MAORIS AND CHINESE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 255, 28 October 1929, Page 15

MAORIS AND CHINESE.

EXAGGERATED REPORTS.

EEMAEKS BY SOCIAL WORKERS

Sister Ivy Jones, organiser of the Maori Giris' Club, yesterday supported the contention of the' superintendent of the Methodist Maori the Kev. A. J. Seaiuer, that there had been exaggeration in many reports dealing with Maori women and Asiatics,

Sister Jones has been associated with social work among Maori women for two years. Under the support of the Methodist Church, with her headquarters in Auckland, she covers the area betw-een HelensviOe and Tuakau, which includes nearly all the Maori settlements ucar Auekland.

When Mr. Seamer made his statement the Akarana Maori Association replied by questioning whether Mr. Seamer had a grasp of the true position.

"I would like to say that I agree with the sentiments expressed by Mr. Seamer," remarked Sister Jones. "The sweeping assertions that hare been made have been very unfair to certain fine Maori women working in "Chinese .gardens —unfair also, no doubt, to some of their employers. I find that these exaggerated statements have • done real harm, and injured some very good people. The issue which Mr, Seamer took up was not the exact number" of Maoris employed by Chinese gardeners, but the reason for, and the results of such employment. I claim that immoral relationships are not as common as inferred. I agree with Mr. Seamer that Maori women are employed because they save efficient workers, and their services can be secured at a small wage.

"That a social evil does exist is beyond dispute, and Mr. Seamer was the first to recognise that fact. It was he who w T as directly responsible for practical efforts made in the past to combat it. Mr. Seamer and his workers were dealing with the. matter before the Akarana Association took it up. The Maoris hide no .secrets from Jiim in social matters, and he controls a chain of social organisations throughout the greater part of the Maori districts, while his workers report regularly and refer their difficult cases to him. Scarcely a day passes but Mr. Seamer interviews Maori people, and when necessary he sends Maori girls back to their homes.

"KnowingsometMng of the -wonderful contact he has with the Maori people, it is strange to read a statement that he is not in personal touch with these matters," said Sister Jones. "Whether one agrees with his opinion or not, it must be admitted that his opinion is that of an expert in close touch with all phases of Maori life."