MAORI GIRL WORKERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 5 September 1929, Page 5

MAORI GIRL WORKERS.

CONDITIONS OF UNEMPLOYMENT. INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE SET UP. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 4.

The Government has appointed a committee to investigate the employment of Maori girls by Chinese in Auckland and surrounding districts. The members of the committee are Dr T. J. Hughes, medical officer of health at Auckland (chairman) , Messrs W. Slaughter, representing the Labour Department, and Tukere tc Anga, representing the Native Department. They will hear preliminary evidence to-morrow. The committee is empowered to make thorough investigations into the question of Maori girls living with Chinese and to suggest in its report to the Minister of Native Affairs any remedy that may be required. The order of reference provides for the committee to inquire into the extent to which Maoris are employed by Asiatics or Europeans in market gardens in and around Auckland, and the circumstances under which they are employed.

With regard to payment, housing and the general health and sanitary conditions the 'committee will also decide whether it is in the interest of public morality that the employment of Maori f-irrls and w o 111 e.n by 'Chines© aml Indians should be permitted. If in the •opinion of the committee the existing conditions require amendment it is to suggest a remedy. The proceedings will not be open to the Press.