FORESTRY FOR THE MAORIS
| sir,-The question of Reafforestation is to me coupled with the problem of the future of the Maori Race. The need for the former is obvious; that something should be done for the Maoris is equally plain. In a brochure by Ronald Meek, "Maori Problems of To-day," it is shown that only 22 per cent., a diminishing percentage, are engaged in primary pro-duction-that 70 per cent. are dependants, pensioners and the like. Only a smallish proportion are suited in temperament to the day-in, day-out work of farming. They have the South Seas in their blood, and have not our northern tenacity and foresight. On the other hand, in team work and definite jobs they are unsurpassed. In the background there is the horrid probability that more and more will drift into casual work in urban ‘areas, and degenerate into a degraded class. That would be a disgrace to us pakehas and a tragic end to a fine race. Many governments have made spasmodic attempts to do something, but on the whole there has been neglect and indifference. And most unfortunately the well-meant kindness of Social Sécurity has had a more demoralising influence than anything in the last hundred years. What is wanted for them? First-work that keeps them away from towns; second -work that has more of the nature of team work; third, and most important -work that would make them feel that they as a race had a vital and important share in New Zealand life and state, and_were not merely left to pick up the crumbs and broken meats of the pakeha civilisation. These three conditions can be met in Forestry. Set up a Forestry Commission to control all cutting and development: give it a fixed income: and after a period of training the personnel, ‘make over the whole Forestry Service to the Maoris,' and the Maoris alone. That they have the capacity is certain, and I am very sure the sense of responsibility and their pride of race would ensure that they made a success of it. The State would profit, and the Maori race would have a new ideal to work for. I hope that if this comes to the notice of any thoughtful Maoris they will cive
their opinions.
R. E.
CROMPTON
M.
B.
(Havelock North).
Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19450928.2.13.11
Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka
New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 327, 28 September 1945, Page 24
Word count
Tapeke kupu
384FORESTRY FOR THE MAORIS New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 327, 28 September 1945, Page 24
Using this item
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Material in this publication is protected by copyright.
Are Media Limited has granted permission to the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa to develop and maintain this content online. You can search, browse, print and download for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Are Media Limited for any other use.
Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
Log in