MAORIS’ REMEDY

Waikato Times, Volume 196, Issue 22568, 23 March 1945, Page 2

MAORIS’ REMEDY

EXCESS IN DRINKING SYSTEM OF NATIVE WARDENS (By Telegxapn.—Press Association) ROTORUA, Friday “ When wage conditions were reinstated by the Government and the Maori people in this district found themselves suddenly possessed of ample popket money following a long period of deprivation and unemployment the question of uncontrolled and excessive drinking in public bars immediately began to exercise the leaders of the people and also the responsible pakehas, who have a friendly interest in the Maori race,” said the chairman of the Arawa Trust Board, Mr Zed Mitchell, at the Maori conference yesterday. “ It was felt it would be detrimental to the prestige of the race if irresponsible members were permitted to spend money unchecked that should have gone to provide necessities in the home, and that excessive drinking, bringing in its wake bar-room arguments and possible disturbances wherein the police became involved, would bring the Maori into disrepute and retard the progress to full opportunity and equality for which we have been working for many years. Solution of Problem

“ When the matter was brought before the notice of the district hotels it was dealt with promptly and sympathetically,” said Mr Mitchell.

“ The problem was thoroughly thrashed out in a series of meetings. As a result it was decided to place the onus of control on our own people, in conjunction with hotelkeepers. Accordingly, a number of Maori wardens were appointed and rules drawn up and prominently exhibited in Maori in hotel bars. “It was the duty of wardens to quietly patrol bars. Where any Maori was noticed to be over-indulg-ing in drinking a quiet word from the warden was very effective and a marked improvement in bar-room conduct generally was effected. When any individual became intractible the warden was given power to either temporarily or for a longer period issue a prohibition instruction to the barman, and this also proved effective. Drinking in Pas “ One matter that has been of concern in the Arawa district has been drinking in pas,” continued Mr Mitchell. “ Tribal committees and women’s health league branches strongly disapprove of this tendency. Supplies of liquor for drinking in pas have not been obtained . from the hotels and apparently have been obtained from sly-groggers, unscrupulous pakehas, or from sources outside the district altogether. The police have been instructed by the licensing committee to keep a strict watch on this tendency and discovered cases have been severely dealt with in the Courts. As a result there has been a marked decrease in complaints.

The system of Maori wardens has met with considerable success. It is a system that I can recommend for adoption whenever the problem arises. The system stimulates the Maori’s sense of responsibility to the necessity of good conduct and moderation by showing him it received the co-operation of his people, who participate in its observance, and is not a restriction forced upon him by purely pakeha law.”