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Executives and Committees have requested that their powers be increased to enable them to deal more effectively with delinquency. Several Borstal Associations, in their annual reports, have paid. tribute to the Maori Welfare Officers' work in regard to Borstal parolees. Rehabilitation, 1,040 cases (1,152) This work is undertaken mostly in the country districts where the Maori Welfare Officer is the general adviser on all matters. Investigations are made and every assistance is afforded rehabilitation officers. Tribal Executives' and Committees also interest themselves in the rehabilitation of Maori ex-servicemen. Social and Recreation, 853 cases (429) The wisdom of Tribal Committees providing recreational facilities for the Maori population in the cities is becoming more apparent every day. The Maori people in the cities now have some means of occupying their leisure-hours, and by attending the social functions are not left to their own devices. Successful functions are held at NgatiPoneke Hall, Wellington, and the Maori Community Centre, Auckland, every week-end, when, among other things, educational and health films are shown. Other centres, such as Kaikohe, are commencing similar activities. Numerous Maori clubs are in existence throughout New Zealand, and these, too, are doing good work in catering for the leisurehours of their people, as well as teaching and reviving Maori arts and culture. Maori Welfare Officers co-operate with Tribal Committees in arranging and conducting these functions. 'Social Security, 2,075 cases (1,911) Assistance is given.to the Maori public in social security matters, but at the same time a careful watch is kept to see that the social security benefits are not abused. At present a survey as to the manner in which the Maori beneficiaries are applying the family allowance is being made. From reports to hand the following points are clear : (1) The many allegations that Maori beneficiaries abuse social security benefits are, in most instances, unfounded. (2) Maori school-children are better clothed than ever before —schoolmasters' observations also confirm this. (3) Cases of malnutrition among Maori children are due to faulty diet rather than lack of food. Where malnutrition is found, the mothers are instructed as to* correct feeding methods. (4) If it were not for the family allowance a great number of Maori children would not be able to continue their secondary education. (5) Family allowances are used as a means of bettering living-conditions. (6) As in every such scheme, a small number of cases of abuse have come to light, and this position applies equally to other sections of the community. But in the case of Maori beneficiaries Tribal Committees and Welfare Officers intervene, and, when all persuasive means have failed, arrange for agents to administer the benefits. (7) The abuse of social security benefits has declined since Tribal Committees commenced operating. Maori Electoral Roll The Chief Electoral Officer requested the assistance of Maori Welfare Officers and Tribal Committees in registering Maori electors and compiling the Maori Electoral Roll. Tribal Committees especially have been of great assistance in this work, and at 31st March, 1949, 26,000 registrations had been effected. This work is continuing, and a complete coverage is aimed at.

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