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Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1928, Page 2

A Christchurch paper called attention the other day to a matter which is ol great national concern when it referred to what was an undoubted tragedy' ol the Maori race, in that within a century its language, may bo, to all intents and purposes, a dead tongue. The paper remarked that there were Maoris of to-day, of mature years, who can jiartly understand, but cannot speak, the poetical language of their ftilers. There are many Maori children who have no tongue but English. What the French have done in Tahiti wo have accomplished in New Zealand. The Maori is no longer a Maori. Neither is he European. He is something between the two. It is not an unreasonable request, therefore, which has been made in the North Island, by To Akarana Maori Association, for tho institution of a University lectureship in Maori. Maori is already accepted as a pass subject for tho B.A. degree, but it is not taught by the University which accepts it. Anything that New Zealand can do to preserve this ancient and 'beautiful language, not only in the black and white of tho printed page but in the rich currency of speech, is an obligation owed to tho Maori race, to the nation which includes it, and. to the world. The suggestion conies late, but not too late to be useful. There is another aspect of our relations with the Maori worth considering. That is in regard to early Maori history anil the relations which existed in Now Zealand when Europeans came to the country. There were many stirijyig incidents leading up to the British gaining the ascendency, and the Maoris agreeing on terms of the settlement of the country as part of the Empire. But verylittle is known by the average citizen or growing scholar as to the history of tho country over that period. We know in a vague sort of way that there were Maori wars, hut even in a casual wayvery little is known of an outline of that strenuous period. Great bravery was shown on both sides. The Native race created in that strenuous period a fine name for themselves, but there is only the barest knowledge of the facts. Many memorials dot parts of New Zealand, hut the story of the events commemorated is known to but a few. A short history of the period and events referred to, might well be prepared and taught in the schools so that tho growing generation at least might haw some inward knowledge of tho stirring series of events which were enacted before New Zealand became a settled country. The Native language and the early history of the settlement of the country might well form subjects for effective preservation oil tho part of the authorities charged with such responsibilities.