OUR MAORI WORK.

White Ribbon, Volume 17, Issue 201, 18 March 1912, Page 9

OUR MAORI WORK.

ONE of the most important decisions of the New Plymouth Convention was the appointment of a Maori Organiser. That the Convention was fully justified in making this appointment has been borne out by the results of the past year. The report to be presented at Dunedin shows that 44 Unions have been formed, with a membership of some 600 men and women. Thus far then, we can rejoice at the good work that has been accomplished, and take courage for the future. We must not, however, close our eyes to the fact that we have barely touched the fringe of the work in this Department. We feel strongly that the Convention now sitting should fully realize the fatal mistake of abating in any degree whatever their efforts to uplift the Maori race, To call a halt now will |>e to

undo and waste the work of the past year. All that has been done will fall to pieces. Much of the ground that has been covered we shall find impossible to hold at once, unless large additions in the shape of workers and funds can be found. We have perhaps come into closer touch with the work during the last 12 months than many others. We are, therefore, in a better position to judge of the requirements necessary to make our efforts permanent and satisfactory. There are in the North Island four large native districts that need constant supervision. We refer to the East Coast, the Waikato, the North Auckland, and the West Coast. The bulk of the new Unions.formed will be found in the North Auckland district, where Miss Helen Barton worked so long and bravely. To build up and establish on a permanent footing what our Organiser has already started will need at least one trained worker for each of the districts mentioned. We do not think it can be accomplished in any other way, although the local European Unions may render much useful help. If through lack of funds and helpers we are only able to employ one Organiser, then it will be wiser to concentrate on one district only for the coming year and do it thoroughly. We have before us as we write the President’s address at this year’s annual Conference of the Young Maori Party. His concluding remarks are worthy of our attention, for they express exactly our own ideas regarding our Maori work. He says, If I were asked what I deem to be ” the most pressing Maori need of “ to-day, I should answer in one “ word —leaders.’ We want some of our College-trained Maori sisters to consecrate their lives to this great work. To become leaders in not only freeing their race from the curse of drink but in educating their people n all the great principles for which our Union stands.