The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1948. THE MAORI TODAY

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 July 1948, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1948. THE MAORI TODAY

'JTfE -Maori today is at the crossroads: he has m large measure dropped his tribal affiliations and has nothing to take its place. The result is that he is becoming a lone individual in a community that provides him with too many opportunities fordoing the wrong things in life. It is small wonder that crime among the Maoris is on the increase.

It is regrettable that a clergyman of the Church of England occupying an important pulpit in Auckland should have taken it upon himself to make some sweeping charges concerning Maori morality on what appears to be the averment to the preacher of one man. When challenged by the Prime Minister to produce the evidence the preacher fails and his discovery of a report of a group of teachers on the East Coast concerning + he Maoris in that district does not improve his position. Had he sufficient evidence that a Royal Corwnission was needed and if set up would do some good there would be much support for his demand, but to make a request on such evidence as he has as yet produced is only to complicate the situation. That the Reverend Mr. Moore has mishandled his own ease disposes of him but it does not dispose of the problem. On Mr. Fraser’s own citation of the occupants of the Mount Eden gaol the Maoris represent proportion out of relationship to their percentage of the community. This relationship has not been gettingbetter: it has been getting worse. Those who are concerned for the future of the Maori race are entitled to take notice of this faet and to assume that there has been a deterioration in Maori conduct. There is a considerable increase in the Maori birthrate and if this increase in numbers is going to run concurrently with an increasing crime wave then the future problem is going to be both intense and extensive.

It is regrettable that in recent years the number of young Maoris who are under the influence of drink in Wanganui during the daytime appears to be on the increase. This appearance may bo deceiving, but the incidence of inebriacy certainly is more noticeable. This is in marked distinction to the modest and dignified conduct of the educated men of the race and of those who are associated with societies. It is not without significance that the Procession of Witness of the Church of England Men’s Society in conference recently in Wanganui was led by a member of the Society who is a Maori of a Wanganui River tribe. The Government is now moving to strengthen tribal influence 1 : among the Maoris. This appears to be a promising movement but whether it is beingjnade too late in point of time remains yet to bo seen. At any rate it is a line of approach that should he cried and this line does on present showing seem to afford the best method that is now available.

The unfortunate faet must, be faced today that there is not among the Maori people a dominating personality who can speak both for-and to the Maori race. There is no Sir Maui Pomare and Sir Apirana Ngata is now an older statesman xAio is listened to but not heeded. The nearest approach to the leadership of the Maori people has been attained by the Bishop of Aotearoa and it would be well if he could be used with greater efficiency over the whole of the Dominion in dealing with Maori problems.

The worst disservice that could be done with the Maori today is to assume that all goes well with him. With individuals this undoubtedly is true, but on the whole the advancement, if advancement is being achieved, is not fast enough in this quickly ehanging world.