THE MODERN MAORI.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 324, 25 February 1910, Page 4

THE MODERN MAORI.

Some of the Maoris at least realise that in their interests, as well as in those of Europeans, it is most desirable that the native lands question should be settlecl. The other day the well-known singer, Te Rangi Pai, gave a concert at Opotiki in aid of the telephone extension fund, and a native named Tamati, in a letter to the local paper, shows his appreciation of the Benefits that have cojne with civilisation, and the desire of intelli<'(?? 1 k natives to work with Europeans 0 . In the of his letter he says:—"Science is trying every to girdle the earth with quick communications and speedy transit. We are fio doubt getHng nearer and nearer every year to the required goal. What with flying machines and motor ears and ■wireless telegraphy we will in all probability find ourselves carrying ourselves bodily in another 25 years. I can just imagine myself lifting myself bodily' up and carrying myself aerpss the flooded Motu river; no use of dwelling on the impossibilities; one has to think of the possibilities now. It is not thelault of the Maori that h 0 Is slow-; it has been the administration of rtlie' Native Land Laws. Maoris look askance at it, and classify it with a mucli-tanglcd-up fishing line. Give us workable laws, and we will go into working harness with our European cousins like wild-fire. We have beep /trying for years and years, but the impressions are averse to anything appeitaining to the advancement of the Maori race."