MAORI FARMERS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 130, 29 November 1932, Page 8

MAORI FARMERS

A CUP PEESENTED

LORD BLEDISLOE'S GIFT

To commemorate his visit to lands i< course of development by Maori settlers under various Native development schemes organised in the Botorua and. Bay of Plenty district, the Gc^ernorGeneral (Lord Bledisloe) has donated a silver cup, to be known as the Ahiiwhenua or Son-of-the-Soil Trophy, and has provided an endowment fund for annual prizes to be competed for by, Maori farmers and settlers on Native land development schemes. "The sympathetic interest shown, by. His Excellency in the efforts of the Maoris to develop their land and so assist the whole of the Dominion is widely appreciated by the Native race," said the Minister of Native Affairs (the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata). to-day. "I feel sure that this further token' of His Excellency's interest will-stimulate and encourage Native landholders to become efficient farmers."

The conditions governing the trophy; have been drawn up by Sir Apiraua and approved by His Excellency. Tho trophy is a national one, although it was first intended that it should be confined to land in the Waiariki district. However, in the first year, the contest is limited to Maoris from that district. • : .

Maori farmers occupying land under £ Native land development scheme are entitled to compete, and the competition will be judged on the basis of: good husbandry, economy of management with a view to commercial profit, cleanliness and neatness of the holding, and the progress made by the farmer in thedevelopment of the holding having regard to its condition when he first occupied it and the advantages he. has enjoyed in the matter of finance, the supply of necessary implements, seed- and fertiliser, or other assistance both prior to and during the occupancy of tho holding. ■

The trophy is to be held by the winner for one year only, and the winner will not be entitled to compete again for three years. His Excellency has given £100 as an endowment to provide a large silver medal for first prize, a largo bronze medal as second prize, and certificates of merit to the winner of the first, second, third, and (in the discretion, of the Native Minister)' fouittf prigegt. ■.■"■■".*