MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 July 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

THE RUIN OF THE RACE. (Recorded by J.U.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) The effect of civilisation upon the moral, intellectual and physical welfare of the Maori race, like the changes in the earth's surface, is unseen and unheard. Three eminent men. each withopportunity and observation, gave us entirely different impressions. Sir George Grey told us that civilisation had greatly improved the Maoris. Sir William Fox said their progress was not in any way appreciable, and the Rev. Richard Taylor asserts that they are rapidly deteriorating. From personal observation and opportunity extending over 80 years, I am certain not only of their retrogression. but of its main causes. Like the poor people of Ireland, they were and still are being ruined physically by living mainly upon potatoes and pigs. Morally, spiritually and religiously, their mentality is clouded by a doctrine of fear. They have not yet dared to entertain the modern philosophy that -Heaven is a habit; Hell is a pleasantry; There is no Devil but Fear. ’ In a vain attempt to recover their physical health and mental vigour, they are still encouraged to destroy both at the open bar. It is a disgrace to our national intelligence and Christian professions. Idleness is the besetting sin of savages because of two reasons —hopelessness by having been deprived of their inheritance, the land, and being forced to work alone under isolated conditions instead of in united parties where they sang in unison for centuries past. A maxim universally expressed indicates their attitude toward their original habit of industry—"He orate mahi” (work is life).