reasons, from living a complete life in terms of their pre-European society. In any case, it is unlikely that many of them want to return to their old ways. The recent increase in the urban proportion of the Maori population is a further expression of the first, or individual struggle. This partly explains the tendency for Maoris to gravitate towards the lower echelons of the employment scale where it is easier to remain in identity groups. The foregoing remarks suggest that the need at this time is for the Maori to develop a sense of individual identity as a New Zealander; not a ‘partner’ or a ‘neighbour’, or any other high-sounding term which may be used to ensure his remaining outside the main stream of New Zealand society, but simply a New Zealander with nothing special about him. At the risk of stating the obvious, one may add that he can only achieve a proper state of anonymity if he ‘feels’ that he is a New Zealander in this desirable sense. This implies that if it does not want the Maori to assume the identity of a socially inferior minority living either as a depressed rural, or as an urban ghetto dweller, with all the attendant evils of affronted human dignity, crime, poor health and expensive policing, the European majority group must create and accept conditions with which the Maori can identify himself. ‘Tolerance’ will not do for either side. Integration if it means anything at all, must mean that all the guests bring something to the party. Discussion must be centred around what each should bring, partly that it may be valuable to all, and partly that the contributor may feel that his contribution is more than a mere token.

Language is Central Language, as the basic means through which humans communicate, is central to culture. Its transmission embodies a major contribution and a major acceptance. It makes possible a level of understanding and appreciation for which there is no real substitute. The introduction of the Maori language for all pupils in New Zealand schools would of necessity be a fairly slow process, and like other subjects it would cost money, but for a variety of reasons, it would be a great boon. The establishment of the Maori language as an integral part of New Zealand's national culture would ensure the full integration of the Maori people too, such is the vital position of language in human affairs. It would at the same time transmit the richness of Maori culture to our national character, thus strengthening it and broadening its base. We are frequently urged through our popular press that ‘New Zealand has a future in the Pacific’, and at any one time there are up to ten thousand Pacific Islanders in this country. These people have the closest ties of language and culture with the Maori people and it is not difficult to understand them if one speaks Maori. All Polynesian populations are increasing, are developing their countries, and have gained or are in the process of gaining their independence. It is obviously of importance for New Zealand to establish the best possible rapport with them. Appreciation based on real understanding is the essential in achieving this.

A National Asset It may be argued that the Maori people, as the largest existing Polynesian group, are entitled to some recognition of their language and culture as a matter of good manners. It may even be suggested by sentimentalists that what the Maori has, is worth ‘preserving’ for its beauty and interest, but the European New Zealander has demonstrated pretty conclusively that he is unlikely to be impressed by any such pious pleas. The case for the Maori langauge must be that it is a national asset. It will adorn and enrich our nation, and link us more closely with our Pacific neighbours. Lastly there is the cold and disquieting fact that the Maori does not feel at ease among Europeans. In a negative sense he is compelled to remain aloof in order to preserve some vestige of cultural identity, and as education, employment, residential and crime statistics show, he is manifesting all the signs of a withdrawn and therefore deprived minority, of increasing size. Such minority groups are proving expensive in many countries. It would be cheaper, and even perhaps more interesting, to learn his language and thereby make his acquaintance while there is still a little time.