DRINK AND THE MAORIS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11784, 5 October 1901, Page 2

DRINK AND THE MAORIS.

Rome startling allegations as to the drink habits of Maoris in Taranaki are contained in a petition presented to the House on Friday last by Mr Atkinson from the Executive of the New Zealand Alliance. The petitioners forwarded with the petition a sworn declaration by the Rev. R. Haddon. of Hawera, Wesleyan Maori Missionary, who is v halfcn.ste, in reference to the disastrous effects of drink upon the Maoris of Taranaki. At a tangi in November, 1900, says Mr Haddon, there were from 60 to 70 Maoris present, men women and children. He himself saw three casks of beer and one cask of whisky, and all the men and women were drinking heavily. On tho way to tho funeral of the deceased (a baby) twenty Maori women, all half drunk, sang and danced the poi dance, while the men. carrying buckets of beer and bottles of whisky, served the women with more beer as they marched. Next year a r.ine-year-old #irl died in great agony from scalds resulting from the overturning of a boiler of hot water, the contents of which had been arcidently precipitated over her during a drunken orgy in o whare. At another tangi he saw eleven casks of beer knd eight cases of whisky, and at the funeral buckets of beer and a case of whisky were taken to the grave. Two nights later there was a great fight in consequence of a number of the Maoris being drunk. On the 19th July. 1901, a native died at Normanby from the effects of drink. The petitioners pray for an enquiry into these allegations, and that the House will take steps to enforce sobriety and prevent the destruction of a large portion of the Maori race. — Post. Tatty Pan Baking Powder lias two improved patty pans with each tin without extra cost. All grocers..*