SCHOOL FOR MAORI GIRLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11576, 14 February 1901, Page 3

SCHOOL FOR MAORI GIRLS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l read Mr. Judd's letter in this morning's Herald with great pleasure, and I am sure every right-thinking person should agree with him, and -help on this question by every means in their power. Surely this long-neglected subject is of vital interest to the Maori race. Many people have said that it would have been more, merciful if the pakeha had loft the Maori as they found him, untrarnelled and free to live life in his own savage way till the end of time; that the efforts that were made to civilise him were so puerile and feeble that they only crushed the souls they attempted to save. I do not know whether that is true or not, but I do know that to establish a school for Maori girls as well as boys would be a step in tho right direction. It is to the women that all nations leave the home life, which is the real training of the young. " The hand that rocks the cradle* rules the world." As long as Maori girls are allowed to live unrestrained in the only apology for home that the "pa" (as it is at the present time) can offer, what chance have they, if ever so willing, of mending matters socially? Or when they become wives and mothers, of training their children to live decent lives? Lady Ranfurly, true woman that she is, did what she could on this subject when she was with us. I trust .that some good will be the result, and that it will not be flowed to drop, ■ but will be kept before the public till the desirable end is achieved, and the negleoted Maori girl is given an equal chance with her more fortunate white sisters.—l am, etc., Great North Road. Clement Kirkby.