Society
pp. 14-15 · Read in the full issue
Eric Ramsden
Farewelled
Founder of Pacific Islands Society
MR. Eric Ramsden, who is the founder of the Pacific Islands Society, Syd ney, has gone to New Zealand to join the editorial staff of “The Press ”
Christchurch. He will be missed in Sydney.
Several years ago, Mr. Ramsden, Mr.
Moran, Mrs. Alfred Page, and their associates were instrumental in forming in Sydney the Polynesian Club—a happy organisation whereat people from the Central and Eastern Pacific, and espe cially people of part-Polynesian blood, met for social intercourse. Their first “do” took place at a flat in Potts Point, and their first guest of honour was the Earl of Beauchamp, a former Governor of New South Wales. He was the man who made the resounding faux pas about “birthstains” and who lived in Tahiti for some time before he died. He had a keen eye for a pretty woman, and he was delighted with the Polynesian dances presented to him on that occasion by the Polynesian Club ladies.
The Club flourished; but, eventually, there came a split. Some members fol lowed Mr. Ramsden, who wanted the Club to be more educational and cul tural; and others remained with Mr.
Moran, who favoured social activities only.
Mr. Ramsden and his friends then formed the Pacific Islands Club (after wards Society); while the remainder carried on the Polynesian Club as a purely social institution—and, each, in its way, has been quite successful. If you want to see pretty girls, and enjoy the colourful dances and haunting songs of Polynesia, you may go to the Polynesian Club. If you want to meet the solid, somewhat older people who are the back bone of Pacific administration, culture and commerce, you will find them in the Pacific Islands Society.
Mr. Ramsden had good fortune in gaining the interest of some outstanding men. who acted as president—and he was particularly lucky in finding Mr. A. E.
Stephen, who is now president, and whose unflagging interest in the Society’s affairs is seen in large attendances at the monthly meetings.
Mr. Ramsden now moves on to New Zealand, and he will be sadly missed by the Society, for which he acted for so long as honorary secretary and organiser.
Mr. Ramsden And Maori
Situation
fIIHE Pacific Islands Society’s meeting X at History House, Sydney, on Aug ust 26, was well attended. A vale dictory address was given by Mr. Eric Ramsden, the promoter of the Society, and its energetic hon. secretary until his recent ill-health necessitated his relin quishing the office, on the eve of his departure for New Zealand. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsden and their young son were the principal guests of honour.
“The Maori Situation To-day” was the subject of Mr. Ramsden’s address; and, as he has given a lifetime of study to the history of the Maori race, and its condition, he was followed by his audi ence with close interest.
The European came originally to New Zealand with the superior equipment of that day in transport, standard of living and armament, and it was difficult for the Maori to fully understand this change or compete with these customs,
said Mr. Ramsden. Nonetheless, the Maori was strong enough to stand, up for his traditional rights, and to oppose the frequent lack of consideration and inroads of the pakeha.
The “Treaty of Waitangi,” in which the rights of the Maoris were to be guar anteed, was explained: but his audience learned with a shock that the Treaty never had been recognised—it was not incorporated in the constitution or laws of New Zealand —a source of bitter feel ing among the Maoris.
The difficulties of assimilating Euro pean customs by a race like the Maori, with their centuries-old traditions, was described. But the younger generations were adopting better hygienic conditions of living, and acquiring technical train ing, so that there are now good prospects of the survival and general progress in the future of this intelligent, hospitable and famous race. Infant mortality has notably lessened and the population is increasing.
Mr. Ramsden was farewelled in the traditional Maori fashion by Noho Toki.
A_vote of thanks to Mr. Ramsden was moved by the president and supported by Mr. J. T. Bensted and Dr. Mackaness, and the guest’s valuable services in the formation and conduct of the Society were warmly praised—and especially his personal kindliness, notable literary attainments and his deep interest in the progress and welfare of the Pacific Islanders.
Mr. Ramsden’s book, “Busby of Wai tangi,” has just been published in New Zealand. It is a valuable addition to the historical records of the Dominion.