REVIEWS. MAORI PUBLICATIONS. Auckland, May 8.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 376, 12 June 1889, Page 5

REVIEWS. MAORI PUBLICATIONS. Auckland, May 8.

Those philanthrophic individuals who interest themselves in the Maori race, however much they may regret the conduct of the pakeha towards the noble savage with regard to his welfare in this world, have no just reason to complain that abundant oilorts are not made to look after his spiritual wants. It is well known that nearly all the various sections of the Christian Church have been for years labouring among the different tribes throughout the colony ; in fact, so numerous are the representatives that it. is btated a leading chief once remarked that there were so many religions his people were puzzled as to which was the correct one. Since the days when Bishop Pompallier founded the Roman Catholic Mission in these islands, that Church has always been assiduous in its labours on behalf of the Maoii people. Under the direction of Bishop Luck new efforts are being put forth in this direction, and to further the work a volume has been published which contains a calendar, short instruction, morning and evening prayers, a very elaborate catechism, as well as a shorter one for children, prayers for low mass, high mass (with Latin), mass for the dead, vespers compline, followed by full instructions and prayers for the sacraments. Various popular devotions, including the stations of the cross and the rosary are al»o beautifully illustrated. Then come hymns, a list of the Popes, explanation of certain terms, and an index. The translation and compiling of the little book was entrusted to the Rev. Father Madan, a missionary of many yeais' standing, and whose influence among the Maoris is very great. He was also ably assisted by the Very Rev. Father Becker, of Rotorua, and other priests labouring in various parts of New Zealand. The publication is most complete in its character, evidencing the interest the compilers took in what must have been to them a labour of love. It contains upwards of 500 pages royal 18mo., printed in long primer type, and nicely bound in full French morocco boards, blind blocked, with title in gilt letters, and is also emblazoned with a beautiful cross in gold. Father JVladan has had the work got up in a specially attractive style, so as it shall be prized by the people for whom it is intended, and we might be Dardoned when we assert that the volume, taken as a whole, could not be beaten in the Home country. Of late, another competitor has come into the field. A number of elders are at present busily engaged in endeavouring to convince the native mind that Joe Smith's religion is the light one. The Mormons, like the cute Yankee, believe that money spent in printers' ink is not washed, and accordingly have had the Book of Mormons translated and printed in the Maori language. The book now lies before us, and contains upwards of 750 pages, crown octavo size, printed in clear readable type on good paper, and nicely bound in full French morocco boards, blind blocked, with the title in gold lettering. The translation, which must have been a work of considerable time and skill, appears to have been carefully done, and the volume (a very handsome one) is now being circulated among the Maoris. MANUAL OF TH E DUTIES OF LIFE A little work bearing the above title has been written by Mr G. W. Russell, of Cam-

bridge, Waikato. and is intended for use in schools or in homes. The aim of the author is to supply sound moral teaching free from sectarian colouring, and there is no doubb that he has achieved a, very large degree of success. He lays down some excellent maxims relating to the duties of life — labour, relationships, parents and children, masters and servants, duties of citizenship, matters of opinion, recreation, contemplation, truth, selfishness and dishonesty, kindness, temperance, anger, habit, health, thrift, influence, success and self-reli-ance. The style is adapted to impress the minds of young people and cultivate their moral faculties, and we have no doubt that parents and teachers will find the Manual a valuable aid in this important department of education. Most parents tor home instruction will prefei to teach their children more explicitly the e:ood old truth of a morality founded upon divine injunction, but even they will (India the Manual a useful aid in showing that nob only does our duty to God require obedience to a sound moral code, but that such obedience is also the best way to ensure our own happiness and the good of those around us. Appended to the book are a number of admirable poetical selections. Messrs Upton and Co. are the publishers. All the works referred to above have been well printed and bound at the Star Pi in ting and Lithographic Works, Shortland and Foit streets.