THE MAORIS AND HIGHER EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 9403, 9 January 1894, Page 6

THE MAORIS AND HIGHER EDUCATION.

The following interesting letter has been received by Sir George Grey. We understand that he has replied, stating that be will do all he can in the matter

Hastings, December 13, 1893. To a friend of my people. Dear Sir,—l feel sure that in appealing to you and soliciting your aid, I am coming to the right quarter. It has been my object for the last two years to obtain means from our Government or some other source, to support Maori boys from the Te Aute College at the University. These boys have been most eager this year to receive higher education. They have ability, and an earnest desire to learn more from the pakeba, to enable them to cope with him in the future. There are hard • times in store for the Maoris, and they want well-educated men to guide them or watch over their interests in Parliament, or through the press. You can see that we want some help in this " little " matter. The Te Aute College endowment will not be enough for our needs, and kind gentlemen in this province have done what they can to help Maori boys.- So have you. But remembering your great love for my people, and depending on that, I dare to ask now it you would kindly help us during next session of Parliament. 1 feel sure you will. My idea is this: I wish three scholarships of the annual value of £80 to be instituted in connection with the Te Aute College. These are to enable boys of ability from that schoolcreditable pass in matriculation being a test of that ability—to proceed to the University. The scholarships to last for each student until he obtains the B.A. or some other degree be in studying for. I do not think it will be a strain at all on the Treasury to set aside £300 or £400 annually for the education of our Maori youth. On the other hand, I do not think there can be anything more likely to rouse enthusiasm in Maori dovs at Te Aute than this proposaL Many of them, clever boys, lack spirit, because they cannot look very far ahead of them on leaving school. With i higher education, even if that be imperfect. they can stand on a more equal footing with their pale-faced brethren, and oe ■ an influence for good amongst their own people. X have asked Sir Robert Stout's aid, and he has promised to do his best. He is going to see Mr. Cadman and Mr. H. D. Bell about it. He thinks that it . would be best to get a vote for our needs out of the ' civil list. If I have your promise of help I shall feel certain of gaining our object. 1 do not yet know what support to expect from our own native members. The Maori elections are not over yet. If Hone Heke gets in for the North, Pepene Eketone for the West, and Mr. Pratt for the South, and my father for this electorate, then I shall have a powerful support. A word of myself. lam an old Te Aute boy, and love the place intensely. I left it three years ago, and hope to attend the University. I have been at Canterbury College three years, and hope to get my B.A. degree this year. lam working for the M.A. and LL.B. degrees, intending to take up law. My little experience of University life has encouraged me to urge others, old schoolmates of mine, to follow me. I find them only too willing, but the means are lacking. I think I have not been presumptuous in addressing you. There can be no presumption in addressing the warmest ana oldest friend of my race. This letter is rather laboured, but I hope my case has been plainly stated. With the best wishes for your welfare,— remain your sincere friend and admirer, Apirana T. N. Kgata. Sir George Grey, Auckland. ■