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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 9 (December 1, 1937.)

Population Wholly Native

Population Wholly Native.

Generally recognised as the last great stronghold of the Maori, the Urewera Country is inhabited practically entirely by natives, the majority of local origin. Two years ago the population was roughly estimated at 3,000, this figure including the inhabitants of Ruatoki numbering between 600 and 700 people.

(Forestry Dept. photo.). The picturesque Waikau Stream in the Urewera Country.

(Forestry Dept. photo.).
The picturesque Waikau Stream in the Urewera Country.

page 58

page 59

A Government Committee, which investigated the resources of the Urewera Country some time ago, asserted that the farming value of the standing bush land was practically negligible, and that no more felling should be done to provide farming areas. Small areas at Ruatahuna and Maungapohatu had been felled and grassed, but as a result of lack of fencing and stock, they had reverted rapidly to fern, second growth and ragwort. A scheme of regeneration was undertaken at Ruatahuna and the Committee advocated similar measures at Maungapohatu, where about 1,000 acres surrounding the village had been cleared.