HARD TIMES FOR MAORIS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12497, 7 May 1906, Page 6

HARD TIMES FOR MAORIS.

Thero havo been numerous references in North Island papers during the past month or two to the effect of the potato disease upon the Maoris' winter food supply. In gome instances it has boon predicted that tho natives would feci the pinch of actual famine unless something was done to tide them over the next few months. These reports are strengthened -by statements made by Mr F. H. Phillips*, interpreter in the Legislative Council, and supervisor for taking tho Maori census, in a letter to tho '* Xew Zealand Times." Mr Phillips goes so far ns to f«ay that the Maoris aro already in '* dire need of assistance.'' since the ravages, of potato blight "have been so destructive that " areas of five to seven aores planted ** last season have, in meet ca-ses, i '* yielded nothing, or scarcely more than " an ordinary handful of eatable "tubers."' Xo one who knows anything of Maori life needs to be reminded that the potato i-*s practically tho natives' staple food. Indeed, those people who like to trace tne curious parallel**, that are to bo found between Irish and Maori manners and habits of thought, could hardly find a stronger case than the prominent position occupied by the potato in the dietary" ()I " ;^ie t-IVO race.-. The present scarcity of potatoes must also affect the supply of pork in the kiangas, since the Maori's pig is to a large extent reared on the tuber. Other Maori crops, such as* pumpkins and maize, are reported to have suffered severely from somo kind of blight and from early frost--, and it is paid that resort hau already been made by tome of the natives to torn root and berries. It, is probable that if this has occurred at all, it is oniy in ono or two isolated caso.. The Maoris have cvrtainly suffered, ia coni-

mon with many other growers, from the effect of the potato disease, but a recent visitor from Christchurch to tho North Island gathered that a number of the natives on the Wanganui and in the Kiiig Country wore not badly off, and that the Government was already doing something to relieve tho needs of those who were threatened with want. Matters may, of course, have become worse since then. The first thing to be done is for the Government to ascertain from official investigations whether the Maoris need assistance, and if it is found that they do Mr Seddon might act on the suggestion that the money intended for the sufferers by tho San Francisco earthquake should be devoted to purchasing eating and seed potatoes for the Maori-. We have sent £1000 i.or tho relief of the sufferers by the famine in Japan, and charity having thus begun abroad, may very well be allowed to finish at home. Mr Seddon might, also consider whether he cannot place more Maoris on construction work on the Main Trunk Railway. He has already, it i-s understood, made a beginning in this direction, and in view oi the short supply of la.hour and tho_ urgent necessity of pushing forward with the line, he might go furtlier, with advantage both to the colony and the Maoris concerned. For if the Maori is to bo saved from tho decadence that threatens him, it will only be by his acceptance cf the gospel of work, and if h" can bo induced by tho pressure of hard times to earn his living by physical labour, he may continue to do so when conditions improve.