DRINK AMONG MAORIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 48, 26 February 1941, Page 7

DRINK AMONG MAORIS

METHODIST CRITICISM STRICTER CONTROL URGED [ Per Press Association. 1 AUCKLAND, Feb. 25. “The liquor traffic is one of the greatest curses among the Maori people,” said the Rev. M. Tairoa, of Taranaki, speaking to the Maori Mission report at the Methodist Conference. “This is coming to be a very serious matter,” he added. At meetings, such as funerals, it is becoming customary to bring in liquor after the usual feast. Not long ago I attended a funeral of a deaconess of the church. After the service a big barrel of beer was rolled into the meeting house. “We all know Maoris are not allowed to procure liquor in this way, but someone must be getting it to them. The Taranaki Maoris are among the finest in the Dominion but. unfortunately’, they are being taught to drink.” Mr. Tairoa suggested that the conference draw up a resolution calling the attention of the authorities to the seriousness of the position and asking for stricter control of Maori meetings. The president of the conference, Rev. W. A. Burley, agreeing, said: “It is a shame and a disgrace that a Christian nation should fail to make any attempt to protect the Maoris from the ravages of the liquor traffic.”