Lectures on Maoris

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 878, 23 January 1930, Page 8

Lectures on Maoris

Canadian Tour Proposed SHOULD the Minister of Native Affairs, Sir Apirana T. Ngata, have the opportunity to accept the invitation to speak in Canada on the Maori race, New Zealand may expect excellent results from the tour. The proposed visit is another indication of the interest m the Maori race among Americans and Canadians.

Returning from abroad, Mr. P. Milner, rector of Waitaki Boys’ High School, brought the invitation from the Canadian Council of Education. He found educational organisations in North America eager to know about New Zealand’s methods with the Maoris. The United States Government, realising that its policy of segregating American Indians on reservations has resulted in degeneration, also seeks to learn about the treatment of New Zealand’s native race. Mr. Milner has suggested that Sir Apirana could, with effect, visit the United Kingdom. The people of Great Britain probably have more to learn about the Maori race than Americans and Canadians. New Zealand is proud in the association between Europeans and Maoris and in the efforts to preserve a knowledge of Maori social law, tradition, music, oratory, art and navigation. NOT ALL SUCCESS Mistakes have taken place, in spite of the good intentions of some of the governors of the Dominion. In 1930, •there are many innocent native sufferers from the results of thoughtless confiscation of native lands after the Maori War, and from over-pur-chases of land by the Crown. In many cases, long-term leases of land, in which Maoris are being paid on the now meagre scale ruling last century, when the leases were made, still exist.

Still, New Zealand’s results compare more than favourably with those of other countries. Amazing blunders have taken place in Australia and Tasmania, for instance. NO “COLOUR BAR” In the usually studied disregard of the objectionable “colour bar,” New Zealand has set an example which has been noticed in other countries. One of the faults of the reservation system in North America is that the segregation of American Indians, one of the proudest of native races, has brought about a sense of inferiority among the natives. But America has examples, as has New Zealand, of tribes which have responded excellently to European influence. New Zealand’s wisest action was when the Maoris were given equal rights. There was, however, a proposal once before the Government for the establishment of the interior of •the Dominion as a native reservation and for the recognition of Te Whero Whero, the Maori “King.” It was Sir George Grey who opposed the notion of reservations. He knew the “King” movement was supported by a section of the natives only and that the mingling of tribes on a reservation meant the conflict of beliefs and custom.

There would be a tremendous field for discussion in the tour suggested. The history of the Maoris, explained by an authority of Sir Apirana’s ability, would be a subject of great interest for overseas audiences. D.C.S.T.