IN THE DAYS OF RAUPARAHA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2126, 8 July 1907, Page 1

IN THE DAYS OF RAUPARAHA.

INTERESTING BITS OF MAORI 1 HISTORY. A correspondent of tho Auckland 1 Herald writes:—ln your issue of April 20 there appeared an article by E. Al. Dunlop, in which is given an account of tho life and doings of To ltauparulia. Tho article did not conic under my notice until a few days ago, and there are certain errors m it which 1 would like to correct. Tile writer says that Rauparalia’s wife, Alarore, I “sighed for some more dainty relish than fish and waterfowl,” and “Rail- I paralm organised an expedition to obtain for her fresh meat, and with this I object raided the lands of a neighbor- I ing tribe . . and bringing homo numbers of captives, well filled the larder of his K .Me,” hereby interring that Maroro preferred human flesh to any other food. This account is absolutely incorrect. The true story is as follows: — A great feast was given to a number of different tribes, and according to Maori custom the food was heaped up in separate heaps to be distributed to each liapu or family. Some bad extra dainties of cels, shellfish, etc., placed on top, and Raiipnraha noticed, much to bis indignation, that Ala- j rore’s portion did not include any of the dainties. Taking this as a direct insult to himself and Maroro, he organised a small way party of his own relations, and went to the pah ot one of the Waikato tribes, and in the fight which took place there the greatest chief, To Haunga, was ’killed. Rauparalia had the body placed on the portion of food intended for Alarore, not for the purpose of food, nor as a “dainty relish " for his wife, but-to fill bis’enemies with terror and to carry out the recognised law of “ utu.” or payment of an old score, for the insult to himself and wife in the presence of his enemies, who were : also at the fcflst,