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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 10, Issue 3 (June 1, 1935)

New Zealand's Duty

New Zealand's Duty.

Te Rangihiroa is serving a noble purpose in his ethnological researches under the Bishop Museum auspices. It is unfortunate that New Zealand has not been able to offer him any inducement to make this country his base of scientific work. Truly, clever New Zealanders are too often insufficiently appreciated in their own country. The foreigner knows their gifts and worth, and quickly secures their services. It is a reproach to this country that Honolulu should be the headquarters of Polynesian research, instead of New Zealand, which by situation, traditions and associations is the natural base for scientific as well as commercial connections with the South Sea groups. Private munificence made Honolulu the research centre of Polynesia, remote as it is geographically. The late Professor Macmillan Brown was strongly of opinion that New Zealand should become the chief home of Polynesian studies, and to that end he bequeathed a large sum to the Canterbury University College. But handsome as that gift is it is inadequate for its purpose as yet.

Some day I hope to see State and private generosity combine to provide a school of Maori-Polynesian studies here, and perhaps then if our distinguished native son Te Rangihiroa is still available we may have him with us to direct and develop those branches of research which lie closest to his heart.

Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, M.P., and Dr. Buck, at Sir Apirana's home, Waiomatatiri, East Coast. (This photo. was taken by Mr. James McDonald, of the Dominion Museum, who died recently at Tokaanu.)

Hon. Sir Apirana Ngata, M.P., and Dr. Buck, at Sir Apirana's home, Waiomatatiri, East Coast.
(This photo. was taken by Mr. James McDonald, of the Dominion Museum, who died recently at Tokaanu.)

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