MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 November 1939, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

THE MAORI PROBLEM. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) "If the average Maori had the same capacity as Dr. Wi Repa. whose use of the English language is a marvel, we would be guided by that dying race." — That was the opinion of a recent speaker whose subject was "The Maori Problem.” Quoting from a speech by that comparatively unknown man, he gave convincing examples of the Doctor’s logia and language. "The Maori as a race is serving two masters. There are invisible and impalpable forces compelling him to adopt that untenable position. So to avoid giving colour to his acceptance of the dual service Divinely interdicted. we find him subconsciously endeavouring to decide as to which Master he should render exclusive service. He would be a pakeha, and has approved a statute making him one if he chose. He is the slave of a dual mental control. He would be a Maori, but all good things are on the pakeha side, and ye! all they have to offer is the promise of something to be procured by hard work. The Maori child goes to outschool, but from the cradle to his proficiency lives in the Maori home. His thought and language are Maori, but he has to learn English and acquire knowledge per medium of that strange tongue.” A Maori boy or girl at our school for a few hours each day does not often gain the friendship of their white companions. In their homes that is a marked feature of the family life, so they prefer to be Maori.