SAVE THE MAORIS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXIX, Issue 111, 14 May 1906, Page 2

SAVE THE MAORIS.

TO THE EDITOR

Sir, —I st-e that money is being expended in foreign missions, presumably to buy tracts and warm socks for tho heathen. But, may I ask if anything is being done to improve the spiritual condition of the heathen at our doors—the Maori at Waikawa? From what lean see of them they are isolated from any means of grace, and are sinking fast in degradation, thanks to those noble institutions built for the elevation "of mankind—the hotels. What a weight of responsibility is theirs who encourage these evils—who for the convenience of the few degrade the many—and uphold a system that is nothing .short of manslaughter. Every child has a right to bo woll born —how can they be well born when their fathers and mothers are saturated in drink? When I see a noble race of people spending their substance and strength in nothing but a slow pcijon, I am amazed at the indifference of the churches in this district that they can allow these things to continue; "but many a crime deemed innocent on earth is registered in Heaven, man may dismiss compassion l-rom his heart, but God will never " Hoping, sir, that some effort will be put forth to save these noble people from the drink traffic.—l am etc PICTON RESIDENT.