100 YEARS AFTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 13

100 YEARS AFTER

NEW CENTURY OUTLOOK SIR A. NGATA'S REVIEW PROBLEMS REMAINING APPEAL FOR SYMPATHY [BT TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] • WAITANGI, Tuesday A review of the condition of the Maori race 100 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, its outlook on the manner in which the treaty had been kept, and aspirations for the future, was given by Sir Apirana Ngata, M.P., in an address in front of the meeting house at Waitangi to-day. "I do not know of any year the Maori people have approached with so much misgiving as this Centennial year," lie said. "In retrospect what docs the Maori see? Lands gone, the powers of chiefs humbled in the dust, Maori culture scattered and broken."

What remained of all the fine things said 100 years ago? asked the speaker. What remained for the Maori to celebrate whole-heartedly with the European at this Centennial? The outstanding thing was the shield of sovereignty handed to Queen Victoria and her descendants. Otherwise lie doubted if there would have been a free Maori race to-day. In acknowledgment of this they offered up the flower of the race for the Maori Battalion. Hopes for the Future

In the whole of yie world, Sir Apirana doubted if any native race had been so well treated by a European race as in New Zealand. However, the Maori race wanted to retain its individuality. If, by European standards, they fell short, lie hoped the Europeans would try to look at it from the Maori standpoint. Wore European standards particularly good at present? With the help of the Govment the Maoris were achieving a reasonable standard of health and comfort, but while they were helped it should he remembered that things which appeared to be .lor their betterment iflight contain dynamic forces which shattered the individuality of the Maori race. . Before proceeding further with the new century, it was the clear duty of the Government to try to wipe out the mistakes of the past 100 years. When the Taranaki confiscated lands problem was settled the Maoris. there ceased to look back and looked forward. Similarly, when the Arawa lakes claims were settled they looked ahead. Thev asked the Government to help the Waikato. South Island, Bay of Plenty and North Auckland Maoris to close their eyes to the past. Equality and Obligation Red, blankets worn by the Maoris at the pageant were reminders of surplus lands injustices. They asked that these claims be settled in order that the Maoris should go forward confiddently, side bv side with the Europeans'. The Treaty of Waitangi was a gentleman's Agreement, which on the whole had been not badly observed. When thev learned they were to have equality with the white man they did not bareain on equality also in paying taxes. They had learned that equality of privilege meant equality of obligation, and they began the new century with their eyes open to obligations. Recalling that this would be TiOrd Galway's farewell to Waitangi. Sir Apirana wished him happiness and thanked him for the many kindnesses and great understanding he-had shown to the Maoris of New Zealand. After thankina tlx* Maori people present for what he termed their charming. hospitable and artistic welcome, the deputy-Prime Minister, the Hon. I . Fraser, said the pakeha of to-dny sympathised with the Maori over the 'uptakes and misunderstandings of New Zealand's first 100 years. Signs ol Great Progress

"It is not much pood brooding over ancient wrongs." Mr. Fraser continued. "ft is more sensible and efficient to try to put them right, and endeavours are repeatedly made to that end. At the close of 100 years we see signs of great progress. Land development schemes, for which Sir Apirana Ngnta is so large responsible, have been extended. The Maoris are entitled to the same education as the Europeans, and native schools and educatton.il opportunities are becoming very good. Much is being done in regard to health, social insurance, with its provision against unemployment' and' poverty, and also in regard to housing, and there is-much more to be done." Mr. Fraser pointed to the Maori Battalion as living evidence that the Maoris were just as determined as the Europeans to help in the _ present struggle for democracy, justice and decent living throughout the world. If this spirit permeated them and their successors, the second century would outstrip in progress, prosperity and happiness the one that had closed.