Public Should Help In Providing Maori Hostel At Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 24 April 1944, Page 5

Public Should Help In Providing Maori Hostel At Whangarei

Representations have been made by Mr. A. J. Murdoch. M.P.. to the Minister for Native Affairs (Mr. H. G. R. Mason) regarding the need for the establishment of a Maori hostel in Whangarei and, in reply, the Minister has stated that the Government is prepared to consider assistance provided the people of Whangarei. themselves, take the initiative. The letter from the Minister is as follows : ,

"Referring to your letter of March 29, with letter from Mrs. Caroline Thompson, urging that the Maori hostel building at Whangarei be hurried on to the point at which it can be used by the Maoris, and drawing attention to the conduct of the Maori youth in the backblocks, I have to advise that I am very conscious of the need for impressing upon the Maori youth that they should conduct themselves in such a way that they may bring credit to their race. but. in every walk of life to-day standards of conduct seem to have become disturbed and uncertain. That this is no excuse for excesses I am well aware and I can assure you that I am taking active steps to exercise some control and influence over these young people and direct their youthful spirits into more useful channels. Maori Welfare Officers “I have recently approved of the establishment of a welfare division of the Native Department and of the appointment of a suitable Maori welfare officer and assistants, and I am hopeful that, when these officers take up their duties, a great improvement in the conduct and way of life of so many of our Maoris will become manifest. “A similar position to that prevailing in Whangarei was most acute in Hamilton five years ago, when a campaign for the establishment of a hostel was organised by the Hamilton Rotary Club. The public of Hamilton contributed very generously to the project and. with Government assistance. the amount raised was approximately £2700. An up-to-date hostel was erected and has been functioning very successfully since 1940. In the Hamilton project the initiative was taken by the people—pakcha and Maori—of the district. If the people of Whangarei would evince interest along similar lines, the Government would consider assistance for the establishment of a similar hostel.

“1 am having inquiries made with regard to the Whangarei project and will write you again at some later date when I have ascertained the facts concerning i *• *»