THE PRIMITIVE MAORI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20264, 25 May 1929, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE PRIMITIVE MAORI.

ECONOMIC ORGANISATION. Tho science of anthropology may well bo described as a modern one, as far. as New Zealand is concerned, owing to the increased attention which it has attracted during the last few years. Tho more particular anthropological interest which tho New Zealander displays concerns his fellow-countryman, the Maori, and this country has produced monumental researches into ancient Maori life and customs. The latest work is " Primitive Economics of the Now Zealand Maori," by an Aucklander, Dr. Raymond Firth, whose book is a portion of his thesis approved for his doctorate of philosophy in the University of London. Tho book is a definite attempt, as the autho- himself indicates in the introduction, to combine an economic study with an anthropological one. As a result, the discussion of a primitive custom is not simply academic, but is usefully enlarged to consider the relation of the custom to the whole economic organisa tion of the native society. The writer's knowledge in anthropology and economics qualify him to handle this new approach to an exceedingly interesting subject. The book shows in an illuminating manner the social and industrial working of a Maori community in the days when European contact was not dreamed of. The style of writing is attractive.

Dr. Firth commences with a discussion of scientific theories of primitive communities, and in doing so does not scruple to attack what has been more or less accepted thinking whenever ho considers it necessary. Similarly, while he generously acknowledges tho help ho has gained from former writers on tho Maori, particularly Mr. Elsdon Best, he is not always satisfied with their opinions, and in such cases he argues his own theory with clearness and ability. It is not to be inferred that tho book is a simple discussion of scientific theories. While its principal appeal will bo to students of ethnology, it is simply enough written to interest anyone who, without special technical knowledge, still displays the interest in Maori lore that should mark an educated New Zealander. The economic organisation of the primitive Maori society is dealt with in strict scientific method, and the writer goes exhaustively into questions of industry, payment for work done, distribution of goods, ownership of wealth, land tenure and the like Ht also treats of the part played by peculiarly native institutions in the economic life, notably the tribal and inter-tribal feast and the practice of magic. Cannibalism, which is probably the first custom that one associates with the primitive Maori, is apparently considered by Dr. Firth to bo beyond the scope of his study. Ho briefly states that the supplementing of the food supply by cannibalistic methods " was too spasmodic and irregular a business to be looked to as a means of supplying in great measure the need for flesh food." The aptitude of the native for work is a most interesting topic, which is dealt with in refreshing fashion. The writer concludes that the " reproach of inertia to v hich primitive man is often subjected does not carry so much weightwhen conditions of native industry are analysed. A concluding chapter fittingly refers to the effect of European culture upon that of the Maori. This brief survey of native economic history during the last 100 years is excellently treated. Dr. Firth,"who represents the younger school of social scientists, is to be congratulated on a book which bears the obvious stamp of authority. His researches are not simply the outcome of an extensive study of written sources, but they have reached their particularly high standard partly as a result of h personal contact and understanding of the Maori in New Zealand. The book is suitably illustrated with photographs and maps. Mr. R. H. Tawney writes the preface.

" Primitive Economics of the New Zra, land Maori." by Dr Raymond Birth (George Uoutledge and Sons. Limited).