TO SAVE THE MAORIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2628, 9 October 1909, Page 2

TO SAVE THE MAORIS.

HIGH INFANT MORTALITY.

PLUNKET NURSES W ANTED

Speaking at the opening of the Maori College and Hostel at Otaki. Mr W. H. Field, M.P., said it was sincerely to be hoped that steps would at an early date be taken to prevent the present high mortality among the native infants. The death rate among the Maori children was perhaps not increasing rapidly, but it had alueadj attained alarming proportions. It was, he thought, to be regretted that there was such a high death rate among native children, born with every likelihood of developing into splendid specimens of manhood and womanhood if given anything like a chance. Ignorance and want of proper attention were responsible for the seriousness of the position. So far as he was aware, nothing of a general character was being done to remedy the loss to which lie was referring. “What, is wanted,” continued Mr Field, “is that some good influential strong man or woman should insist that something should be done in this direction on the same lines as Lady Piunket has carried into effect with reference to infant life among Europeans. (Applause). In long years to come the people of New Zealand will look back on the good work which she originated in this regard. There is no more reason why the native race should disappear than in the case of the white people. All that is necessary to ensure its survival is to dispel the ignorance and carelessness which at present prevail. In years to come there will no doubt be a welding of the races, hut there is no reason why the Maori people should not live as a separate race for many generations. They are well worth preserving, for we all admire thoir character and consider them a very fine people. In regard to the matter which I have mentioned, let us hope that before long someone will impress upon the Europeans the duty which devolves upon them of taking steps to save the native race.” (Loud applause.)