MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

ARMY VERSUS THE CHURCH. (Recorded by J.H.S., oi Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) In a speech on the American War. Lord Chatham declared: that civilised nations were not justified in employing savages to fight against savages;’’ yet this was the very method by which we were enabled to hold New Zealand. Before the war. the Maoris were ruled by the moral influence of the missionaries; now Sir George decided to govern them by force, kindness, and good faith —education in the left hand, the sword in the right. A military officer was appointed Native Secretary’ in place of the Rev. Mr Clark. Several missionaries considered this to be a reflection upon themselves and pointed out that the warhad cost a million pounds.

Most of the Maori enemies in the North wore followers of the Anglican Church, and our allies were with some exceptions Wesleyans. giving an impression that the English Church missionaries were in sympathy’ with the Maoris rather than the soldiers who had not acquired the church habit. Other circumstances led to the idea, which, however, never assumed the form of an accusation.