THE MAORI RACE

Southland Times, Issue 19515, 15 May 1922, Page 6

THE MAORI RACE

NOT DYING OFF, BUT INCREASING. There are various matters of which New Zealand, as a cummunity, has good reason to be proud (says the “British-Australas-ian”), but one which honourably distinguishes it from most other white communities who have 'a native race in their midst is the harmonious and satisfactory relations that has been established with its fellowcitizens. In the early days of the colony the Maoris fought the settlers with chivalry and distinguished courage, and large armies of regulars and volunteers were required for their subjection. Peace, however, was arrived at on just terms, and there is practically no colour prejudice in New Zealand. Maoris are found in the professions and as members of Parliament. New Zealand accords to them peculiar rights in admitting them to the Commonwealth on equal terms with Europeans, and, best of all, the race is not dying out, but is increasing. A telegram from New Zealand this week quotes figures showing that the birth-rate among the Maoris is rising, and this seems to give assurance of a fact hitherto doubted. The census figures for some time had indicated an addition to the number of the Maori population, but so strong is the belief that native races always die off before the white intruders that many people believed the increase to be only apparent, and to arise from a more careful compilation of statistics. Now it is shown that the figures are real. It may be hoped that the increase of the natives will continue, and that in generations to come the Maoris, living side by side and on terms of equality with the pakeha, will be an important people of the British Empire.