THE MAORIS-PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 98, 10 May 1901, Page 4

THE MAORIS-PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.

The Rev. F. A. Bennett, who is one of what is known as the " Young Maori Party," delivered a lecture on "The Past, Present, and Future of the Maori Race " in Dunedin on Tuesday night. He eaid that the efforts to improve the conditions of the Maoris had so far failed in this way : that whereas provision had been made for the education of young Maori men, nothing had been done for the young women. A young Maori man who had been educated and imbued with civilised ideas, naturally i looked for a wife of similar ideas and education, but as things existed at present he could find none such among his own people. After all, it was the women who exerted the great influence over the rising generation. Theyi wielded the influence at home, and it was the purpose of the Young Maori Ptrty to so educate the Maori girls as to enable them to exercise that influence, and so help in the work of uplifting the race socially, physically, and spiritually. The [education that would be imparted to the girls would be of a practical nature. The students would be taught how to sew, how to keep their homes clean, and the laws of health and hygiene. Dr Hocken stated that some years ago he rode through a large area of Maori territory in the Korth Island, and could corroborate what Mr Bennett had said about the condition of the Maori race. Their life was of such a character that there seemed to be no hope for them, and it was comforting to know that this Young Maori Party was endeavouring to do something for the race.—Star.