Page 3 Advertisements Column 2

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2065, 17 December 1907, Page 3

Xmas Bazaar.—A bewildering profusion of fancy goods, perfumery, E.P. ware, leather goods, etc., at our well-kftown keen cash prices. A magnificent display at C. Rosie and Co.’s. MAORI LAND COMMISSIONS THE CHIEF JUSTICE On DRINK AND THE MAORIS. IN responding to a very hearty welcome given to him by the Natives at Port Awanui last week, Sir Robert Stout, iu a very able and sympathetic speech, referred in plain terms to their greatest enemy— PRINK, In part, he said—“ They lost- many by war, but they also lost many by the adoption of European customs and habits. The Europeans brought many evil things to the Maoris, and perhaps THE MOST EVIL THING OE ALL WAS THE HABIT OF DRINKING; THAT HAD KILLED HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS OF THE RACE, JUST AS IT HAD KILLED HUNDREDS AND 'THOUSANDS OF EUROPEANS THE WORLD OVER. This was one of the Maoris’ most serious enemies. What was it the young Maoris desired to seek? The race to live and not i>ass away—that their race should be preserved. “The race will not live,” continued the Chief Justice, “if the Natives do not.pay attention to their health, and if they go on indulging in intoxicating liquors.” A few days after, in saying good-bye to the Maoris, he again referred to the' matter as follows—He was glad also that the people who had attended the meeting of the Commission had been sober. “THERE ARE THREE HOTELS IN THIS SMALL MAORI DISTRICT,” continued Sir Robert, “AND THEY ARE MAINLY MAINTAINED BY MAORIS, ONE I BELIEVE WHOLLY SO A WELL, THAT IS A GREAT DISGRACE. I was sorry to seo one man the other day coming along the road on horseback under the influence of liquor. I hope that you will bo able to stop all drinking in this place, for depend upon it DRINKING ONLY MEANS THE DESTRUCTION OF THE RACE. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR HEALTH, AND IS THE FOUNDATION OF MANY DISEASES, EVEN WHEN TAKEN IN SMALL QUANTITIES.” These remarks of the Chief Justico are as timely ns they arc faithful. Surely, if there be one class in the community we should protect from the fearful and perennial activities of the. Drink Curse, it is our Native race. All the world over, legislation in the direction of protecting the Natives of different countries from the ravages of strong drink is advocated by even those who view with unconcern its destruction of the whites. Surety then, in accordance with this worldwide sentiment, we should do all in our power to deliver our native brothers and sisters from an evil that is threatening their very extinction. It is especially incumbent upon us so to do, seeing that the Europeans who have invaded their country are responsible for the introduction of a traffic that is ruining their bodies, deranging their intellects,, corrupting the morals, and decimating the ■homes, of one of the noblest native races in the world. In view of tins awful fact, is it not our urgent duty to make the only reparation possible bv VOTING NO-LICENSE AT THE ENSUING POLL CA’dvt.) C.F.