DOUBLE PRINTING FOR MAORIS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 10, 28 August 1911, Page 8

DOUBLE PRINTING FOR MAORIS.

In the House of Representatives on Thursday afternoon, Mr T. t’arata was eager to ask a question, but bis interpreter happened to be absent (remarks the Wellington “Rost”). Mr Ra.rata appears to have a sentimental objection to speaking English in the House, but the need pressed him yesterday to make the best ol the situation. Therefore, in English, as good as one commonly hears in the room, ho inquired whether the ActingRremicr would agree to have the report of the Maori census printed in the Maori language as well as in English. Sir James Carroll, in his customary genial manner, promised to look into the matter, and it did not occur to any pakcha member to raise any doubt about the need for any extra expenditure. This was Mr Pa-

rotids second request this session for Maori versions of departmental reports. We should, therefore, like to have some member asking lor an estimate of the number of natives able to read printed Maori, but unable, to read printed English. Wo believe it is unusual for a Maori nowadays to acquire the art of reading the anglicised version of his own language without simultaneously learning how to read plain English. We do not wish to have any additional unnecessary burdens upon the groaning presses of the Government Printing Office. Probably no other Government in the world does so much printing per head of population as the New Zealand Government, and yet Mr Rarata professes t ) be not satisfied. „ 1