FARM WORKERS

Matamata Record, Volume XIX, Issue 1787, 30 November 1936, Page 6

FARM WORKERS

YOUNG MAORI LABOUR Scheme Before Farmers’ Union A scheme for procuring Maori labour for farmers, originated by Mr. H. Woodyear Smith, was put before the Auckland executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union at its last meeting by Mr. D. B. Higgins, of Matamata, and approved. In outlining his scheme Mr. Woodyear Smith wrote that the proposal was the outcome of some years of trial with men placed on dairy farms. In the districts on the East Coast there were a number of particularly fine types of young Maori men, who had been well trained and were of good manners and deportment. These men had a good average knowledge of general farming, the majority _ could milk and were also capable of a certain amount of horse-work. The j. same position, although perhaps in a j lesser • degree, pertained in some North Auckland districts. At the J present time such men were doing odd jobs around their own properties j but nothing of any consequence. Organisation Set Up Quite recently an excellent organisation had been set up by leaders of the Maori people, assisted by prominent Europeans, to organise the younger Maoris and to secure foi them suitable employment. This organisation suggested that the men, where suitable, should be employed on approved farms and learn the principles of good farming and later on take up their own properties. It was suggested that East Coast Maoris could be employed in the Waikato, where they would uphold the mana of -their own tribe. Experience had already proved that where suitable men had been picked they had proved, themselves to be just as courteous, considerate and clean as many«Europeans* %,«.t 1 Conditions to be Applied It was suggested that the Maoris chosen would be Maoris or halfcastes drawn from the East Coast or North Auckland districts. These would be divided into two sections, those over 21 and those under 21. A

selection committee, consisting of such people as local welfare officers, district nurses, police officers, chairmen of local dairy companies and leading Maoris, could be set up to decide whether the men offering were: (1) Reasonably-good workers, and honest; (2) no suspicion of T.B. in the family; (3) that applicant was able to-milk; (4) that he was of good repute among the local Maoris. A committee appointed by suppliers would visit or interview farmers who wished to secure one or more men, and satisfy themselves that the housing and general accommodation for the worker was suitable. This committee would also see that the conditions of appointment Were adhered to. On the recommendation of the selection committee the farmer would undertake to pay the standard rate of pay. The applicant . would be taken for the first month on trial, and the appointment confirmed, if satisfactory, at the end of that period. The Maori would be paid 5s a week in cash and the remainder of his wages banked in the v Post Office Savings Bank on the understanding that he would not draw any of this money out until the end l of 12 months. Only a limited num- :■ ber of men were available.