Balance the Ratio

The ratio of Maoris to Europeans in this country is 12 Europeans to one Maori. Yet in our Secondary Schools and Universities it is certain that not one out of twelve pupils is a Maori.

Averaging out the figures we could perhaps find one in 20 Maoris at secondary scool, and possibly one in 75 at University.

The only reason for this is that not enough are coming from our Post Primary Schools, in addition to the fact that they do not find it economically attractive.

And they are not in our Post Primary schools because most never get past Primary School or else leave the moment they turn fifteen. An attempt should be made to get more to Secondary School, from Primary at the age of 12 to 13, with a reasonable standard of edcuation.

It is not the duty of the foundation to do this. These children are being educated in government schools. It is therefore the duty of the government.

Only when the government has fulfilled its responsibility, which it is obviously neglecting at present; will the foundation be able to serve its proper function.

It cannot hope to attack the problem at its roots. At present it can only apply palliative at the top, but until the basic roots of the problem are solved the whole situation of Maori education cannot be altered but merely aggravated.

Wake up the Education Department!