PROGRESS OP THE MAORI.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14346, 26 October 1910, Page 2

PROGRESS OP THE MAORI.

A NEW VIEW Off TOHUNCIAISM. (By Ouf Parliamentary Reportef.) ; WELLINGTON, Oet. 25. Much of interest concerning the Maoris of . the Patea and i’arihaka district was given ..to a Post reported by the Rev. T: G. Hammond. Pof the last twefity-fbuf years Mri Haffim6ftd has been at work as a Wc-slcyrtn ipissioher among the Natives, ahd has httd therefore excellent opportunities Of making clear observations.. Speaking of the present conditions of the Maoris, Mr. Hammond remarked that they were passing through a transition stage and returning front the influence of Te Whitiism to the 'Church. “In almost all the villages nOw,” he added, “we can hold services With theiiij and in many places they are taking a very encouraging interest in the Work. , I think the Church, is inakihg very fair progress among them. The past has been a sad one in the matter bf drinking and a general carelessness ill relation to Church matters, but now there is a distinct return to work* and they are beginning to see that the habits of drinking, etc., are altogether worthless and ruinous: There is Still a section .who like to get drunk* but tho provision prohibiting drink from entering the settlements is a splendid Success. Prohibition is prohibiting* and there is very little drinking in the Settlements. We‘hate cause to'Complain in some places, but generally Speaking matters are satisfactory.”. “Would you like to comment oh the remarks recently made in the House by Mr. G; V. Pearce regarding the Maoris ?” -.atked .the.,reporter. “I regret his attack," which* I consider quite unwarranted and entirely Uncalled for;’! was, the reply. Tile visitor OxpfiSsSed some unusual sentiments when spoken, to . regarding tohungaisra. , “We have had a little trouble of that hind,” he said, "hilt it is not altogether an unmixed evil, and it sometimes turns out for good. ” “In what way?” ■ ■ “It turns the Maoris hack to religion. 1 would not advocate it .for a moment, but it does ndt always do mischief. We know these things will have their day, blit I, think that the day of the tohunga is fast being superseded by the progress of enlightenment, chiefly dtie-to religions influence.” The POrihaka people, Mr. Hammond concluded, ate very qiliet, kindly, and law-abiding. lii hit djliilion tlie outlook for the Natives as regards their material concerns Was distinctly favourable.