“A RABBIT HUTCH!"

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11592, 19 August 1931, Page 5

“A RABBIT HUTCH!"

SHOCKING MAORI HOMES NEAR

AUCKLAND

ABSOLUTE DISGRACE TO CIVILISATION.

OWNERS TO MAKE ALTERATIONS IN 14 DAYS.

(Press Association)

AUCKLAND, August 18. “The position is an absolute disgrace to civilisation,” said Air. F. M. Waters, chairman of the Ala.nukau County Council, when the council was discussing conditions under which some Maoris are living at Mangero, on the outskirts of Auckland. An inspector reported one case of five adults and three children living in a lean-to shed, the front of which was covered with wire netting. There was no furniture and no drainage Others were, living in a cowshed. j Mr. Waters said tho jean-to had been described as a rabbit hutch. It was unfit for such a purpose, hut a - ideutly fit to house Maoris. There was another case where eight Maoris were living in premises which the council had condemned for uso by Chinese. The Chinese moved to ■another building, and the .Maoris were forced to take their place. Another member of tho council said he had never seen anything like it. It was no wonder that the Maoris were dying out when some were living under’ such conditions. The (inspector had found some of the children half naked. Tlio council resolved that a notice be served on the property owners concerned to provide suitable accommodation within 14 days.