LETTERS

Te Ao Hou, March 1966, Page 2

LETTERS The Editor, ‘Te Ao Hou’ It was with great pleasure that I read recently in ‘Te Ao Hou’ that the Maori language is being taught at the Morewa Primary School in North Auckland. We must, of course, master English; this is of vital importance to us. But the Maori language, learnt at an early age, is the foundation of our Maoritanga. This scheme at the Morewa Primary School, though only experimental at the moment, is therefore of great importance. The Adult Education organisation, and the other institutions throughout the country which teach Maori language and culture, are performing a wonderful task in helping those people who have the initiative and self pride to learn their native tongue and culture. It is also most pleasing to see that many of the people in these classes are Pakehas. As Maoris we should take pride in our language and Maoritanga. It is disappointing to meet a person of your own race in another country, and to greet him in your Maori tongue, only to be gazed upon as if you were speaking some foreign language. Mind you this does not apply to all Maoris you meet, but to speak to a Maori and not to be understood is most embarrassing. The Maori children who are learning their language at school will later on come to appreciate very much what they were taught. RONALD POHATU TAPUKE (Singapore) Though the Maori studies scheme at the Moerewa primary school, Northland, has been in operation for only a year, it has already proved its worth. Mr G. F. Horsfall, the district senior inspector of schools, told the Auckland Education Board recently that special use of arts and crafts and the Maori studies programme are helping to overcome problems of language difficulties and the limitations of cultural opportunity. ‘The Maori studies scheme has already had an effect in the development of pride in work and race,’ he said.