31 DECEMBER 1943, Page 13

A WORLD LESSON

SIR,—In discussing the queition of the colour bar, a few comments on the status of the Maoris in New Zealand may be helpful in attempting to arrive at a reaonable solution to this perplexing question.

The discoverers of New Zealand found in the Maoris a very vigorous, intelligent race of people, imbued with great bravery, a high code of honour and sense of chivalry. The Maoris conducted themselves with great fortitude and valour in the wars which ensued, and were only subdued after a period of long and intermittent fighting. In spite of this somewhat unpromising start, nothing in the world is more highly becoming than the existing relations between the New Zealand European settler and the Maori. Maoris elect representatives of their own race to sit in the New Zealand House of Representatives. The State schools are open to their children without discrimination. A " colour bar " in a boarding-house or hotel is unheard of. The Maori finds himself treated on terms of equality with his white neighbour everywhere.

The leaders of other countries, faced with far less serious obstacles than those with which New Zealand found herself confronted, may well take this country as a " model " in any attempts they may make to arrive at a solution of this vexing question. We, for our part, may feel justly proud to count among the British Commonwealth of Nations a new country, which in the history of its short lifetime has put forward efforts unequalled by any other nation in the world in a desire to promote good- will, harmony, mutual respect and understanding between its citizens,