The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 1888. STATE OF THE NATIVES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1920, 16 August 1888, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 1888. STATE OF THE NATIVES.

From the report of officers m the Native districts m the North Island, it would seem that the Maori is becoming more and more Europeanised, and m the far North where they are settled m great numbers, it would seem that the desire to live the modern life is fast taking possession of them. It is said of them now that m their civil disputes, instead of invoking the aid of the Maori Bunanga, they take cases to the Magistrate's Court and argue out the matter there. In one respect, however, they show lack of forethought, and that is m preparing for their old age and independent support. It is said that the cultivation of the soil is much neglected, and few of the people raise more crops than barely suffice for their own subsistence. There is great inducement to neglect m this particular, m the fact that the Natives are able with so little trouble to provide amply for all immediate requirements by the proceeds of gum-dig ging. Every kainga m the Mongonui district is within easy reaching distance of a gumfield, and a few weeks' work by a family during the fine season suffices to provide funds for a long subsequent period of idleness,. The belief that kauri gum is an unfailing source of revenue has a most demoralising effect upon the Native mind. Whaling is still extensively carried on by the Natives of the northern peninsula ' during the season." They expend large sums of money m fitting out the various parties, but the average return is vory small indeed. 'Iho industry, however, has that element of gambling m. it which is so dear to the Maori, and therefore funds are never wanting 7 even under the mostdiscuraging circumstances. It will be interesting to temperance advocates, and indeed to all to find that the cause flourishes to a great extent among the Maoris m the North. Reports speak well on this head. Europeans supply both tho liquor and the teetotal lecturer, but the influence of the latter is more limited than the former, but on the whole good work has been done. It is perhaps well that we hear that the King movement — as represented at Wbatiwhatihoe, where Tawhiao lives, and which is looked upon as headquarters — has been getting perceptibly weaker, as evidenced by the few people who now live there, and the increased desire of many who are supposed to live there permanently t© get away gum- J digging or elsewhere, to shift for themselveß. Tawhiao himself, until a short time ago, had been absent for months travelling about with a fe\r of bis people from settlement to settlement within the Waikato, Thames, and Piako districts, with apparently very little end m view, the duration of the stay m each place being generally regulated by the amount of food that the local Natives had m stock at the time of his arrival. In the Opotiki dislrict it is reported that year by year the Natives are bettei supplied with clothing and other necessaries of life. In this locality they are becoming self-reliant ; such a thing as asking the Government for carts, ploughs, or other agricultural implements had quite gone out of fashion, bo much so that no Native ever thinks of making a request for such articles. In regard to, health it is said that the Maori will tamper with himself when m sickness despite a doctor's warning. The Native treatment seldom cures ; indeed, it can not m any seriouß case, which requires professional care, strict course of diet, and careful nursing ; yet, with marvellous recoveries m cases attended by the doctor before them, they are still satisfied to allow themselves to become victims to their old superstitions. Time and perseverance appear to be tho only means by which we can hope ultimately to prevent their sacrificing their lives to their old Native customs. Many natives have lost their lives during the past two years through following tho practice of immersing themselves m cold water with their clothes on, and then allowing them to dry on their bodies. This is done when a relation dies and is buried! It is said to be a part of the Te Kooti faith. From Taranaki the report comes that the past year Las been the quietest for many years past, and no rumorß of what Te Whiti was going to do to disturb the peace, have been beard lately. The Parihaka meetings have decreased m number, and the comparatively few assemblages have not been so numerously attended. Te Whiti still holds great sway over the minds of the majority of the Natives of the district, but his sayings and doings are not paraded now as formerly. The Natives uaye no special industrial occupations outside their usual cultivations, but employj themselves **• times m picking fungus, and, m the season, gathering grass seed. Schooling is neglected except m a few cases, and the majority of the younger people cannot write their names, whereas the elder generation can nearly all write fairly, On the whole, judging from the information supplied, it would appear that the Natives are m a fair way of improvement from a social point of view.