LEAGUE SURVEYS AUCKLAND HOUSING

Te Ao Hou, Spring 1952, Page 54

LEAGUE SURVEYS AUCKLAND HOUSING (continued) ‘The survey has been done at great personal inconvenience, and has taken weeks of painstaking hard work, both day and night. Our only motive in carrying it out has been the desire to do something to improve the lot of our kinsfolk. ‘We were concerned to find out why the majority had not applied for a State house previously. There appeared to be a variety of reasons for this. ‘Some of the ill-housed persons were above the income limit. Others were worried about living in an all-pakeha community. Like all the others who had not applied they sincerely desired better living conditions. Many others had not applied in the past simply because they felt the position was hopeless, and also because they were lacking in general pakeha “know-how” of the way to apply. ‘The overwhelming majority of Maoris needing houses are from Northland. Economic circumstances have forced them to the nearest city to seek work. There is nothing for them in the rural areas. ‘We also investigated the condition of Pacific Islanders living in Auckland. We make no apology for pushing their case, as they are our cousins and are, we feel, entitled to special consideration. ‘We sincerely believe that the problem cannot be met within the existing framework of Government policy, and we are prepared to co-operate by offering suggestions. At this point, though, we are chiefly concerned with ensuring that the Government is informed in detail of our needs.’ The Maori Women's Welfare League has presented this report to the Minister of Maori Affairs, who is now considering it.