THE MAORI PEOPLE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 117, 16 April 1940, Page 9

THE MAORI PEOPLE

MORAL GUIDANCE SOUGHT. ' CRITICISM OF PAKEHA. Some outspoken comments on the relations between the pakeha anti the Maori were a feature of the address given by Rev. Captain K. Harawira, chaplain at the Maori Battalion Camp, to the Palmerston North Rotary Club yesterday. His subject was “The Transition of the Maori People.” The president. (Mr J. A. Grant), in welcoming the speaker, referred to the happy experience the city had had as a result of the Maori troops’ sojourn here. Captain Harawira stated that but for missionary endeavour it was doubtful whether New Zealand would now be under the British flag. The spread of the Gospel by these men of fine character and sense of adventure had had an excellent influence on the Maori race, and for a time tt 1 noised as though the Maoris would become an ideal citizen. He discarded cannibalism and inter-tribal conflicts and adopted the pakelia’s religion. Unfortunately, troubles were caused by traders, whalers, and others who were irresponsible and indifferent to the welfare of the Maori people. They created an atmosphere which definitely hindered the progress of Christianity. The standard of life set by the missionaries was disregarded and the Maori became bewildered. In the old days violation of the law by a Maori meant death and the Maori could not understand how the pakeha could so widely violate his own law. COLOUR LINE ALLEGED. “I try to look at this through pakeha eyes,” said the speaker. ‘‘ln this country we boast of something not found in any other country—two races, one dark, living together harmoniously. I sometimes vdsh there was not such a thing as a colour line. Can I believe this 't It does not take a very clever man to realise when he is not wanted. Not only in everyday life are Maoris being subjected to that feeling, but even in Christian and church life. I say this on good authority. Europeans usually say : ‘I will do all I can for you’ instead ot : ‘I will do all I can with you.’ ” . , Captain Harawira admitted he shared that feeling, although he had been brought up in the European w;ay. To-day the Maori’s attitude ot resentment was one of the greatest stumbling blocks to progress. There was a tremendous battle in his soul. He was trying to express himself. He did not know whether be wanted to be a Maori or a “brow'n pakeha.” The younger generation of Maoris were abandoning their own language, customs, homes and kith and kin and trying to become “brown pakelias” in order to appease a few pakelias who did not like the Maori people. This tended to make the real Maori stubborn, and was not helping the country. Speaking generally, Captain ITarawira proceeded, lie thought most, pakehas would agree that the Maoris had made remarkable progress towards what is known as civilisation during 100 years. . . “I appeal with you Rotarians ana other organisations and institutions to bear with us a little longer and we will reach a higher standard, added Captain Harawira. “When we think of the thousands of years of civilisation you pakelias have had you must give us a chance.” Owing to the indifference towards religion on the part- of the pakeha the vounger generation of Maoris were largely Godless. They looked to. the pakeha as a model and when the ideal was not reached “the imitator crashed in despair.” Violation of sacred laws, especially in the matter of Sunday observance, was something the Maori could not understand. In spite of all their difficulties the Alaoris bad not forgotten to observe the sacred Treaty of Waitangi. signed bv their forefathers 100 years a S‘)-“To-day what the pakeha thinks matters not to ’us,” he said. “Britain is at war and onr duty is plain. Me will do our part, however small. Before the war we disputed the pakeha s fulfilment of the Treaty. But to-day, once again in 100 years, we intend to abide by the pledges of our ancestoln moving a vote of thanks to the speaker, which was carried, by acclamation. Mr B. J. Jacobs said that doubted whether any address to the club had held such an -arresting challenge and he hoped there would lie more activity to promote closer contacts between the two races until the feeling referred to by the speaker was comnletely dispersed. ~ Visitors at the luncheon were Messrs H Richard«on (Auckland) and L. \\ ■ Mills and K. L. Collmson (Palmerston North).