THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1907. THE POSITION OF THE MAORI RACE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8504, 9 August 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1907. THE POSITION OF THE MAORI RACE.

The voluminous and valuable report prepared by the Native Land Coimmissioners contains many passages of interest to even the most casual reader. Referring generally to the position of the Maori race the Commissioners comment as follows: —The Maori race is, in our opinion, in a most difficult and critical position. There is great pressure from European settlers to obtain possession of their lands. Crown lands suitable for settlement are limited in area, while large tracts of Maori land are lying unused. The position of the Maori people deserves careful and immedi - ate consideration. There are many of the tribes and hapus in what we might term a decadent state. They have lost the habits of industry of their ancestors, and they have not acquired the habits of the European in this respect, and they are looking to the future with no hope. The race in many parts of the colony has do • clined and seems vital in only a few parts. What is to become of the Maori people? Is the x'ace to pass away entirely? They are a people able physically and intellectually. We have been amazed, in meeting some of tha chiefs who have appeared before us, at their intellectual vigour. We doubt if among uneducated Europeans who | have had no greater advantages than the Maoris there could be produced the same percentage of men of alert intelligence. If also it is considered that half a century ago the race were living as cannibals, the immense development of the Maori people must surprise every one. The race is worth saving, and the burden and duty of preserving the race rests with the people.of New Zealand. So far back as 1865 it was declared by statute that the Maori people were citizens of New Zealand, entitled to all the privileges and advantages of citizenship ('"'The Maori Rights Act,

1865"). The Maoris, we believe, can not only be preserved, but also become active, energetic, thrifty, industrious citizens. This is not a matter of speculation. We have seen it in some instances. On the east coast of the North Island there are industrious Maori communities just as well-behaved and just as industrious as European settlers. We see in the Thermal Springs District, Maoris acting as gardeners, as laoourers, and mechanics, doing work as well as Europeans, and they have been doing such work for years. And where opportunities have been given to Maoris to obtain the higher education they have acquitted themselves well. Viewed from this standpoint the Native land question at the present juncture cannot be dissociated and considered apart from the well-being of the Maori people. It is not for us to state, but indications ajl point to the conclusion that for good or ill the next few years will decide the future of the race when the Legislature has determined not only how its lands shall be disposed of, but how the reserves shall be secured against further encroachment, and utilised in a manner above the reproach of those wh3 do not appreciate all the difficulties the Maori has to face in following in the wake of a rapidly advancing civilisation.