MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1939, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

A LOST OPPORTUNITY, (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The success-of the Maori plan would probably require several years to restore the original confidence which had been inspired by the missionaries and the integrity of the first settlers. The scattered Maori tribes could have no confidence in a “Native Minister” who was neither a native nor a minister, and who did not even know their language or live among them. With these allegedly permanent positions changing so frequently by party politics, the Maori could have no hope of lasting friendly relationship or understanding. Their own tribal Chiefs held sway for a life time, interrupted only by rare moral disgrace or by death; the Pakeha political Chiefs changed frequently—apparently, said the Maori, for some “moral lapse.” In the years 1860 to 1863 there had been six successive Native Ministers, not one of whom they seemed to know personally. A divided government at Auckland whose changing leader lived 500 miles away was regarded by them with contempt. Even in those early years it was well and truly realised by competent auth-. orities on the Maori problems that the only way to gain their confidence and co-operation was to place three capable men in charge whose initial qualification must be a thorough knowledge ol their language and real requirements, the Governor alone having control of the Native Department. Whilst we sought to manage .the Maoris by a house divided against itself, whose political differences were unending, a mutual agreement between us was impossible. Tn those early days of 1863 the Maori story could and should have been obtained from the Maoris themselves. Alas! the truth is now lost for ever.