THE AWAKENING OF THE MAORI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13456, 8 April 1907, Page 4

THE AWAKENING OF THE MAORI.

According to the Minister for Native Affairs a now spirit is beginning to manifest itself among the members of the Maori race. They are shaking off the lethargy which has doomed them for so long a time to an idle and aimless life, and are showing a disposition to enter into agricultural and other pursuits. Whether or not it is a mere coincidence that this new movement is contemporaneous with the determination of the people of the colony to break down the barriers against the settlement of the vast areas of native land now lying unoccupied and unproductive, it is a change which will be welcomed by all who desire the improvement of the Maoris. Nor will this feeling be less general because of whatever doubts may be entertained as to the permanency of the change. It may, indeed, prove to be nothing more than a passing spurt. But anything is better than the existing state of things. The Maoris have been steadily degenerating until they now present a sad and deplorable spectacle, which is certain to go from bad to worse unless something happens. It is, therefore, particularly gratifying to be assured that this fine race have at length awakened to their own danger and are showing a willingness to throw off their listlessness and indolence and to imitate the energy and industry of the pakeha. The real salvation of the Maoris must be found in themselves, and if this new spirit of which Mr. Carrol speaks seizes hold of them with a firm grip, and more especially the younger generation, who must lx i the true reformers, we confidently anticipate a great and radical improvement in their condition. It is doubtful, according to the opinions of those who know the natives intimately, whether they will ever become successful farmers or should be encouraged to look solely to the land for their means of livelihood. There is, however, .a general agreement that the Maori is capable of becoming with careful training an efficient workman in various branches of industry. What he lacks at present is technical education, and advantage should be taken of his promising mood to provide him with that want. The pakeha cannot escape a share of responsibility for the condition to which the native race have sunk. We have by our unjust and arbitrary laws practically pauperised him bydepriving him of the right to dispose of his own lands and condemned him to a life of privation and sloth. Now that hope is reviving within him at the prospect of those laws being removed, and he is feeling its quickening influence in a new and broader outlook on life and its interests, it is our duty to encourage his I fresh-born aspirations and desires.