Maoris had made very few excursions into commerce. True equality between Maori and European can only come if their occupation spread is proportionately similar. An examination of the data relating to occupation as shown in the 1951 census indicates that relatively few are employed in the skilled trades or in the professions. The Maori of old was a craftsman, and this ability to use tools successfully persists today but proper training and experience are necessary. Special facilities are now provided by the Labour Department to assist those desirous of qualifying as carpenters, motor mechanics, electricians, plumbers, plasterers and painters. The main concern of Government Departments is to increase the proportion entering skilled trades and professions. Figures supplied by the Education Department showed that a very large percentage of Maoris tend to enter farming, domestic and factory work and not enough were entering the skilled jobs. The experience of the Department of Maori Affairs since 1951 when hostels for apprentices were established in collaboration with Vocational Guidance Officers and the Labour Department has been favourable and encouraging in every way. Religious and other organisations have since been subsidised to provide further hostels for Maori youths and girls in any kind of employment. The Department of Maori Affairs last year expressed great concern that large numbers of Maori youths qualified and able to become apprentices could not do so. The Department rightly regards the apprenticeship movements as a positive scheme to raise the economic rehabilitation of the Maori people. It would therefore be regrettable if a promising start were allowed to fall behind for lack of public help in its early stages. Probably in a year or two Maori economic and social progress will enable the race in time to look after its young people; but at present active European help is needed. Maori apprentices in general do very good work and are warmily praised by their employers. For many reasons, the community should recruit The latest hostel for Maori apprentices to be opened is Rehua Hostel, 79 Springfield Avenue, Christchurch. The opening ceremony took place last April the day after the completion of the Maori Women's Welfare League Conference. Hostels have an important part to play at the present time, when further education for the young Maori is often impossible without them. (Christchurch Star-Sun Photograph.)