Looking into the Future The Maori birthrate is more than double that of the European, and while its death rate is also much higher, the natural increase of the Maori population is nevertheless above that of the European: and the Maori has become the youngest race in the world; 61 per cent of Maoris being under the age of 21 years. It is the present rate of increase which gives rise to the possibility that by the end of the present century the Maori population will reach a total somewhere between 400,000 and 500,000. The rising ratio of Maori to European in the population of New Zealand is likely to cause the Maori people some difficulties in over-coming the economic problems that will probably confront them in the future. These problems will be more difficult owing to the limited area of land owned by them. There is only sufficient Maori land left today to provide economic farms for one-quarter of the present population. It is evident that the economic future of the majority of the race can only be satisfactorily met by migrating to the larger centres where the acquisition of professional, commercial and technical skills will have to be encouraged in every possible way. This economic development must go hand in hand with social development as they are closely interlocked. This is illustrated in the Maori housing schemes in the main centres. The provision of a new standard house instead of primitive accommodation in slum areas leads to immediate beneficial changes in family life. Health, hygiene and diet improve; employment stability increases. The family's social position in the new community is stabilised, the children are more easily able to do well at school, and develop a new attitude of themselves that will help greatly in later years. At this stage the question might well be asked: “Should not the Maori by now be able to overcome all the adjustment problems at present facing him?” Realising as we do, that another interesting feature of life in New Zealand is that of seeing Maori and European meeting each other, playing games with each other and working together with mutual respect and understanding, this talk of difficulties seems in the circumstances to be paradoxical.

Economic Traditions The answer is that the situation in this country still reveals differences of historical background, ways of living, and economic conditions between the two races. There is also the difference of cultural background. Although the two races do come nearer to each other now because of the large numbers of Maoris coming into the main centres, basic things such as racial background are still in existence. While human relations between the two races can be regarded as an example which other countries might well follow, certain reservations still exist in the minds of a number of people who feel that there are many obstacles standing in the way of complete equality being attained. It is generally considered that there is a need still for a grater degree of understanding and more social intermingling than at present exists. Today almost everywhere, we are faced with the fact that if civilisation is to survive we must cultivate the art of human relationship—the ability of all races to live together in peace and friendship. To understand fully the problems with which the Maori has to contend, some broad knowledge of his ancient life—more especially his economic and social problems—is desirable. It is largely the form of society in which the Maori lives which shapes his personality and ability. Some understanding of these problems as well as goodwill, tolerance and a certain generosity of spirit on the part of the European section of our community are needed in order to help the Maori out of his present difficulties. No society is ever static. Even in a primitive society untouched by civilisation—slight changes are continually taking place. In the main, these changes are gradual, and consequently such a society adapts itself gradually to this intrusion into their social set-up. But when the sharp impact of European civilisation is brought to bear on a group such as the Maori, then a violent shock is inflicted, and adjustment becomes difficult. The problem of adjustment is rendered more difficult by reason of the fact that while the Maori is endeavouring to adapt himself, the nature of the European culture is continually changing at a pace often too rapid for the Maori to keep up. The effect of all this is that, at the time of Captain Cook's arrival in New Zealand, the Maori was still in the Stone Age, so when settlers arrived later he was asked to bridge the gap between 500 B.C. and 1800 A.D. In addition he was called upon to keep pace with the unprecedented material progress achieved by the European during the 19th century. These demands introduced difficulties which seriously undermined the confidence of the Maori in his way of life; and in himself. It is also desirable to introduce some sort of picture of the primitive economics of the Maori prior to the arrival of the early European settlers. Briefly stated, the natural surroundings forced the Maori to work hard for his living. His tools for all purposes were extremely primitive so his needs were only to be obtained at the cost of much effort. Work then had to occupy an essential position in Maori life. The idea of work had a distinct social value. Labour was regarded as honourable, and no man demeaned himself by engaging in it. Chiefs lost no prestige in carrying out manual work. Self