King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 1912 THE MAORI'S DESTINY.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 509, 16 October 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16, 1912 THE MAORI'S DESTINY.

The new Government is steadily working towards the fulfilment of the various reforms advocated by its members in respect to land legislation, and the important native question. Hard upon the heels of the Prime Minister's Land Bill comes the Native Minister's proposals with respect to conferring European rights upon natives who are shown to be qualified. The suggestions are not new, but their application will be watched with interest. To the great bulk of the

European section of the community the various phases of the native question are entirely unknown. To others, whom information is largely hearsay, the subject chiefly resolves itelf into a question of native-owned land, and the possibility of transforming it from practically waste land into productive farms. Concerning the personal element, or the ultimate fate of the Maori, but few have any definite

views or practical desires. It is cus-

tomary for the average European to talk broadly of the doetrino of work, and advocate labour as the salvation of the race. The work theory stands good aa the salvation of any race, but it is to the application of any theory that careful attention must be turned, and studied consideration shown if results are to be attained worthy of the best efforts of humanity. To this end the complete knowledge of the

circumstances surrounding the position of the Maori, combined with a sympathetic understanding of his case are absolutely essential to the success of any movement for the uplifting of his race. The emancipation of the progressiva Maoris from the trammels and restrictions which have been applied in the past is obviously the first step towards the emancipation of the race. The reason why such a step has been delayed is somewhat obscure seeing that the destiny of the race has been controlled (politically) for some years by Sir James Carroll. It has to bo remembered that the Maori posseses a strong racial pr.'de, and to this fact may be ascribed, at least in

part, the reason for the progressive members of the race, not seeking to become emancipated from their shackles. Add to this the natural

fear that, in open competition the pre at bulk of the natives would be found lacking in those attributes which makes for success under modern civilisation, and the reason for the Maori political leaders wishing to maintain existing conditions becomes more understandable. Self interest insofar as desiring to help keep the native lands intact for succeeding

generations was concerned baa played a prominent part in the actions of the Maori leaders, and until such policy came into conflict with the interests of the Dominion it was excusable. Unfortunately there has been no studied effort to substitute, in the interests of the Dominion, a policy which would eliminate the evils of tho existing conditions, and provide for the uplifting of the Maori apart from his land. Obviously the salvation of the race lies not in retaining largo areas of unproductive land, or even in leasing the land and drawing rents from people who make the land productive. The doctrine of work is only applicable to the case in the event of the Maori being directed, and provided with reasonable opportunity to make his work effective. The white man's burden has to be borne. Tho burden of New Zealand can only bo successfully shouldered by making the utmost possible use of the country's resources; by bringing the available lands to the highest point of production under the most reasftn4able conditions. This can never be accomplished till the native-owned land of the country is given over to settlement under similar conditions to the remaining lands of tho Dominion. It matters not whether the settlers be European or Maori so long as the land is producing. The white man" burden will only continue in New Zealand as long as thriftless natives, or idle lands, exist. Tha Europeanising of the natives has been going on since the Treaty of Waitangi was enacted, and before the remnants of the race reach the desired plane generations must elapse. In the interests of the Dominion 't is manifest the settlement of the land cannot be dependent upon the evolution of the race. The firsi step towards directing the destiny of the Maori has been taken. It is to be hoped further action to the same desirable end will be worthy of the commendation of the leaders of both races.