DEPARTMENT OF WORK AMONG MAORIS.

White Ribbon, Volume 14, Issue 150, 15 November 1907, Page 3

DEPARTMENT OF WORK AMONG MAORIS.

Pukehou, October 22. Dear Sisters. I feel I must write a few lines to ask your prayers, interest, and sympathy for our work among my people, especially here in Ilawkes Bay. To me it seems the centre of drunkenness. I feel very sad about our women, to see them drunk ; every effort is being put forth to help them. We have held public meetings to create public opinion, and have had cards printed and put into all tin* hotels enforcing the law. Above all, we have quite a number of women who have signed the pledge. In Moteo and Te Pakipaki we hope soon to form a strong union, praying m ten for help from our Father to forward this grand work. We have quite a band of men and women who are very keen for local option. I do not see why our people cannot have a voice in this question ; a voice

api i list tlu* tiling that is mining our young men, our girls, ami our women. in my work as a missionary it is a great stumbling-block to our young riiristians. and oh. the sad part about it all ! The race that we look to for help, and for an example. are the very people that are leading our people astray. They break the law. and supply our people with liquor, and yet we have to stand by and set* all this done : our women, girls, and young men trampled on, and yet not have a vote against it. Other natives from other places can come into our country, and vote either for or it or against it. and we who belong to the country have no say. Is it right ? All we ask for is justice.

Yours for my people

II lib’A STIRLING