MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 July 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

LANGUAGE AND MARRIAGE (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) Sir George Grey in 1849 was the first to conceive the idea that one language was the bond of union between the races. Unfortunately he chose the more intricate and difficult. Today not one man among us in a thousand knows anything about the simple Maori language, whilst 80 per cent of the Maoris are losing their simple tongue, and with it their spirit and ambition. Co-operation may exist between two races ignorant of each other’s language or manner of living, but real friendship or community of interest is impossible. In 1849 schools were built and endowed “so long as the English language and religion were taught therein.” In 1853 £7OOO annually for seven years was appropriated for these schools. Never a word was referred to concerning the Maori language. "Greater care was to be exercised in the education of boys than of girls, because the former have more influence in altering national manners: hitherto the reverse of this has been adopted by the Missionaries.” Strange to say, this is the custom in 1940. though 95 per cent of the clergy are married.” Another cardinal error, was the neglect to insist upon every acre of Native land being registered under individual or family Crown Grant, with a proviso that sufficient area must be retained for the occupation and maintenance of survivors. The Maoris are being rapidly inoculated with European blood, almost solely through white men and dark women, the result being handsome brilliant-minded men and women. It will be interesting to note the physical and mental effect when white women begin to marry the second or third generation of these splendid lads.