Maori shearers at work at Anaura Station, Tolaga Bay. (Kandid Kamera Kraft). A not inconsiderable proportion, however, marry and settle down far from home and find contentment in their chosen environment. The rate of mixed marriages is increasing and in those cases where the couples are both of the progressive type it can be said that these marriages are an unqualified success, but in the cases where there is one partner who is more backward than the other, it does appear that the chances of unhappiness and disruption are much greater than would obtain in similar circumstances where both partners belonged to the same race. Opportunities are unlimited for men and this is reflected in the gradual improvement in the current housing situation. The Maori is gradually casting aside the old substandard housing that affected the health of his children over the past eighty years. It is noticeable how quickly the wives become houseproud. The couple who save their money to buy a nice carpet and furniture do their utmost to preserve their value by looking after them carefully. The old houses were always kept clean and the wooden floors scrubbed daily, but if the family relaxed over the weekend and a mess was made, no real harm was done because the broom and mop would soon restore order. However, the care of the carpet and the fine furniture meant that any stains made would be permanent. It is easy to see why the proud young wife now insists on moderation in all things. It is inevitable that some form of secondary industry will eventually come to tap the great pool of static labour that is offering on the Coast, and this will just as inevitably tempt others back from the cities. It is also inevitable that the large blocks of Maori owned land will eventually improve their financial status to the position where they will be able to pay larger dividends as a result of the progressive adoption of current improved farming methods and development. Their lands are capable of an increased (Concluded on page 53)