PROBLEMS OF THE MAORI INFLUX

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 32, 8 February 1943, Page 2

PROBLEMS OF THE MAORI INFLUX

AUCKLAND is the only city in New Zealand which has special problems created by a large influx of Maoris into an already overcrowded area. Since these conditions are not duplicated elsewhere we must meet them in a self-reliant manner and seek for an early solution, for the problems are already pressing. If we wait for the Government to act we can expect a repetition of what is going on at Orakei, years of talk and "taihoa," but.no action. According to a census taken by the native committees there are already 2000 Maoris in essential industries in Auckland. These and their families have gravitated into districts which were badly overcrowded before their coming. If properly handled the problems thus arising will pass, but if they are mishandled there are potentialities for grave mischief in them. The place of the Maori is on the land. He is by tradition primarily an agriculturist; the city life has a deteriorating influence upon him, and therefore the solution for the problems which have already arisen, and they can be seen even by the least observant every day, should be of such a nature that it will check and not encourage the drift, and will return the Maori to his natural habit of life at the earliest possible moment. How that should be done requires very urgent consideration upon the broadest national lines, but the immediate difficulty is the housing of the influx of people under. conditions which , will do away with the worst of the present; evils; and we in the city must hurry over that. The communal •traditions, of,, the-.Maoris lead to the welcoming in of every member of the tribe, whether there is.room or not; and thus overcrowding has. grown in a manner which is unhealthy and morally harmful. Something^must be done about this, and;-Departmental apathy should not be allowed to block the way. One method which might be considered, since a temporary solution is the "first essential, is the building of a series of hutments on the Orakei reserve oh military lines. These could be kept under supervision until they later share the fate which awaits military establishments in various parts of the city. The problems of war will then be over, and when the Maori has been induced to return to the land, as he can be if properly treated, the hutments can be evacuated and the reserve put to whatever purpose may finally be agreed. The provision of a hostel for girls is also very urgent indeed, to keep them off the- streets and away from temptation. That is a job to which any organisation of a social service type could put its hand. Somebody with organising ability should, make it his or her business now. '-■■";•