to advance interest in the dance. Some of the displays by the troupe are to be given at social gatherings held by the association. The Marine Department is being asked for its views on the collecting o- oysters by Maoris for home consumption during the open season.