THE NATIONAL GAME

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1931, Page 6

THE NATIONAL GAME

MAORIS AND RUGBY.

SIR AP HR ANA’S ADDRESS

“About a hundred years ago the pakelia took away our national game. The North Islanders ait that time came down here and carried out their favourite sport,” stated the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, Minister of Native Affairs, and chairman of. the Maori Rugby Advisory Board, in an address at the dinner to the North and South Island footballers in. Oliristchuhch oil Saturday night.

Sir Apirana. said that the fierce fighting made great men, but nowadays New Zealanders deprecated the kind of banquets the Maoris had in the evenings. The national game referred to had been supplanted by the game of Rugby football, which served as an outlet for animal spirits. “THE HAND OF SYMPATHY.”

“Nothing in the last hundred years has brought the pakelia and Maori together better than Rugby football,” continued Sir Apirana. “Racial differences are difficult to overcome, but where there is equality and respect the peoples are brought together. We respect the pakelia and we hope the pakelia will respect us. The greatest help that the pakelia can give to the Maori is to hold out the hand of sympathy, because the Maori is not so well equipped to carry on the pre-scvnt-dnjy fight. There- is 'nothing better, however, than, a man-to-man fight on the football field, j “Even if there is a depression there is one thing that is brightening our national life, and that is our national gntne. I hope that the spirit of the New Zeahinders will not he broken by tlie slump. The New Zealander is one of the finest God Almighty’s products on this earth.” DEVELOPING THE RACE.

A speech is somewhat- similar picturesque strain was made hv Mr W. T. Pitt, manager of the East Coast (North Island) team, a.t the Maori reception at Tuahiwi on Friday afternoon.

“My heart weeps when my mind goes back to your ancestors, of which you are a remnant of the descendants,” stated Mr Pitt in addressing the people of Tuahiwi. “We want to develop our race, and one way of doing it is by marriage and giving in marriage. “Gatherings'of this kind make my mind go back to Sir James Carroll, through the instrumentality of whom we have with us to-day the Prince of Wales Cup for competition among North and South Island Rugby teams.

“Though you a.re only .a handful of Maoris, in your veins is the stirring blood of your ancestors. This day you have gained the victory on the Rugby fidld. Be strong. The-fight ' is' not ove.iv. and dAiirge the -Vicwiuger men-to plav so that they mav take the places of the older men.. Do not be effeminate, be men. Quit y e like men; be strong.”