NATIVE LAND PROBLEM

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3666, 10 February 1940, Page 2

NATIVE LAND PROBLEM

AGGRAVATED BY SEMI-RELIEF WORK MAORIS PAY NO ATTENTION "If we could tackle the native land problem successfully in this area, we could increase production from native land fivefold,” said Mr W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., at a Primary Production Council meeting in Te Kuiti. iHis remarks were earnestly supported by other members, who stated that they had been considering a very good scheme of rehabilitating native land in. the vicinity of Te Kuiti and Otorohanga. But what was the use—when the Maoris could be given "found” jobs at £1 a day, how could they be induced to prevent their land from running to weeds and uselessness? Mr Broadfoot added that £500,000 had been presented to the Maori race from the unemployment funds. When a member mentioned the good work that had been accomplished on the East Coast, speakers commented that the East Coast Maori Trust was an outstanding success, and wished it could be extended.