A LONG JOB.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 282, 28 November 1929, Page 22

A LONG JOB.

CLEARING THE WATTLE. WORK AT TE KAUWHATA. BIG MAORI TEAM EMPLOYED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) TE KAUWHATA, Monday.

Following up its decision to bring into occupation the large area of wattle-clad land around the Te Kauwhata State Farm, the Government has now put on large gang of Maoris to cut down the useless forest and clear the ground for occupation. With the object of providing work for unemployed Maoris, the work has not yet been thrown open for European competition.

Acting upon the advice of the farm manager (Mr. T. Rodda) the surveyors have cut the available area up into eight farms ranging in size from 140 to 150 acres. When cleared, ploughed, and grassed, these farms will be offered for selection, but it is, of course, too early to state upon what terms and at what price.

The task of finding work for the unemployed natives has been entrusted to Tonga Mahuta, and he has collected 64 men for the purpose. Small contracts have been let to these men, and the work is being carried out under the supervision of Mr. Rodda. The area involved in the present contract covers about 200 acres, but later on it is possible that more extensive operations may be put in hand. At the present time the Government has made arrangements to provide the Maoris with equipment, but a big stumping plant is on order from Australia, and when it arrives it will be let out to the Maoris.

May Take Three Years. Clearing up this area, the Government is, more or less, feeling its way. It was hoped to have about 100 acres ready for , occupation by next autumn, but it may prove advisable to postpone this to a later date. By allowing the big tree stumps to partially dry before attempting to burn them, better speed in the end may be attained. But, taken by and large, with the present method of employing the natives, it is estimated that the clearing of the eight farm? will take three years. The position is viewed with mixed feelings by residents of the district, who looked forward to see big contractors employed.