THE MAORI PROPHET TE WHITI.

Kumara Times, Issue 864, 8 July 1879, Page 4

THE MAORI PROPHET TE WHITI.

The following is a description of the Maori prophet Te Whiti, phrenologically, as detailed byjProfessor Fraser in a lecture delivered at Taranaki. The Professor visited Parihaka recently, and while there he visited the great Maori prophet, 1 found the Parihaka prophet to be a man of medium size, about forty-five years of age, of fine organisation, compact, dense fibre, fine hands, neat compact ears placed close to the head, having no pendant portion, all indicating firmness and activity rather than great personal strength or prowess. He wears his beard full, it has been very dark or black, it is now well mixed with grey. His eyes are clear, bright, and intelligent; his lips thin and closing firmly ; his nose rises well from the face, the nostrils opening well. The cheeks are thin, and eyebrows prominent. The features in repose have rather a Spanish type—are most decidedly European—so much so that I think there is something more than mere Maori in his compositon. He has a bright, amiable, pleasing look, such as I have never seen on any other Maori face. The head is not above the average size, and the facial angle is a good one, not being more than 28 degrees. The height of the head as compared with its width is great, and it is especially full in the middle Jobe between the forehead and the crown. He is not a sensual character, nor will he win much of his power by the influence of the social faculties alone. He will not distinguish himself either in strategy or business management. He is not a destructive character—if the shedding of blood is to be done by his orders it is not likely to be done. He knows little of personal danger ; he fears no one, and would die the death of a hero or martyr, and rejoice in the prospect of it. He has too much self esteem to care for pomp and display. He has a strong will; the harder you drive the more he will jib. To commence to force him will be to rouse all that there is of courage and zeal in his nature. The organs of memory are full, and the eye indicates plenty of language. He can see clearly and gather up knowledge easily. He has not much logical power-will not know how to construct an argument; he will understand comparisons the best, and naturally will reason by analogy. He can observe, remember, compare, and draw deductions as well and quickly as the majority of trained Englishmen. His strong point, and the one most likely to influence the class of minds he does influence, is his combination of spirituality veneration, and hope. He firmly believes all that he utters, as during the time he speaks, the strong faculties carry him away. If he was an Englishman he would be laughed at for a fool or fanatic; heard by unreasoning minds he is believed, and his utteranceslooked upon as supernatural. The portion of brain in which these organs are located is not only large but active, flehas read the more mystic portions of the Old Testament, and his large comparison has sought for parallels in the history of his own people. He has dreamt himself a second Moses, and his people are to him the Children of Israel. A little more of scientific teaching—a bit of knocking about in our larger cities would perhaps cure him. He has stayed at Parihaka until he knows but little of the outside world. If his own people can be taught a lesson or two they will deem him mad and treat him accordingly. He will glory in storms, and will enjoy reading of cataclysms and revolutions. He also believes in special interpositions of Providence—will far rather believe in such than in law. He will pray with great fervour, and will believe that all his wild askings will be granted. He has thorough faith in himself and would gladly protect those who believe in what he teaches. In his calm momentshe will be a kindly, well-disposed man, but if his advisers watch their opoortunity (and here is the principal danger) they may manage to lead him into acts quite as rash as his statements ; as he is short of cautiousness, is a rash man, caring little for consequences, when under the influence of these ruling faculties.