THE MAORI RACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22046, 28 February 1935, Page 13

THE MAORI RACE

BISHOP EXPRESSES CONCERN LOSS OF RICH TRADITIONS " There is a very real danger that the Maori race will lose its rich traditions, its beautiful language, and its unique customs." This opinon was expressed by the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt. Rev. F. A. Bennett, on his return to Christchurch the other day from an episcopal visitation to the Chatham Islands. It was a danger, he said, which would have to be faced by the Maori race, and it was evident not only in the Chatham Islands, but in the South Island and even to some extent in the North Island.

Bishop Bennett, who spent a fortnight in the Chatham Islands at the invitation of the Bishop of Christchurch, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Campbell West-Watson, in whose diocese the Chatham Islands are, said that to him the loss of tho old chiefs was a- sad feature. At least six of the leading kaumatua (elders) who were alive during his former visit in 1930 had since ''followed the western trail of Tane that leads to the spirit world." He feared that with the loss of their influence and knowledge the Maoris were in danger of losing their language, traditions, and customs. He hated the thought of a "white-washed" Maori, divested of all his peculiar racial characteristics, and he hoped that the leaders of the race would be able to solve the problem confronting them. " It should be possible," he said, "for the Maori to assimilate the best that a Christian civilisation can give him, and yet remain a Maori." Bishop Bennett said he had been impressed by the loyalty and devotion of the people on the islands, Maori and pakeha alike, but most striking was the spirit of comradeship which existed between the two races. Though the breakdown of Maori culture was saddening to one who loved bis own race and its traditions, yet there was much that was encouraging and much for which to be very thankful.