Slur on Maori Race

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 688, 13 June 1929, Page 1

Slur on Maori Race

NATIVE-ASIATIC MINGLING

Appeal From Disgusted Chief DISGUSTED with the living conditions of some of his own race and the co-habitation with Asiatics in particular, Andrew Ngawaka, a leading chief of the North Auckland tribes, today made a plea to The Sun ou behalf of his people. “I think the Government and the people of New Zealand are neglecting their duty in allowing conditions such as I have seen to exist,” said the chief.

Mr. Ngawaka’s observations bear on a subject which has been concerning Te Akarana Maori Association for some time past. The association has made complaints to the Government regarding the living conditions of Maori employees in Chinese market gardens. Numerous cases of the bad effects of the mingling of natives with Asiatics have come under the association’s notice and, as recently as its last meeting, it framed a letter to the Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Labour, suggesting legislation to keep close watch on the living conditions, wages and hours of work of Maori women employed in Chinese gardens. GRAVE CONCERN At the present time conditions reported to exist in the Auckland district and Otaki, Wellington Province, among other parts of New Zealand, are the subject of grave concern on the part of those interested in the social uplift of the Maori race. Andrew Ngawaka presented his impressions during his visit to Auckland in a letter to The Sun. He said: “I am one of the leading chiefs of one of the Northern tribes. I have been in Auckland for the past fortnight and. during that time, I have observed the living conditions of the members of my own race. “I have noticed that many of them—women—are living and comingling with Hindus and Chinese, and I have felt almost ashamed to acknowledge myself a Maori. “I think that the Government and the people of New Zealand are neglecting their duty in allowing such conditions to exist. MOVE POSSIBLE? “Is it not possible for you, as one of the leading newspapers in this country, to amend and improve the

present unsatisfactory state? Is it not possible to set up an inquiry and to advocate the setting apart of a settlement in or near Auckland so that the members of my race may multiply in accordance with their traditions?

This, I am sure, is in accordance with the wish of every true Briton. I hope this question will receive your earnest consideration. You must know that the full-blooded Maori is not on the increase and that the conditions referred to are not going to improve the race.” Mr. Ngawaka said that he had been amazed at the actual conditions. He wanted to see a move made immediately. The Maoris concerned in the conditions, in the opinion of Te Akarana Association, h&ve been forced by poor circumstanceAio seek employment by Asiatics.