MAORI FARMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23127, 27 August 1938, Page 19

MAORI FARMS

SETTLERS IN THE NORTH GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE SUCCESS UPON THE LAND "The settlement of the Maori on his own land undoubtedly offers the widest scope for promoting his welfare," said the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, in. a statement yesterday. "For this reason alone the increasing rate of progress achieved in developing native lands and providing houses for the Maoris with the aid of State funds justifies the belief that a continuance of the Government's active policy will bo the means of establishing the native people as self-reliant members of the community. "I am informed by the Minister of Lands, Mr. Langstone, that in the North Auckland or Tokerau distriot extensive areas have been brought under the development provisions of the Native Land Act, and at the end of March the area actually developed or occupied -by settlers was 106,000 acres, while it is estimated that an additional 211,000 acres are in process of being cultivated prior to subdivision, or are suitable for improvement.

"The number of settlers established as farmers now totals 739, and in addition over 1000 Maoris were provided with work either on schemes or on private native lands. Including dependants, the aggregate of people assisted by the Government during the past 3'ear was over 9000.

Initial Difficulties "Naturally, some initial difficulties have been experienced in instructing and educating the people in modern farming methods, but progress is quite satisfactory, and it will not be many years before the Maori settler is able to compete successfully with his pakeha neighbour," Mr. Savage continued. "The revenue returns from development schemes in the North Auckland district for the year 1937-38 amounted to £32,800 and have shown a steady increase during the past seven years. "In its plan for improving the standard of living of the Maori the Government has given its earnest attention to their housing conditions, and has provided the necessary finance for loans for erecting new houses, or for repairing and renovating existing dwellings. A special fund has been provided to meet necessitous cases Avhero the usual mortgage security is not forthcoming, and all applications are dealt with by the Board of Native Affairs, which is invested with wide powers in regard to the method of repayment. Provision ol Houses "With the assistance and co-operation of the Public Works Department, good progress is being made in building new houses and improving present habitations, and the number of dwellings erected to the end of. June, including those provided for settlers on development schemes, was 210," he said. "An interesting feature of this activity is the excellent work being carried out by the natives, who, naturally adaptable, are wherever possiblo employed as carpentering assistants. The opportunity is being taken to train young Maoris in the building trade. "The new Maori homes erected under the native housing scheme are already becoming a noticeable feature of the landscape in North Auckland."