Back to the Maoris

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 184, 6 August 1938, Page 4

Back to the Maoris

The survival of the fittest is one of nature’s first laws. On the prospects as now appearing, the European population do not appear to be tho fittest, for a continuation over a few hundred years of present trends would see New Zealand go back to the Maoris.

A hundred years of European settlement, immigration and natural increase gave tho Dominion a white population exceeding that of our present-day Maori population by 20 to one. But of later years a rapidly declining birth rate and the cessation of immigration presage a declining European population in these islands. Statisticians calculated some two years ago that our peak numbers would be attained in 1942. Thereafter a decline would be seen. That could only be improved by a reversal of current trends. Our Maori people, on the other hand, show infinitely greater racial vigour. Without any assistance from immigation they have increased rapidly and continue to do so. A mathematical continuation of trends in each case would inevitably result in New Zealand’s becoming once again a true Maoriland. That is, were the country left free to do so, but how unlikely is that! Speaking in Canterbury a few days ago, the Prime Minister very rightly claimed that it would be impossible and unfair and morally wrong for us to attempt to hold this land without populating it. With such a view all thoughtful people must and will agree. But why, they may reasonably ask, does not the Government of which the Prime Minister is head, “do something?” Of talk we have had enough and more. Action, largescale and positive, is long overdue. In his address the Prime Minister expounded admirably the need for and virtues of immigration, but gave no indication of possessing any practical policy. Such, a policy is to-day New Zealand’s supreme need.