THE MAORI RACE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1932, Page 2

THE MAORI RACE

MAINTAINING TRADITION

WELLINGTON, December 7

“Do all in your power to induce the Maori people to take a pride in their race, to keep up their beautiful language, ,and to> continue to pursue so far as is, possible their own peculiar accomplishments,”. These were, the parting words of his Majesty the King to Lord Bledisloe as lie handed him his commission to represent him in New Zealand, the ■ Governor-General told those who attended the Maori mission reception to-day. Following this disclosure his Excellency referred to the Maori’s attractive carving, 0 f which so little was done nowadays, and to Maori music, of which they had heard some good examples that afternoon. “No gathering during the past years or more that we have been among you has given mo more pleasure than that takiug place this afternoon, and which is composed of members of two races who are intent upon the desirable object of advancing the spiritual cnlightment of the Maori race,” he said. Hiis Excellency said that he was very glad that the Bill investing the site of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in the nation was being placed before Parliament on the same day. “Just as the greatness of the British Empire has been largely founded upon the resourcefulness and enterprise of its members, so the greatness of the: Maori race will depend upon its capacity to work out its; own salvation,” Lord Bledisloe said. Mr H. D. Bennett assured their Excellencies of the Maori’s appreciation of their gift,"which conveyed a noble thought and a noble deed.