The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1911.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3194, 13 April 1911, Page 4

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1911.

The Maoris and National Character.

Discussing the contents of a paper on “The Origins of the New Zealand Nation,” which was read before the Royal Colonial Institute last month by Mr. G. H. Schclefiekl, a New Zealand pressman now at Home, Sir William Russell referred to the part which the Maoris have played in the formation of the national character of the people of this country. It is of interest to note that he declared that the Maoris' were the most courteous and brave uncivilsed people who had ever come in contact with European races. They had (he continued) never been looked upon with scorn or suspicion by the European settler’s, partly, he thought, because they were from the same origin as themselves, although this connection might go back to remote history. He thought he was correct in assorting that the character of the native people of New Zealand had had a. good deal to do with the formation of the

character of the white people of . the Dominion, and the character of both these two people had been immense’y influenced by the great George Augustus Selwyn, who taught them the beauties of ‘Christianity. The Maoris also directly influenced the white settlers in other ways. In defending themselves from the attacks of the natives, the Europeans learned independence in their earliest infancy. Every person had to take* his stand in the armed and so it came about that the foundations of self-respect and self-reli-ance were laid in the early days of the colony. There was still another matter which helped in the formation of character. The different settlements had the effect of creating intense local pride rather than local jealousy. There was generous rivalry between the settlements, who strove to see who could do best in the colonisation of the country. Each settlement struggled to perform a little more than the other, so that there had been created a feeling cf> intense patriotism for New Zealand. There was considerable applause when Sir "William Russell said he believed he could truthfully say that there existed in New Zea'and a feeling of patriotism and love for the country which did not exist in the same degree in any other part of His Majesty’s dominions. Equally enthusiastic were the numerous audience over his assertion that the men and women who went out must have been physically and morally of the very strongest, or they could not .have finally overcome the difficult es before- them. “All these things,” he added, “had tended to form a. people cf whom the British people might well he proud.”

Eloquent testimony to the success of British rule in India is contained in some remarks passed by. the German Crown Prince who recently paid an extended v.sit to the East, and before returning to Germany is now visiting Egypt. "His Imperial Highness,” we are told, “carr.es away from India most enjoyable. and affectionate impressions. This mighty country itself, its wonderful and varying scenery, its many monuments of ancient splendour, its records of the glorious deeds of British and Indian soldiers, as well as of the accomplishments of modern culture and energy. iand tiie remarkable administration of an enormous territory by so small a number of officials, have impressed themselves deeply on his memory. Further, His Imperial Highness most highly appreciates the kind hospitality he has received, and the friendly feeling shown him wherever he went, privately, publicly, and in the press. Those most pleasurable experiences will never be forgotten by him. India will always hold a prominent place in his affections.” According to the “Daily Mail,” it would be impossible for a man of the character and training of the German Crown Prince to visit India without being deeply impiessed by the stupendous difficulties which its Government has to overcome in administering a country of so many races, languages, and creeds. The Prince (it would appear) has one special qualificat.on that could not fail to add to the popularity of his visit or to the admirable impression produced by his frank and manly character. Like his father, the Emperor he is a keen sportsman; and sport, wherever Britons are found, is one of the strongest ties of friendshipa tie that extends also to the native princes. Nowhere is this bond stronger than in India, as nowhere lias the sportsman such unequalled opportunities. The Crown Prince, whether facing the tiger or pursuing less royal game, showed those qualities of readiness, courage, and endurance that arc characteristic of his race. He leaves behind him an assured place in the memory of India. "T he Government of India (adds the ‘Daily Mail’) is, in fact, as his tribute suggests, a miracle. That some 100,000 British soldiers and officials should maintain law and order among a population of 300 millions in a country which in area is almost a continent is one of the wonders of our time. At bottom our rule rests upon the fact that the Biit-on is believed by the native population to be just and honest. If we have done nothing else, we eon d point with some satisfaction to the judgment of a brilliant critic and student of men, that ‘what there is in native India. of public spirit, of unswerving integrity, of unsparing devotion, we may set it clown to our credit.’ M e have given and are giving India an example by which to live.”

British Rule in India.