YOUNG PEOPLE FORM BULK OF MAORI RACE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23288, 24 June 1950, Page 6

YOUNG PEOPLE FORM BULK OF MAORI RACE

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH. June 23. “Few pakehas realise that young people form the bulk of the Maori race.” said the chairman of the National Council of Churches of Ne\y Zealand, the Very Rev. A. K. Warren, Dean of Christchurch today when he commented on the recent meeting of the Maori section of the council at Kolutpatiki. near Hastings. “Today only three per cent of Ihe Maoris are over 60, 51 per cent are under 21 and 46 per cent are under 15. The problems which arise from these facts constitute a challenge to the churches.’’ said Dean Warren.

“Papers presented by young and able members of the Maori clergy on problems arising in education, rural life and the drift to the city were most striking,” added Dean Warren.

“From the point of view of the spiritual welfare of the Maori people, various suggestions such as church hostels for Maoris in large centres, lectureship in Maori at one of the university colleges, adult education and vocational guidance were discussed at length by members of the council. It was encouraging to find that among the delegates were young clergy well equipped spiritually and intellectually to share in the spiritual leadership of the Maori people.” added Dean Warren.