THE AWAKENING OF THE MAORI.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2052, 12 April 1907, Page 1

THE AWAKENING OF THE MAORI.

(N.Z. Herald.) According to the AII pis ter for Native Affairs a new spirit is beginning to manifest itself among the members of the Maori race. They arc shaking off the lethargy which has doomed them for so long a time to an idle and aimless life, and are showing a disposition to enter into agricultural and other pursuits. Whether or not it is a more, cniilpidtmctj that this now movement is contemporaneous with the determination of the people of the colony to break down the barriers against the settlement of the vast areas of native, land now lyirgr unoccupied and unproductive, it is a change which will be welcomed by all who desire the improvement of the Maors. Nor will this feeling lie less general because of whatever doubts may he entertained as to the permanency of the change. It may, indeed, prove to lie nothing more than a passing spurt- But anything is better than the existing state of things. The Maoris have been steadily degenerating until they now present a sad and deplorable spectacle, which is certain to go from bad to worse unless something happens. It is, therefore, particularly gratifying to be assured that this fine race have at length awakened to their own danger and are showing a willingness to throw off their listlessness and indolence and to imitate the industry of the pakeha. The real salvation of the Maoris must he found in themselves, and if this new spirit of which Air. Carroll speaks seizes bold of them with a firm grip, and more especialy the younger generation, who imist.be the true reformers, we anticipate a great and radical improvement in their condition. It is doubtful, according to the opinions of those who know the natives inti-

mutely, whether they will over become successful farmers or should bo encouraged to look solely to the land for their moans of livelihood. There is, however, a general agreement that the Maori is capable of becoming with caieful training an efficient workman in various brandies of industry. What lie lacks at present is technical education, and advantage should hi taken of bis promising mood to provide him with that want. The pakelia cannot escape a share of responsibility for the condition to which-,the native race have sunk. Wo have by our unjust and arbitrary laws practically pauperised him by depriving him of the right to dispose of Ids own lands and condemned him to a life of privation and sloth. Now that hope is reviving within him at the prospect of those laws being removed,-and bo is feeling its quickening influence in a new and broader outlook on life and its interests, it is our duty to cncuragc bis freshborn aspirations and desires.