Maori Morals Appear At Low Ebb

Chronicle (Levin), 30 May 1949, Page 2

Maori Morals Appear At Low Ebb

MASTEETON, May, 29. Speakers at the Maori Synod of the Wellington diocese which met at Masterton at the week-end, expressed serious concern regarding the increase in crime among the Maori people. Bishop Bennett referred to recent remarks of the Chief Justice on the subject and said that some action would have to be taken to stop this terrible tide that is overwhelming the Maori people. There would have to be elfective assistance by the Government as weli j as by the church. Generally it appeared ' that Maori morais were at a low ebb and if the position beeame worse, there was a danger of a colour line in New Zealand and the utter demoralisation oi 1 the Maori raee. Bishop Bennett referred I to the terrible tragedy eaused by.beer jdrinking among Maoris. j The question of what act'ion tribal committees were taking was raised by speakers at the meeting and it was alleged that many members themselves were guilty of the same offenee, it being contended that the personnel of the tribal committees should be overhauled. It was decided that a deputation wait on the Prime Minister relative to these matters. The deputation is to consist or Bishop Bennett, Messrs M. Durie, L. T. E. Kingi, P. H. Taku, P. D. Eatene and the Iiev. P. Temuera, representing the live Maori pastorates in the Diocese. Mr W. B. Bennett, of Wanganui, referred to the serious elfect bad housing liad on Maoris and said that the deputation should ask the Prime Minister for more State houses for Maoris. The cont'erence expressed the hope that the Methodist, Presbyterian and Eatana churches would cooperate in these matters. The conference expressed deep concern with the vvay in which Last Coast and Bav of Plenty Maoris in particuiar, were holding organised sports on Suuday. Anglican adlierents were asked by conference uot to take part in such organised sport. The subjeet was introduced by Bishop Bennett who spoke of the need for ac tion this matter. He emphasised that he had 110 objection to a friendly game of tennis on a (Sunday but organised J sport was a different matter altogcther. , i rt was decided that next year 's synod . be held in the Wellington area.