The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1878-01-05
Ministerial Statement of Maori Affairs.

journals of Honolulu for and against the Maorh
Of New Zealand, and the Pacific COMMERCIAL AID
yERTIsER has advocated the introduction into
these Islands OF married couples with their fami
lies of the Maori race. In the New Zealand par
lament, recently, the Hon. Mr.. Sheeban, Native
Minister Of State, made an official statement on
the condition of the Maori people Of those Islands
which affords the fullest and most reliable inior-
nation on this subject. We publish some extracts
from the Hon. Native Minister'S Report, which
prove how uniounded are all the ISLANDERS that
have been published here against the Maoris OF
New Zealand
The Native population in the North Island
was 23. 639 males. and 1879 females distributed
in the land TO the North Of Auckland and on the
East Coast. There was absolutely no chance Of
war in these places. The only possible place
where war could arise was in the King country,
where there were in all only a native population
of 5. 255 Of whom only 2 ,666 were males. Against
these were rs. 900 friendly natives, and a European
population OF 40, 900 men. The native population
was also steadily decreasing, aud all evidence
the Government could collect pointed ont that
there was no longer reason TO fear "A native, war.
In the King country, the natives were becoming
recOnciled to their position. and anxious TO cul-
tivate friendly relations. lie did not think even
in the King country that an armed force could
now be raised against the Europeans. IL was
desirable this should be known-as the Public
Works scheme was not yet finished, and much
more money would nave 10 DE borrowed yet, IN
order to complete IL satisfactorily therefore, that
there was no possibility Of further native disturb
ances. II public works were extended TO native
districts, all chances Of rebellion would disappear.
The works already made were valuable as having
satisfied the natives, and also having opened mp
the country In a strategical point Of view 80
that the whole country could now be easily trav-
ersed. Justice in native districts was now ad-
ministered partly by native officials. In one dis
trict some time ago he found every man receiving
Government pay. There was a large Geld open
for reduction in this direction but the system
Of medical comforts and assistance might fairly
be continued. IL was only extending 10 native
districts a system in force amongst Europeans in
large cities. As TO education, Maoris were won
deriully quick in learning.
Up 1919 more MaOris could read, write, ana
work sums than Europeans, but all was taught
them in Maori, and therefore in all their dealings
they were thrown in the hands Of a special class,
from which cause have grown mp some Of the most
Objectionable features of the Native Department.
He bore testimony 10 Sir ID. McLean's efforts 20
promote education in English. This year he Mr..
Sheeban) proposed TO spend ell 800 only on ma
tive schools, or $1,000 less than last year. and
with this fifty village schools would be supported,
and others assisted. lie would like, IL possible,
to increase this sum, so as TO have more schools,
and secure what was more desirable-a hrstclass
lot Of teachers.
With regard to another social question, the Gov
eminent felt il their duty 10 assist the efforts the
natives were now making TO suppress %intemper-
The best way OF doing this would be- TO
dllOW luG NV W ItRuldlB LUtH ONn uldlIlElh
in this respect, and in this way be believed they
would in time be able TO shake of habits Of ex-
cess. Already a decrease was visible, owing
partly to a reduction in the Government expendi-
amongst them, but also largely TO the e-
tension of Good Templary. Government should
10 every way assist in this
The Hon. Native Minister concluded his state
nent in the New Zealand parliament with the
words "He looked hopefully forward TO the
when both races would be one people,
applause.)
The following is a precise of the figures by Mr..
Sheehan in bis stateme Total number Of
Maori population in North Island. 43,40s Sonth
Island, 2.60S. The amounts spent during ten
ending the 30th June, 1871 in surprising
the native disturbances was-FrOm the revenue,
05 6s Sd; loan, 1875. SS5 l3s Sd; total. G3,
l57. 2Sl. The amount spent on roads in the North
Islands to the Both Of June last was-From De-
Ience Loan, 1880; from immigration and Pub
Loans, G47l 1885,; and during the seven
years ending the 30th OF June last, esq. 1877 los Id
was spent on native schools. The total number Of
schools, so, and other schools. IL. TO be main
aimed this year. Last year Gl5, 392 had been
'pent on schools and buildings; for the present
ell, 81 was proposed 10 be expended. f35,-
300 more was required TO meet engagements and
provide schools where none were nov. Laud Dur-
:hases in the North Island were negotiated for
4.6l3, 329 acres; leasehOld, l,5iO,OBI
lcres. OF this only 1867 ,402 acres Of freehold
we're completed, and nOne>Ol the leasehOld. On
he completed transactions e26.O52 had been ex-
pended. Gl48 ,92l on the incomplete transactions
md Gl02,0 74 in general expenses. The balance
expended on the LIST Of July last, was GlGS. 95I.
N Auckland. Of the e35 900 apportloaed TO that
district, only G3O,S54 remained unexpended, and
e52. 400 was required for the current year. Ia
Wellington, aud Hawkes. Bay, however.
he available balances were in excess Of the sums
equired this year, being as follOws:-Wellington:
Jnexpended, eco $40; required, Ell ,425. Hawkes.
Unexpended: E4O226; required, G7.725.
Unexpended, Els, $50; required. cIO,OOc.
Thus. it appears that the Maori race Of New
Zealand has decreased even more rapidly than
be Hawaiian, being now only 10000 souls, where
$ the population Of the group was supposed to
xceed half a million when Captain Cook dis
ovcred'those Islands.