The Waikato Independent THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930. THE MAORI LANGUAGE.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2426, 11 December 1930, Page 4

The Waikato Independent THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1930. THE MAORI LANGUAGE.

Once again tlie advisability of teaching the Maori language lias been strongly advocated, the claims of the inclusion of the Maori language as a subject for school teachers’ examinations being urged by a deputation which recently waited upon the Minister for Education (Hon. Harry Atmorc). The chief speaker (Mr A. M. Jones): made out a strong case in support of his plea, and it is most pleasing to know that the Minister expressed his hearty approval of the suggestion. It is gratifying to know that interest in the Maori race is steadily increasing. The Maoris arc a noble race —one of (die finest native people to be found in the whole world. Their history is of engrossing interest, making a fascinating study. Eminent educationalists declare that the more they learn of the early Maoris, their fascinating traditions, folk songs, adventures and customs, the more they are impressed with .them. Surely the New Zealander should learn of these remarkable people, and to do so is almost impossible without some knowledge of their language. Moreover, Maori is a really beautiful, euphonious language, -rich in pure vowels, and a correct use of Maori may safely be said to be one of the best possible means of combating the tendency to mutilate good English by contact with Americanisms and othoi affectations that threnten to completely spoil, our wonderful heritage, the English language. Year by year the use pf Maori becomes more necessary. It is really deplorable to hear the way in which the commonest Maori names arc mispronounced, and, unless the school children get some lead from their teachers, how is this to be rectified'? For some years past good work has been done by writers in the school journals by. including exceedingly interesting stofics of. Maori history or tradition, but much of the value of these lessons has been lost by the fact that even the teachers could, not- help the

children by correct reading of the articles or notes. Even a knowledge of the rudiments of the language would be of immense value, and we cordially agree with the members of the deputation that the time has arrived when this matter should be given more attention in the schools. We arc also heartily in accord with the Minister for Education when he said that a knowledge of Maori was more important to a New Zealander than to be acquainted with French. Without belittling the value of some of the subjects taught our children, such as the French language, we are strongly of the opinion that the same amount of time and trouble devoted to instructing them in Maori would be of far move practical use in their everyday lives, and al->. assist materially in maintaining the purity of their Mother tongue. A number of eminent New Zealanders nave on frequent occasions made efforts in the direction of having Maori taught in the schools—if only in a very elementary manner—-but of course, the ucachcis must first be prepared before they can instruct others. It is pleasing to know that the Minister of Education is so favourably disposed towards this pioposed move, and we await future developments towards that desired end with interest.