AID FOR MAORIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24542, 26 March 1943, Page 4

AID FOR MAORIS

MSW TRAINING CENTItE OPENING AT OHINEMUTU S.K.) ROTORUA, Thursday "Our soldiers are iiyhlina for our, ivo% and liberty and the least we can lo is give them homes in which they •an settle down and fit them as well is possible for their future," said the [lon. 11. Semple, Minister of Hehabilitiou, when opening to-day a trade Lraining centre at Ohinemutu for Maori returned soldiers. So far, this institution is equipped only for training in carpentry, in which craft the .Maoris have an inherent capacity and aptitude. The hope is that troni this anil other training centres to be established throughout -New Zealand, Maori craftsmen will be produced to assist in the great work of housing that lies ahead. Continuing, Mr. Semple said: "If we do not provide these homes, whatever Government may be in office, it will lie a complete betrayal of the soldiers and a definite lack of appreciation of their sacrifice tor us. Jap seivice is easy; our sentiments must be backed up by deeds.' 1 Mr. Semple stated that 5,178 Maoris were performing military service within and beyond New Zealand. Two thousand additional had enlisted lor territorial service and there were 1.0,000 in the Home Guard, No fewer than f1.,000 Maori men and women were working in essential industries. JJufc that was not the whole war effort, for many were farming and some were specially engaged in producing maize, kuinaras and other crops. In regard to Maori rehabilitation, steps taken by the Government were the establishment of a board, of a council to advise it, the setting up ol national specialist committees, of local rehabilitation committees and the creation of a rehabilitation division of the National Service Department: to coordinate the works of all departments. The Minister paid a tribute to the work of Mr. Tai Mitchell in this and other fields where the Maori race was concerned. Mr. and Mrs. Semple received carved gifts from the chiefs of all the tribes of the Dominion.