OHINEMUTU MORALS.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 162, 20 October 1883, Page 2

OHINEMUTU MORALS.

Morality in senii-Maori districts is seldom of a very exalted standard. The Maoris, like all aboriginals, are more apt in copying the vices of civilization than its virtue?.: Rum and lusfc follow on the heels of the Bible and Sundayschools. All along the borders of civilization tjie number of half-caste children who can swear to their mothers, but only know their putative fathers by repute, is a striking proof of the cordial relations, which, under normal circumstances and removed from political influence^ subsist between the two races. If we can place any reliance on a communication from a correspondent at Ohinemutu, the process of amalgamation is proceeding with a degree of rapidity that must satisfy the most ardent philo-Maori.. .». Ss

As our readers are &,ware, a number of the Armed Constabulary ai*e stationed in that district. These men are forbidden to mavry respectable European girls, except by special authority from head-quarters in Wellington. But they make amends. for this deprivajipa by contracting alliances of a less bindiffg character. Our correspondent gravely asserts that no fewer than eight members of the Force >have got mari'ied <■■; Maori women in the good old style which pro vailed before churches, clergymen, and Registrars of Births, Deaths, and Marriages came into existence. Under such 4'ireiunstarices ifc oitiinot be expected that much" fastidiousness is -liown either in. forming these, alliances or in Ireuking theni off whenever the exigencies of thu niomio't, or the whim of either party, renders such a course agreeable. .The women sure $6ssciibcd by our correspondent as being " of the most debused type," and he says the most disgusting and disgraceful scenes are witnessed Jjat the eau< e«u when these women get drunk, jfc seems also that one of the non-cdmmiaaioned^cflicers claims .1 kind of pre-emptive right, by vintre o£ ■"..'' r' ' . .. '

his ra,nk,,tcr the .most attractive, of the women, \ and avails' himsetf of 'his authority to enforce his { claims. v^, ■* ... _ ,

Our correspondent, who signs himself " Sanctity " says 'u — He (the non-commissioned officer in question) 'ftiested an, unfortunate constable out of his ladylove by threatening to make it hot for liim if he caught him remaining out of camp any night without leave. He is not meddled with simjxLy because he wears a stripe on his arm. I can't " express in writing the scenes that take place at the A.O. canteen when these unfortunate women get drunk. I will only allow your readers to imagine for themselves how hard it is for grown-up and young children who are residing in camp |o be bathing at these established brothels. Ifc may be inferred that the officer and .acting Sergeant-Mnjor here know nothing about i;hem, but the whares in which these constables livt- are within 50 yards of the Sergeant-Major's. I write ,this, Mr Editor, in the hope that you will, asmm always do, raise a protest against this disgraceful state of things. Some of the men are actuary ashamed of wearing the same uniform and being called by the same name as the men ■who live in this open and shameless defiance of •decency.

We apprehend that as public attention has "Deen thus prominent lj drawn to the matter, the proper authorites will deem it their bounden duty to institute inquiries, and if our correspondent's :Btatemsntß are found to be substantiated, to put :an end to a state of things which is a disgrace to the district and co our boasted civilization. It ' were surely an anomalous and scandalous outrage on public decency if a number of men who are •stationed, in a district for the express purpose of maintaining good, order should set an example of profligacy and vice.