An American Looks At The Young Maori

This book is the result of a period spent in New Zealand by the writer under a Fulbright research grant. Its subject is one of interest and concern to thinking New Zealanders of both races.

The controversy aroused by the publication a year or two ago of Dr. Ausubel's "The Fern and the Tiki" ensured that his new book, "Maori Youth," would also attract controversy. It received early publicity after its publication from a strong attack by the Minister for Maori Affairs. This is all the more interesting as publication was assisted by a grant from the Maori Purposes Fund Board.

What the book requires is study, not controversy. It is not at all in the same category as "The Fern and the Tiki," but the result of an investigation into educational psychology with reference to the place of Maori youth in society and to the background of Maori society and personality. As Dr. Beaglehole points out, it fits very aptly into the pattern of Maori investigations sponsored over the past few years by Victoria University. It assists an understanding of the problems which manifest themselves in our contemporary society, and contains specific recommendations concerning the Maori education and vocational requirements.

Certainly at times Dr. Ausubel does say things that many New Zealanders will not like. Does this disapproval arise from disturbance to well-tested belief, or to something less defensible? He points out that the official Government attitude is that genuine racial equality prevails and that a "behaviour" rather than a colour bar exists, but he adds: "But if empirical evidence in support of these contentions is available, the Government has never bothered to publish it, whereas the present research report fairly bristles with contradictory evidence."

Even if there is genuine racial equality, it must be asked whether that is enough. This is answered in the contention that there are in every human being particular movitations and predispositions on which various interpersonal and group forces are constantly impinging—and that these must be taken into account In any plan of social action. In a predominantly European environment, the factors influencing Maori behaviour must be given special attention.

Dr. Ausubel's chapter of recommendations is of special interest, and although the suggestions rise out of his report, which is stated for the expert more than the general reader, they should receive wider attention. Informed opinion on both findings and recommendations may differ—it would be surprising if it did not—but what is given here should be received with thoughtful consideration.

—D.G.B.

(Otago Daily Times)