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Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume II, Issue 10, 31 October 1856, Page 1

We have to draw the particular attention of our native readers to an Act passed at the late meeting of the General Assembly, called the "Native Reserves Act," of which a copy is published iii this number of the Maofi Messenger. Some of Our native friends may not understand the nature or inleution of this law which we shall endeavour briefly to explain to them. We have already, in previous numbers, stated that laws are necessary lo preserve the just rights of all parlies, to 'protect the weak against the strong, and to <do equal justice to all. The intention of the law to which we notv refer may not be at first sight understood by the natives until they have some practical experience of its working, and of the benefits which it is intended to confer. The chief object of this law is to provide or a better system of managing those reserves which liave been set apart for native purposes* that are aot occupied or required by the natives- fin* their use aad occupa--4io&» more especially those portions which luive been set apartfor iiieir beuefit out of and* which havo been purchased of them.

Il also provides that the natives may set apart certain lands, over which the native title has not been extinguished, for the sites of Churches, Chapels or Burial Grounds, and for the endowment of Schools, Hospitals, or other institutions for the benefit of the natives. "Many of the native tribes in this Island h.i ve already carried the spirit ofthis law into effect by granting considerable portions of land us endowments for Churches and Schools, and in this respect they have acted wisely as ihey cannot confer a greater benefit upon their children than that of education; they will by this means attain a knowledge of the European habits, customs, laws and sources of wealth, as well as of the various countries and tribes of the world; of which, without education and a knowledge of the English language, they must remain ignorant. In older times, in New Zealand, men were known for their deeds of war, their knowledge of superstitious rites and customs, their skill in providing food, building canoes, and such other pursuits as were in those days necessary. Times have now changed in New Zealand; the warrior is turning his spear into a ploughshare, the superstitious priest of olden times is becoming acquainted with the new religion of Christianity, even 4he canoes are being superseded by English boats and vessels, the native mat is replaced by the blanket,-the pohue by the wheat, the wild kiwi by the tame turkey, the rat finds a better substitute in the pig, the acquisition of wealth is found a more agreeable pursuit lhaiv that of war; many jjire now possessors of horses, cattle, mills, houses built like those of the pakeba, and all this is very good but a great deal more is wanting which can only be attained by constant perseverance and industry. Above all we strongly advise the natives to urge forward fey every means in their power the education of their children, as that will be of even greater advantage to them hereafter than the acquisition of wealth. They have the means of giving them an education suited to their wants ; therefore if they desire them to grow up as men of rank and importance let them educate their children and give their aid and assistance to the various schools that arc now in operation for this good purpose. The great orator has always befeo a person ot distinction in New Zealand, bow much freaier therefore will those young New inlanders be thought of, who have a know-

Hedge not only of the oratory connected with their own limited Island, but who can also from being able to read the English language inform and instruct ihHr countrymen in a knowledge of what is taking place- throughout the world T