THE GOOD TEMPLARS.

Waka Maori, Volume 9, Issue 19, 10 December 1873, Page 178

THE GOOD TEMPLARS.

In our last issue of Te Waka, in our remarks in reference to the communication of Hohaia Rangiauru of Motueka, Nelson, respecting drunkenness amongst the Maoris, we referred to a body of persons amongst the Pakehas, called " Good Templars," banded together for the suppression of drunkenness and the liquor traffic; and we suggested that chiefs and intelligent men amongst the Maoris, who have the interest of their race at heart, should unite for a like purpose. These people have a newspaper. of their own, called The JS/eio Zealand Good Templar, and from it we take the following in relation to the letter from "A Stranger Friend" of "Waikato, published in Te Waka of 12th November last: — There is a letter in the last number of (lie "IValcv Maori newspaper which we would like to sec some prominence given to. The writer, a chief of position among his own people, is entitled to respect amongst us, were it only on account of the clear manner in which he assails the evil which is cut ing into the vitals of his own race. Mr. Fox's letter to the people of this Colony on the Permissive Bill, lias evoked thi> eloquent appeal from the Maori to his fellows. We heartily sympathise with the Native chief; we comprehend his honest mofives; and at present we give to him all we can, namely, our example. We consider that this Native would make a most useful leader of the Temperance cause amongst the people of his own tribe, if he were only properly instructed in the manner as to how lodges should be conducted. This, we have no doubt, would be gladly and cheerfully done were he to apply at tin." nearest Templar or Kechabite Lodge that may chance to be in his neighbourhood; and we would suggest,'in the hope that this may meet-the eye of our brethren who may be living among or near the centres of the Native populations of these islands, that they would be doing a most praiseworthy work if they will take this matter into their consideration; and further, ii. would be advisable to frame a simple code of constitutional laws based on our own as at present in use, so as to meet the capacities of the Native. These hints are worth the thought of all who really wish the Natives well. So long ago as 1855, the principal Waikato chieftains were horror-struck at the havoc made amongst them by the drinking habits of many of their people. Many simple but eloquent appeals were made to the Government, but it seemed almost in vain. True, a little notice was taken, and the law framed a few futile orders by which the sale of liquor to the Natives was to be regulated. How vain these restrictions were, we need not stop now to inquire. Again we humbly, but confidently commend the letter of the chief to the careful perusal of our readers. Our Maori friends will thus see that there are some amongst the Pakeha people who take a deep interest in the welfare of the Maori race—and there are many such amongst the Pakehas. The remarks ;which we have printed above were published in a

Pakeha newspaper, and were intended for the Pakeha alone; it was never contemplated that they would be published in the Maori language, or meet the eye of the Maori people. If the Maori chiefs will initiate a temperance movement amongst their people, they will have the cheerful assistance of the Good Templars and Eechabites throughout the country, and all other right thinking men, and they will be"doing more to preserve their race as a people than any king movement could possibly do, even -if successful in other respects. We say ~v;ork ; do not talk only, but woek ! And we shall at all times be happy to give you our advice and assistance in the Waka'Maori in support of so good aud grand a work.