MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 November 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

PAPA WHAWHAI (cause of war.) I (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the "Times-Age.”) I Until Sir George Grey’s second term as Governor, the interests and control of Native Affairs was entirely in the hands of the Imperial Government, ol whom not one member knew a word of the Maori language, and much less of their characteristics. In both Houses here today, other than the Maori members. the same conditions prevail. How then may we hope for a solution of the Maori problem? If only we could induce the Governor-General to appoint a commission of capable men with administrative authority who really understand the Maori nature, his wants and his language, they would at least learn to appreciate and use their capabilities. Without the opportunity for independence and self reliance Maori pensions would only serve to hasten them on the pathway of oblivion. In 1853 the sum allowed for the administration of the<Maori affairs by the British Parliament was allotted to Governor Grey as follows: Church of England £3,500, Wesleyan Society £2,300. Church of Rome £1.209. How- . ever the Secretary of State reduced this to £5,900, and gave the balance of £l,lOO to a Native School. Governor Browne was. therefore, left without any funds to administer. The Colonial Government apparently in resentment would allow nothing for Native purposes, and when Sir George Grey returned to New Zealand the colonists had cast the full responsibility for all wrongs upon the British official, who alone had nominal authority in that respect. Here we had a clear example of divided authority, which is the direct cause of today’s world-wide war spirit. extending from commercial and other material interests to those of the domestic and spiritual relationship of people, who should have only one form of devotion —“Do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you.”