The Problem of Landless Maoris.

The Maoris are the only people who are doing their fair share towards the natural increase of the population. The normal birthrate of the native people far outstrips that of the European community. The latest census gives the Maori population as 81,774, an increase of 18,000 in the last ten years. Better living conditions, education in hygiene, and an improvement in economic status as the result of the land settlement schemes, are responsible, largely, for this increase. But the disquieting aspect of this otherwise greatly desirable condition of the Maori is the problem of provision for the landless Maoris whose numbers are inpreasing. There are hundreds of families who are without land they can call their own or land they can use. The tragic diminution of the Maori landed estate has a direct relation to the problem of immigration and the increase of the rural population.

Seeing that the Maoris are proving themselves better citizens than the pakeha in the matter of birthrate, that they have lived more in accordance with natural laws than the white population has, they are fairly entitled to the use of land necessary for the subsistence of themselves and their children.

When I discussed this problem with Te Puea a few weeks ago, I told her that I considered the Maori, the first settler, certainly should be considered before any assistance was given to new pakeha immigrants. New Zealand's first duty is to see that the Maoris, particularly those in Waikato, where old confiscations robbed the tribes of their homes and their farming lands, are given access to the soil that is their moral right. Their old farms and forests have gone from them, but there is other land to be obtained. Te Puea's work, and her people's work, is proof of what may be expected when the landless obtain lands and the liberal financial backing that the white settler has been able to command.

Te Puea's labours and interests are indeed many. There is no branch of Maori culture that this wonderful woman does not touch and advance. The beautiful house, named after her great foremother of centuries ago,

“Te Paki-O-Matariki,”
The decorative front door of Te Paea's carved meeting-house “Mahina-a-Rangi.” The seven stars represent the constellation of the Pleiades (Matariki), sacred in Waikato religion And legend. The name of the door means “The Halycon Influences of the Plelades.”

is a marvel of skill and artistry in woodcarving and interior decoration. The model kainga of which it is the central feature, is well designed, and simply, yet comfortably furnished with modern requirements. Cultivations of food and many fruit trees surround it. For another thing, Te Puea is reviving the canoe flotillas that were the olden pride of the Waikato, and the first of a fleet of seven waka-taua, or war canoes, is being constructed at Waingaro, in the bush near Ngaruawahta. In this fine work the Princess of Waikato should have the practical assistance of Auckland's citizens, for the province will look to Waikato to provide the leading interest in the Centennial aquatic celebrations now only three years, ahead of us.