NEED FOR ACTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27093, 30 May 1949, Page 4

NEED FOR ACTION

CRIME AMONG MAORIS CHURCH LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERN PA MASTERTON, May 29. Speakers at the Maori Synod of the Wellington diocese which met at Masterton at the week-end expressed serious concern regarding the increase in crime among the Maori people. Bishop Bennett referred to the recent remarks of the Chief Justice, Sir Humphrey O’Leary, on the subject, and said that some action would have to be' taken to stop this terrible tide that was overwhelming the Maori people. There would have to be effective assistance by the Government as well as by the Church. Generally, it appeared that Maori morals were at low ebb, and if the position became worse there was danger of a colourline in New Zealand and the utter demoralisation of the Maori race. Bishop Bennett spoke of the terrible tragedy caused by beer drinking among Maoris. , The question of what action the tribal committees were taking was raised by speakers at the meeting, and it was alleged that many members themselves were guilty of the same offence,, it being contended that the personnel of tribal committees should be overhauled.

It was decided that a deputation should wait on the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, in relation to these matters, the deputation to consist of Bishop Bennett, Messrs M. Durie, late Kingi, P. H. Taku, F. D. Ratene, and the Rev. P. Temuera, representing the five Maori pastorates in. the diocese. Mr W. B. Bennett, of Wanganui, referred to the serious effect bad housing had on Maoris and said that the deputation should ask the Prime Minister for more State houses for Maoris. The conference expressed the hope that the Methodist, Presbyterian and Ratana Churches would co-operate in these matters. It expressed deep concern with the way in which East Coast and Bay of Plenty Maoris in particular were holding organised sports on Sundays. Anglican adherents were asked by the conference not to take part in such organised sport. The subject was introduced by Bishop Bennett, who spoke of the need for action in this matter.. He emphasised that he had no objection to a friendly game of tennis on a Sunday, but organised sport was a different matter altogether. It was decided that next year’s synod be held in the Wellington area.