CENTENNIAL CANOES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23886, 14 August 1939, Page 5

CENTENNIAL CANOES

BUILDERS DISSATISFIED UNFAIR TREATMENT ALLEGED (Per United Pbess Association; HAMILTON, Aug. 12. Dissatisfaction with the treatment they have received from the Government was expressed by Maoris engaged in the construction of five large canoes for the centennial at the Maori pa. The foreman of the work said the single men were being paid £l, out of which they had to contribute wages and social security taxes, while married men obtained £ 1 18s and 4s for each child, under the same conditions. Instead of working 40 hours, they were employed for as many as 85 hours, including Saturdays and Sundays, and in North Auckland, where the largest canoe was being constructed, the Natives were being paid nothing for the work

It is the opinion of the Maori workmen that the work they are performing requires considerable skill, and deserves better treatment. Considering the Government expressed the wish to cultivate Maori art and crafts, and the fact that it has given such unfair treatment, the Ngaruawahia Maoris are puzzled Natives. " It is only love of the work, and the hope to revive the ancient arts of our people that is compelling us to finish the work," he,said. "We will not be caught out by the Government next time."

At the present time the Maoris considered they would be more profitably employed at their farm work.