“COMMERCIALISING MAORIS”

Evening Star, Issue 20029, 21 November 1928, Page 9

“COMMERCIALISING MAORIS”

POi DANCES ON SUNDAY METHODIST SYNOD’S RESENTMENT Strong resentment was expressed by tho Rev. W. Walker at this morning s session of the Otago and Southland Methodist Synod at tho action of the Harbour Ferry Company in making arrangements for Maoris to give poi dances and hakas at Quarantine Island last Sunday, an 'action which ho characterised as an outrage on their religious sensibilities. Mr Walker moved the following motion;—“That this synod notes wim strong disapproval the action of the proprietors of the Harbour Ferry Company in arranging for a party of Maoris to give exhibitions of poi dances and hakas at Quarantine Island on Sunday, November 18. It considers that it is unworthy of pakehas to thus commercialise the Maoris on the herd s Day. It calls the attention of the Government Department controlling island to this grave desecration of bunday, and requests that permission should not bo again granted.” Mr Walker said that such a thing was not even permitted at Rotorua. If it were allowed to go on without protest, the time would . come when Maoris would be brought into the city for the entertainment of people on the beaches. Mr C. F. Roberts seconded tho motion. x . “Wo should make our protest as strong and vehement as we can,” said the chairman (tho Rev. H. E. Dollhouse) . The motion was carried.