Maoris Losing Language Of Their Fathers

Chronicle (Levin), 21 May 1949, Page 3

Maoris Losing Language Of Their Fathers

WELLINGTON, May 19. Maori elders throughout tlie country were much concerned by tlie inabilitv of the rising generation to speak flu.en.tly the language of their fathers, declared the report of the Provineial Adviaory Council on Maori Edueational Pr'oblems, which was presented to the Anglican General Syuod yesterday by the Bishop of Waiapu (Bishop Lesser). The council therefore was of opinion that every endeavour should be made to ensure that the language was taught so thoroughly as to create a highly favourable" opinion among the students ' parents and connections that would assnre continued patronage of Anglican institutions. . Although the Education Department was trying to foster that teaching in its own Maori sehools, little was being done outside Anglican sehools to teaeh the Maori tongue, said the report. It was also considered that Anglican Maori sehools should not fall behind tlie. standard set by other Church sehools, and it was essential, therefore, that students be prepared for a science or arts course. Doubtless, in the boys' sehools, the majority of students would continue to take the agricultnral or general courses. However, the number of young Maoris taking the aeademie courses was mounting every year, and Anglican sehools had to provide facilities for sueh courses. The council was of opinion that the increasing number of State sehools with modern buildings and equipment, with

their liberal curricula and experienced staffs, would contintie to attract Maoris away from Anglican sehools, unless the latter were modernised in those direetions. It was felt that the way was open for friendly eooperation with the Education Department, and that the Government sufficiently appreciated • the Church Js contribution to Maori education to give- considerable ass'istanee. Technical and edueational experienee thus placed at the Church 's service would be valuable.