THE NEW MODERATOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24133, 27 November 1941, Page 6

THE NEW MODERATOR

Sir, —There are some things in the letter signed "Old Maori" with which I agree. On the face of it, the statement, as published, that the -Rev. J. G. Laughton and the Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata were the only perfect speakers of the Maori language, .does seem an exaggerated generalisation. The last person to apply such a remark to himself would be the distinguished, unassuming missionary to whom reference has been made. It is not possible, of course, for the press to publish more than a summary of what was said, but may I be permitted to explain that, when saying something as to Mr. Laughton s remarkable gifts of language and Ins outstanding position as a speaker in the Maori language, I added that a friend of mine, who is a Maori interpreter (first class) and not connected with the Presbyterian mission, had said enthusiastically to me that he had several times gone a distance just to listen to Mr. Laughton because his Maori speech so delighted his ear; he and Sir Apirana Ngata were the most perfect speakers of the language he knew in New Zealand. I am content, too. "to leave the rest with Providence," as I believe that this exceptional talent in Mr. Laughton, and in a number of other missionaries, is not of nature, but a miracle of j grace. STEbMS.