POTATO-GROWING

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXV, Issue 3372, 1 October 1931, Page 5

POTATO-GROWING

ACTIVITIES OF MAORIS.

AREAS UNDER CULTIVATION.

Evidence that the Maoris, as well as pakehas, are endeavouring to make provision for the future, in view of the present depression, is contained in the fact that Maoris in the King Country are putting in large crops of potatoes in every part of the district.

Under native development schemes some ten acres of potatoes are being put in to provide for next winter, but in the majority of cases individual efforts are being made in this direction.

Practically everywhere one sees the natives tilling their ground at present, and reminiscent of the early days, the women are taking an active part in the work, and may be seen busy with the hoe. Between here and Te Kumi several sections, until this year covered in gorse and blackberry, have been cleared and prepared for potato planting.

Adjacent to the golf links, an area owned by the Maoris has been cleared up, and it is intended to sow thereon over a 100 acres in wheat. It is a pleasing improvement to those familiar with the area referred to above to compare the land before and after clearing. Previously, it was covered in blackberry and gorse, but the plough has made a wonderful difference and has created a sight on the hillside good to look upon. This is, however, typical of what is being done by the Maoris in other parts of the district, which is, to some extent, a realisation of the hope expressed by His Excellency the Governor-General on the occasion of his visit here on Monday, that the Maori should do his share with the pakeha in farming his lands to better advantage.