ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Wellington Independent, Volume XX, Issue 2283, 11 November 1865, Page 7

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Our columns being impartially open we (to not hold ourBelves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents. " A STORY OF A BELL." (To the Editor of theWxiusaxox Independent.) Sib, — I think the article under the above heading, in your issue of Saturday last, copied from the Colombo Advertiser, calls for more serious reflection than may appear at first sight. The worthy editor of 'that journal, in penning a witty article, establishes the fact— that the bell with tho mysterious inscription, lately exhibited in this Colony, formerly belonged to a Tamil vessel, which has visited these islands in years gone by. Any pei'son who has previously lived in India, in coming to New Zealand, cannot but notice the great similarity of many of the Maori words, customs, and rites, to those of the Tamils of India ; and it would form a very interesting study to those who have the leisure and inclination, to connect the links thus supplied, and so gather the early history of tho Maori. The Tamil population of India havo over been noted for their restless enterprise and activity ; gradually overcoming any native race with whom they came into contact — instance their history in Ceylon ; can we wonder therefore that thoy have visited this part of the world, and they have left behind them much more than a bell ? I think it would conduct much to the gratification of those who can 6peak Tamil, and are anxious to study the Maori language in its purity, if the recommendation of the lato Parliamentary Committee be carried into effect, and that a Maori Lexicon were permitted forthwith. At present tho Maori language appears like a " sealed book " to many, and only a favored few have tho open sesame. How different to India, whore books and instructors are plentiful, and whoie a person can master a language every six mouths. It seems now time that these mists were cleared away, and that, if the Maori language- is to become an institution of the Colony, some opportunity should be afforded to those desirous of studying it, were it only for the sake of comparing the languages — Tamil and Maori together — and bo glean perhaps much information, even from " A Story of a Bell." — I am, &c, Old Lanka. Nov. 6, 1865.