THE MAORI SCHEMES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 304, 21 November 1934, Page 9

THE MAORI SCHEMES

DR. CONDLIFFE IMPRESSED. A VALUABLE WORK. Per Press Association. HASTINGS, Nov. 20. “I have been much impressed by the results achieved in farm development schemes for the Maoris,” said Dr. J. B. Condliffe, of the economic staff of the League of Nations, in the course of an interview in Hastings to-day. He had had an opportunity of seeing the results of this work in the course of his holiday tour through the North Island. Valuable national work, he said, was being done in winning good farm land from waste areas. This should mean a permanent economic asset to the Dominion in a period of low prices and economic depression. A great deal had been achieved in keeping large numbers of Alaoris from being a charge on unemployment relief. It was also necessary to recognise the responsibility that made it imperative to keep up the hope of the Maoris. They must be encouraged to take the.ir part in the progress of the Dominion.

“1 was particularly impressed by the brave way the Alaoris of the Waikato were tackling their difficulties under the leadership of Princess Te Puea,” continued. Dr. Condliffe. “Here was a woman of remarkable personality and distinct administrative ability who had inspired her people to forget the grievances of the past and to work hard upon the lands of which they had been dispossessed, but which were now being bought back from the pakeha. I also noted excellent results being obtained on the Horahora settlement near Rotorua.”

In reply to a question concerning the financial aspects of the developmental schemes, Dr. Condliffe said he had not yet seen the report of the Native Affairs Commission. He felt, however, that whatever criticism had been levelled against the administration, it remained very important not only for the future of the Maoris, but also for the economic gain of the whole Dominion, that this work should continue. “It is of incalculable value,” lie said. “The future of their races lies in the possibility of the Alaoris developing their remaining ancestral lands.”