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Wardens 69. The job of Wardens appointed under the Act is to stamp out mischief before it develops into crime. They have fairly wide powers regarding the control of drinking and can take steps to prevent fighting and disturbances in public places. There are heavy penalties for persons, Maori or otherwise, obstructing or hindering them in the execution of their duties. 70. Thirty-two Wardens have been appointed, and a further 95 are awaiting appointment. Women's Organization 71. During the past year 180 Maori Women's Welfare Committees have been formed. These Committees are really the counterpart of the Tribal Executives and Committees and have as their aim the fostering of homecraft and mothercraft. Home life has a great influence on the life of a person, and if the benefits of a happy and comfortable home can be impressed upon the children, their future well-being will be more secure. 72. It is intended to form a dominion body of this organization comprising delegatesnominated from the districts. Subsidies 73. In previous years the greater proportion of the annual appropriation has been unexpended, as the Executives and Committees were in the formative stages and were concerned more with organization than the application of funds towards the general well-being of the Maori people. Now that the organization has been completed, many projects have been undertaken and total eligible applications for subsidy for the year under review were £71,711. Of this amount, subsidies totalling £44,485 were approved and applications for £27,226 were held over for consideration later. Summary of Cases Handled 74. With the Tribal Executives and Committees functioning soundly, many problems are overcome without reference to the Maori Welfare Officers, and consequently the cases handled by them have decreased. Accommodation .. . . 912 Maori Land Court .. 877 Child welfare . . .. 1,185 Moral .. . . . . 398 Domestic disputes .. 443 Placements .. .. 281 Education .. .. 966 Police and Court .. 833 Employment . . .. 1,251 Rehabilitation .. .. 938 Factory visits .. .. 373 Social security. .. .. 1,694 Health .. .. .. 1,578 Social and recreational .. 897 Hospital visits .. .. 617 Tribal matters .. .. 380 Housing .. .. 5,746 Vocational guidance .. 133 Interviews and advice .. 25,343 Miscellaneous .. .. 14,212 Maternity .. .. 27 Meetings — Total .. .. 62,090 Tribal Committee .. 1,053 Others .. .. 1,953 Welfare Staff 75. Additional Welfare Officers—one male and one female —were appointed during the year to cope with the increased work. It is intended to appoint District Welfare Officers at certain centres to co-ordinate the work of Welfare Officers operating in the district.

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