SEAMY OR SEAMER ?

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 58, Issue 233, 2 November 1929, Page 6

SEAMY OR SEAMER ?

Per Press Association.

MAORI GIRLS AXD CHINESE EMPLOYERS. ASSOCIATION CRITICISED.

TE AROHA, Last night. In an .interview to-day tlie Rev. A. J. Seamer, -gene'ral superintendent of the Xew Zealand- Home Missions, replied to the oriticism by the Akarana Maori Association regarding his attitude towards the employment of Maori women by Chinese market gardeners. . Mr Seamer said he was the chief executive officer of the mission that has been doing educational and social work amongst the Maori people for 107 years, which counts its active Maori workers by thousands, which has on its expcutive staff more Maori workers than the total Maori membersbip, actual and proper, of the Akarana Association, and which spends more in one month in its efforts for the amelioration of the Maori than the association has ever passed through its books. "It ig rather amusing to say I ara not compet'ent to express an opinion," he said.' "The position we' take up is as follows : — "(1) Maori women work in Chinese market gardens because there is no more suitable employment offering. "(2) Very few single women accept such employment except in company with their guardians, "(3) The accusation made by the Akarana Association last week against employers of 'sinister purposes,5 is unfair, and sliould be witkdrawn. "(4) There are very few half-easte Maori-Chinese children, and most of these few have heen born in wedlock. "(5) W© have more trouhle with various types of European profligates than with the Chinese in market- "gardens. for most of these gardeners are hone.it hard-working men. "(6) From sentimental and raclal standpoints 011 r mission is strongly opposed to the intermingling of Chinese and Maori, but we love fair play. "(7) Almost all Maori women working in market gardens are struggling to earn sufficient to purchase the necessaries of life for themselves and their dependents, and they should be treated with respect. They are quite as re-spe'c-table as their critips." In concludipw Mr Seamer said : "It is liighly desirable that efforts be made to guard the interests of Maori workers, wliether engaged by Europeans in their gardens and vineyards,' or bv Chinese, and we will assist every legitimate effort dn this direction. We congratulate the Pukekohe Maori Committee 011 its constructive policy."