The Maori Race

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 115, 10 February 1944, Page 4

The Maori Race

Sir,—Referring to Mr. 11. W. Pomnre’s published remarks regarding the Maori race, I consider that strong exception must be taken to his statement, that “at the beginning of the century the race dwindled to 39,000 and Europeans were hopefully’ boasting that it would soon be extinct.” An assertion so general and sweeping is not open to proof or denial, but whether it be true or not. it is not likely to encourage the irany Europeans who today are toiling and planning to improve Ihe health and general wellbeing of the Maoris.

Nor do I appreciate Mr. Pomare’s statement that the rapid increase in Maori population is due to the dissemination of health information by Maori councils. I suggest that district nurses do more today to improve Maori health than Maori councils. The Health Department, hospital boards, district nurses and doctors are doing a tremendous amount of good work for the Maoris in the provision of health services. The Education Department provides schooling. and the Native Department has a very large organization engaged in fostering development of Maori lands for Maori farmers. These are only part of the State’s activities for the benefit of the Maoris. The cost to the taxpayer each year must be enormous. I think New Zealand can be proud of what it lias done, and is doing, for the Native race, and an occasional word of appreciation or gratitude from Mr. Pomare and others would not be out of place.— I am. etc.. JAMES TODD. Levin, February S.