THE MAORI RACE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 107, 2 November 1923, Page 4

THE MAORI RACE

MEETING OF ETHNOLOGICAL BOARD

NATIVE LOBE, ARTS, AND CRAFTS

The Board of Maori Ethnological Research held its first meeting at Parliament Buildings, Wellington, on Tuesday. There were present Judge R. N. Jones (deputy chairman), Hon. A. T. Ngata, Mr. J. Hislop, Mr. Elsdon Best, Archdeacon H. W. Williams, Dr. P. H. Buck, and Mr. H. D. Skinner. Judge Jones, as deputy chairman, took the chair. In the absence and on behalf of the Native Minister, who was away on important public business in the South Island, he briefly welcomed the members [ of the board, and stated that he was sure that the work to be dona by the board at this and future meetings would be for the benefit of the Maoris and their descendants, and that xthe'publication of su.ch matters would add greatly to the sum of human knowledge. Judge Jones then read the appointment of members. The regulations and sample of certificate of membership were laid on the table. It was resolved, on the motion of Judge Jones, seconded by the Hon. A. T. Ngata, that Mr. H.. R. H. Balneavis bo secretary of the board. A telegram of good wishes to .the board from Taiporutu to Mapu was received. It was roaolved that a letter from Mr. J. Fleetwood, re Maori chants, poi dances, etc., bo'acknowledged with thanks, and he be encouraged in his effort* by assuring him that were others to pursue such a subject in like manner, many useful collections might bo got together. PUBLICATIONS. It was decided that the sum of £75 be paid toward* the co#fc of printing Archdeacon Williams's " Maori Bibliography." It was resolved, on th« motion of the Hon. Mr. Ngata, that a subsidy of £50 be paid to the " Toa Takitini '' for publishing ethnological matter on behalf of the board in the columns of that paper every month for twelve months, such amount to be paid quarterly. It was decided, on the motion of Judge Jones, . that the Polynesian Society be subsidised to the extent of £100, up to Ist April, 1924,' and of £300 thereafter for one year to assist in the publication of its journal. It was resolved, on the motion of Archdeacon Williams, that the board offer to undertake for the Polynesian Society the publication of Mr. Elsdon Best's memoir, " The Maori," and that the proceeds of the sale of the publication be the property of the Polynesian Society for its memoir'fund. It was proposed by Judge Jones, and seconded by Mr. Hislop: " That the board ask the Hon. Mr. Ngata to express to the Ngati-Porou tribe the thanks of the board for their proposed contribution of £250 towards the cost of publishing Mr. Best's ' The Maori,' and to request that such amount be paid to the board's account." This was carried. j It was decided, on the motion of Archdeacon Williams: ''That Mr. H. D. Skinner be asked to forward Mr. h! Beattie's memoir to Mr. Best, and if found suitable, that publication of same should be approved as a memoir of the Polynesian Society." It was resolved that the board communicate, .with the Minister in Charge 01,,-Jite:'. Cook :.Islands ..Administration, and ascertain what has been done in the direction of publishing Mr. Savage's Rarotongan dictionary. The board conveyed to Boa Manunui it* sympathy with her and other members of the family o n the death of her father, Te Whatahoro, well known to student* of Maori lore as the " Scribe." The board expressed it« appreciation at' the news that the Hon. R. G. Bollard had agreed to move the Maori relics from the present museum buildings to a fireproof building. j It was resolved: " That it bs a repre-! sentation to the Government that all publications of matter connected with the Maori race, especially museum bujletms, be entrusted to the board, and that Parliamentary grants- b 0 made to the board for the purpose." It was decided that, subject to the approval of the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs, the publication of " Mus- ' cum Bulletin No. 7" (Maori Canoes) be undertaken by the board. The board .expressed its appreciation of the annual expeditions sent out by the 'Minister of Internal Affairs for field work in connection with Maori ethnology, which is of inestimable value in research work and should be continued. . ' It was resolved, on the motion of Archdeacon Williams, seconded by Mr Skinner: "That a catalogue of the Maori and Polynesian works in the Turnbull and Dominion Museum libraries should be prepared and printed, and that it be a recommendation to the Hon.. the Minister of Internal Affairs that this be done."