MAORI TONGUE GOING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 719, 19 July 1929, Page 6

MAORI TONGUE GOING

ENGLISH INFLUENCE IN LANGUAGE WIDE ALTERATIONS Already plainly marked by the influence of English words and sentence construction, the Maori language has undergone sweeping changes since the European colonisation. In a few years, it will be a widely different language from the pure tongue of earlier times. Reference was made to the changes at the meeting last evening of Te Akarana Maori Association. One speaker mentioned the instance of an old North Auckland Maori, who admitted that he was not able to read the letters in Maori of 50 years ago. Maori children of today do not speak the pure language of tribal elders. There is a growing percentage of Maori families who speak English in their homes, apart from the extending conversion of English words into native forms. No remedy can be found for the alteration. It is accepted as an inevitable result of European influence. It is simply an indication of the ease with which the Maori race has adopted European customs and, in losing its individuality, has saved itself. Races in other countries who have not been able to do this have suffered. SOCIAL WELFARE Still occupying itself in the solution of social problems and furthering the welfare of natives, Te Akarana Association had under discussion the social welfare of young Maoris in and near the city. An active committee was set up to advance the social life of the young people. Mr. Patrick Smyth, of St. Stephen’s College, gav.e an address on questions that had arisen when he was in conference with leading North Auckland natives. The effect of the move in the consolidation of native lands was reviewed, and it was pointed out that the scheme was of benefit tp actual landholders only. The lack of provision for future developments was stressed, and it was stated that no provision had been made for the increases in families apparent in many districts, who were involved in the scheme. In the North, Mr. Smyth obtained the opinions of tribal leaders on the language question.