MAORI PROBLEMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20187, 4 March 1940, Page 5

MAORI PROBLEMS

UNDERSTANDING NEEDED CONDITIONS IN NORTH “The Maoris should be allowed not only to enjoy the privileges of citizenship, but also to take some of its responsibilities,” said the Rev. M. 11. Wybert, vicar ol Waimate North, in an address given to members of the Auckland Diocesan Churchmen’s Association. Taking for his subject “The Cradle of Christianity in New Zealand,” Mr. Wybert dealt more particularly with missionary work among the Maoris, and the social and economic conditions of the race. There was a large attendance of members. After briefly sketching the early history of the Bay of Islands, Mr. Wybert described the causes which led to the arrival of the missionaries, chief among them being the whalers’ influence on the Maoris.

Modern problems among the Maoris in the north were then discussed. After being educated up to the age of about 14, Mr. Wybert said, young Maoris found that there was nothing to occupy them. Many moved to the town, where they obtained work in restaurants or Chinese gardens. Others who remained behind lived on sustenance money, most of which found its way to hotels. Sustenance had proved a curse to the younger generation. In the Waimate district, Mr. Wybert continued, housing and medical services were in a poor state. Land settlement schemes which had been commenced were hampered by the poor quality of the land, lack of implements, and assistance in developing herds.

Mr. Wybert concluded with a plea for greater appreciation of the problems of Maori work by white residents of cities. Their sympathy and help was necessary for the difficulties to be overcome.