NATIVE YOUTH OF THE EAST COAST.

Waka Maori, Volume 11, Issue 7, 6 April 1875, Page 77

NATIVE YOUTH OF THE EAST COAST.

We take the following from the Auckland Weekly News, of 13th March last:— "Here is a wrong that requires a remedy, both for the social welfare of settlers and the advantage of the rising youth of the native race, who, gifted with physical vigour and a fair amount of spirit, require some regular employment in order to inculcate reguhabits, and to keep them out of that mischief which Dr. Watts has declared is specially provided for idle hands. The Waiapu correspondent of the Poverty Bay Standard refers to the evil practices into which the native young men fall who are being dragged up doing nothing, and about whom the sensible chiefs of their race are somewhat exercised in their minds. It is stated, that a meeting of the chiefs of the "Waiapu districts is about to be convened by the Resident Magistrate, with the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of devising some means whereby these young natives may be sa.ved from the ruin which a life of useless indolence is sure to produce. The mischief which this indolent life leads to is thus described by the correspondent we have referred to: —' Scores of these youths almost wholly occupy themselves in riding about the country, like Arabian nomads, and are evidently under no parental control; but, on the contrary, are at liberty to do as they 1 like. Occasionally these fellows steal hox*ses, or 'plant' them until a reward is offered for their restoration, when they are ' turned up.' Although some of the offenders have been detected and punished, the same evil course is still pursued, more or less. Were the European settlers more numerous than they are, the Maori youths could be employed' in cultivating land, fencing, and other useful works, and thus made to acquire habits of industry and selfrespect, w r hich, in present circumstances, the}'' are unable to do. Although employment of this kind is unavailable, there is no reason why the youths—who are strong and healthy, and as capable of doing a day's work as the Europeans arc—should not be employed in the making of roads, railways, and other public works, for which labour is constantly needed. Something must be done to rescue them from imminent ruin, consequent upon unrestrained indulgence in idleness and other improprieties.' Native schools are doing much for their children, but youths of this kind require employment. Settlers who employ Maori labour declare that they are equal to a good day's work, and if properly supervised would be found to perform efficient work on our roads and railways. The pride and gratification which well earned money bestows are not wanting among the natives, neither is that cumulative effort to excel which makes good workmen."