MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

FIRST PUBLIC WORKS. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Only about seventy years ago country settlers on or off the main roads were called upon by an average of 20 “swaggers” each week, the majority of them genuinely in search of work. Most of the old pioneers provided an hour’s work for a square meal, but as . usual in many good causes, the failure of a few to return a square deal caused the benefactors to refuse all tramps. Savage pig dogs of the bull and mastiff varieties kept them at bay. The Maoris, too, who had hitherto set an example of universal hospitality to these swaggers, who in several instances had grossly abused it, were also antagonised. Suddenly light, warmth, and comfort like the noon day sun came as a magnetic influence in the personality of a Jew, who by the stroke of his pen saved New Zealand from revolt and robbery under the stress of hunger. Sir Julius Vogel boldly and almost alone, carried his Public Works policy of free immigration, roads, railways, and a huge loan for those early days of £3,000,000. There were few indeed to whom success did not follow deserving effort. Higher education did not then contribute to success unless accompanied by hard work and sober habits. The majority could not write and forty per cent could not read—yet they succeeded. Maori and Pakeha alike profited.