THE MAORI RACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22404, 28 April 1936, Page 15

THE MAORI RACE

Sir, —Regarding Lord Bledisloe'g address to the Royal Society of Arts, London, concerning the Maori race, T was much impressed with the very fine feeling expressed therein, and could not but feel that much good will come as the result of a fine effort to help the people of New Zealand. That there is another side to r the question, as stated by Sir James Parr, is readily understood, the knowledge of which can be gained in one, and only one, way, i.e., by close and intimate association with the race over a long period. That the time has come for the white population of New Zealand to extend the helping hand more liberally to the Maori can be viewed in two ways. The question is this:—Availed of every opportunity to move side by side with his pakeha brother or sißter, would the Maori wish to accept the European code, or would he prefer to remain a Maori and develop along the lines of the code accepted and practised by his forebears? Herein lies a big problem, which must be faced and dealt with according to his mental outlook. The writer is possessed of first-hand knowledge extending over a period of some 26 years, and in actual experiment can vouch for the following statement: — That it is possible for the issue of a child by Maori and pakeha to be taught and become practised in the ways and doings of the pakeha, ana to enjoy the same position of responsibility and trust as that to which a pakeha would be entrusted, and at the same time retain all that is true in love of race that is his by right and by birth. Some consider that best results are obtained from Maoris educated in the one institution, for the purpose, I understand, of breaking down tribal barriers, but then how far does this training get tiie Maori in his understanding and dealing with the pakeha, with whom ho is expected to move side by side? Would it not be more generous, and to his advantage, to suggest that opportunity bo given him to avail himself of that association with the European in childhood that would fit him admirably and stand him iii good stead for the test that would come to him later in life? This is the big responsibility facing the white man at the present time, and this is. just where one must be prepared to make a study. It is a study in real human values. To all those who are genuinely interested in the uplift of New Zealanders, Maori a nth pakeha alike, the real facing of facts can appear and become quite interesting. Gladys C. M- Cbu.