THE MAORI RACE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 190, 1 August 1908, Page 2

THE MAORI RACE.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christehurch, Last Night. At tlie conclusion of Mr. Ngata's addross on Maoris and civilisation ] ; n Canterbury College Hall last evening, Mr. (J. W. Russell (chairman of the Hoard of Governors) said that the Hoard was taking a very active interest at present in certain matters connected witfli the native race, and he hoped to be able to make a definite announeenient shortly regarding their operations. As the audience knew, 'tie was hoping to save sonic of the money at present being expended on the public library for the purpose of applying it for the benefit of the museum.' In anticipation of this saving being effected, a considerable amount was being expended in the extension of the Maori exhibit in the museum, and he hoped to be in a position to make an interesting announcement shortly. Mr. Ngata, M.P., made a suggestion at the close of the lecture in Canterbury College Hall last evening that a chair of Polynesian ethnology should be established by the New Zealand University. He was aware that financial considerations had to he looked at, but it was unfortunate that New Zealanders should be left in ignorance of the great race that was living tilmost at their doors. The study of the classics, Latin and Greek, was popular at the Colleges hut it would be more interesting if the students from matriculation to the B.A. degree were allowed to specialise in Maori. Mr. 0. W. Russell, chairman of thn Board of Governors, said that the dif--ficulty was that the New Zealand Uni« versity was a kind of inpnlpable thing. Tf Mr. Ngata would get the Government to endow She chair with £IOOO, he. felt sure that. Canterbury College would be prepared to provide the necessary buildings and fake the proposal up at once.