The Maoris of New Zealand. By James Cowan. (Whitcomb° and
Tombs. 15s. net.)—This volume is one of "The Makers of Australasia" Series, appearing under the editorship of Dr. J Hight, of Canterbury College. This gentleman explains its inclusion. The Maoris have helped to make New Zealand what it is. Their contribution has been, it may be said, a costly one, but it is a reality. Mr. Cowan writes from a long experience, and brings to bear a knowledge gathered through many years. It is satisfactory to find that the race is not becoming extinct The first regular census (1874) returned a population of 45,470, that of 1906 47,731. A gradual absorption into the white population is going on. At the last census there were 6,516 half-castes. Mr. Cowan points out an adverse influence in the inferior number of females, 20,406 as against 231387 males. Of the pre-Maori aborigines, the Morioris, there are about six left. Mr. Cowan tells the Maori story from the oversee coming of the first Maoris down to to-day. This nautical tradition has not been preserved among the people. They could not build an ocean-going craft i any should wish to return to their old home in the Pacific. The narrative is carried down to the present time, and along -with it goes an account of social life, not always pleasing,—there are two "cannibal" chapters which make somewhat gruesome reading.
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