MAORI LANGUAGE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 12603, 12 July 1935, Page 3

MAORI LANGUAGE

UNKNOWN BY MANY YOUNG NATIVES. PARENTS BLAAIED. The fact that many Alaoris aro gi’owing up without learning their oavu language Avas deplored in a speech made by Archdeacon Hori Raiti in the AVaikato Diocesan Synod at Hamilton. He* said that Viscount Bledisloo at all Maori gatherings he addressed urged his hearers to preserve their arts and crafts, and above all .their beautiful language. Archdeacon Haiti attributed the fault to the parents, avlio invariably addressed their children in English. Young Alaoris seemed, to lie ashamed to he heard speaking in the native tongue, and yet a Alaori of high rangatira blood Avas considered to be of no account by his OAvn people unless he could speak Alaori. Referring to secondary education for Maoris Archdeacon Raiti said he regretted the fact that there was little scope for educated Alaoris after leaving school unless they took up farming. The discussion arose from a- motion by the Rev. AV. T. F. Skey to ask the Board of Governors of St. Stephen’® College to arrange to teach the Maori boys attending the col logo the liturgy of the Church of England in Alaori. Air O. R, Stead instanced the case of a. Alaori typist Avhom he employed. She could not speak Alaori,. and although he offered her e\ r ery inducement to become a licensed interpreter, she Avould not learn the language. Air Skey’s motion was carried.