ORIGIN OF THE MAORIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1921, Page 4

ORIGIN OF THE MAORIS.

THEORY OF SIR CONAN DOYTE. HIS VIEWS NOT SUPPORTED. Some observations by Sir Conan Doyle on the origin of the Maoris are contained in a Press Association message received from Sydney yesterday, which says: Sir A. Conan Doyle is pleased at the interest shown in spiritualism by the New Zealand people. He was particularly impressed by the Maoris, who greatly fascinated him. He is convinced that they are Europeans, but is puzzled to know how they got to New Zealand. "You have only to look at their language to see that wherever you touch it you find European words coming up,” he said. “Another trait is that they have no writings, which is a sign that they broke away very early from the root race in early Welsh history.” He was also struck with the extraordinary memory of the Maoris. The remarks concerning the Maori race were referred to a New Plymouth gentleman of long connection in Polynesian research work, and a leading authority on the study of the Maoris. Approached by a Daily News reporter last night, he said: “I don’t think Sir Conan has had sufficient time to study the question of the origin bl the Maoris. They are not European's in the sense in which he refers to them, though they are a branch of the Caucasian race, as we all are—the English, French, Scotch, and others—but tlia connection dates very far back. We know that some of them came to New Zealand from Hawaii and the others were from the Solomon Islands, spreading over Eastern Polynesia and tjicgice to New Zealand.” “It is quite true,” he added, “that they have, a marvellpus memory, as have all races which have no script. Even at the present .day this can be noted, and some of the old people of the races chn recount hundreds of proper names and give stories, which can be verified very closely by Natives in other parts of the Island.” With regard to the Maoris’ interest in spiritualism, the informant stated that this was inherent in-the race. They have a considerable knowledge of the occult, and believe in the existence of spirits.