Crime Among Maoris

Northern Advocate, 30 May 1949, Page 3

Crime Among Maoris

MASTERTON, Mon. (P.A.)—“Something must be done to stop this terrible tide which is overwhelming the Maori people,” said the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt Rev. F. A. Bennett, speaking on crime among Maoris at the Maori Synod of the Wellington Diocese, which met at Masterlon during the week-end.

The Bishop quoted remarks made by the Chief Justice (Sir Humphrey O'Leary) on the increase of crime among Maoris.

“It appears that the Maori is morally at a low ebb, and only concerted action by the Government, Church and the people can have any lasting effect,” Bishop Bennett said. fie stated further that, if the decline was not arrested, the ultimate conclusion would be the utter demoralisation of the Maori people, and the introduction of the colour line in New Zealand.

Contending that the constitutions of tribal committees should be overhauled, as members themselves were not exerting a steadying influence, other speakers supported the Bishop’s statements.

IMPROVED CONDITION SOUGHT

It was decided that a deputation comprising Bishop Bennett., Messrs M. Durie, Lete Kingi, P. H. Taku, F. D. Ratene, and the Rev. P. Temuera, representing the five Maori pastorates in the diocese, should wait on the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser).

The meeting expressed the hope that the Methodist, Presbyterian and Ratana churches would cooperate to improve the position, which stemmed largely from poor housing and living conditions.

Anglican members of the Maori people were asked not to take part in organised Sunday sport which was being held in the East Coast and Bay of Plenty areas.