MAORI LITERATURE. Review.

New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 133, 8 September 1847, Page 3

MAORI LITERATURE. Review.

" Kongo Mau." A Tract on the evils of War, and the blessings 0/ Peace, in the Native Language, lately published by the Wesleyan Missionary Society. Amongst the numerous means calculated to promote the civilization of our aborigines, the publication, in their own tongue, of short treatises, on practical subjects, is one of the most useful. And we are glad to see a pamphlet, on the important subject of " Peace," written by the Rev. John Whiteley, Wesleyan Missionary. War, with its attendant evils, has ever been the scourge of nations, and perhaps, there is no people under heaven who have suffered more from this cause than the New Zealanders. From time immemorial they have delighted in war. Their religious, their po litical, and their domestic economy have all fostered the demon, and the most trifling circumstance has frequently aroused him to deeds of blood, that have depopulated large tracts of country, and filled the oven with the bodies of the slain. The sad effects of war on the population of this district, may be read on the mountains of our immediate neighbourhood. The terraced sides of Mount Eden, of Mount Albert, of Mount Hobsou, and of the contigous hills, remind us that that they have once been used as fortifications against the attacks of besieging foes. According to appearances, the population has been very large, an idea, the truth of which native testimony fully confirms. There are numbers now living who were engaged in the extermination of the original possessors of this distiict. The Ngatiwatua aud Waikato tribes have obtained it by conquest. The same effects are to be seen through the length and breadth of the land. Let a traveller direct his course through the interior of the island from Waikato to Taupo, what an immense tract of depopulated country he must traverse! He 1 will continually meet with traces of the past,— in old pahs, many of which are to be seen stuck on the summit of some isolated rock almost precipitous on all sides, telling him that war has been there, and that the terrified inhabitants have had to perch themselves on the top of the rock, as a place of defence against their enemies,— and in deserted flax plantations, and kumera grounds, now overgrown with fern and other weeds } but not a solitary human being i$ to be seen. The Ngatiraukawa, who were the principal inhabitants of those parts, have been all but exterminated, the few that remain having saved themselves by fleeing to the southernjpart of the island. The Taranaki and other districts have been robbed of their population by the same cause. Missionary instruction and influence have done much during the last twenty years towards terminating the wars of the New Zealanders. But the Christian Missionary came too late to save the mass of the people. The earth had already drunk up the blood, and a most inhuman passion had glutted itself with the flesh of the slain, till only some fifty or sixty thousand remain in scattered tribes, located over a large tract of country. With the Gospel in his hand, the professed object of which, is to bring " Glory to God in the highest, and

on earth peace, good-will toward men, 1 ' he has been instrumental in subduing the ferocious, war loving, cannibal spirit of the maori, and of bringing about the stntc of general peace and amity that existed among the different tribes when colonization set in toward these shores. It cannot be denied that since the colonization of the country there has been a faint revival of the ancient spirit. Two causes have mainly contributed to awaken it — their lands, and their jealousy of the government* Their lands having gteatly increased in Value, they have sometimes had disputes about boundaries, which have ended in bloodshed ; and unprincipled men have abused their minds by misrepresenting the acts and intention of the government, and induced a rebellion such as !we had at the north. And, while we would not be apologists for either iheir internal wars or their rebellion against British sovereignty, yet it could scarcely be expected that a semi-barbarous people like the New Zealanders, should Jpass the transition slate without outbreaks like those we have had. Notwithstanding whatever superficial observers and men who come into 1 the country but yesterday, may assert, or wiite, to the contrary, a great change has'been wrought. Twenty years ago war was almost universal nnd perpetual. The tangata maori did two things— he fought and cultivated. Not so now. To trade and cultivaie are the present employments of our aborigines ; and it is a matter of surprise, that we should so often have it asserted, that nothing, or next to nothing, has been accomplished towards the civilizing of this people. The late wars have undoubtedly led to the publication of the tract before us, and the object is a good one. To enlighten our aborigines on the evils of war, to shew | them the advantages of peace, to persuade them to resort to the Court of Justice to settle their disputes, rather than to the field of battle, to appeal to law ' rather than to the tomahawk and musket, is to promote the work of civilization among them, and we are glad to see such a production issue fiom the press. The subject is treated on Christhn principles, as might be expected from the profession o£ the writer. In fact, Chiistianify is the parent of all true and enlightened civilization, and our failures in this work are to be attributed to the absence of right principles. To take Christianity as our ground-work is the only sure way to be successful. Let Chiistiau knowledge be diffused among aboriginal tribes, and civilization will assuredly follow in its train. The History of Nations illustrates and confirms this position. It is granted that a cer- ■ tain kind ol civilization may be introduced independent of Christianity, but it will be of a spurious sort, no better than that of classic Greece and Rome, the amusements of which, were the barbarous gladiatorial shews, and fights with wild beasts ; where, though art and science had reached perfection yet humanity was unknown. Charitable institutions, such as adorn Christian countries, had no existence. In fact, their civilization was nothing more than a splendid barbarism. The author of this pamphlet brings his reasons and arguments from the word of God, and advocates the cause of peace on principles that are as imperishable as the source whence they spring. The pamphlet is divided into four parts, as follows: — the first treats of the Orig in of War, the second, of the Evils of /Far— the third, Of the Means by wh'u h War may be abolished'— and the fourth, Of the Ad- I vantages of Peace. I I. On the Origin of War, the natives are told that all the causes of this great evil have their spring in the depravity of human nature ; reference is then made to the immediate causes of war among the New Zealanders ; as Native Cursing, Adultery, Theft, Murder, Land, Jealousy of the Pakeha, and screening Delinquents. None of these things, the writer shews, ought to create ' a war. And especially exhibits the folly and injustice of raising a general war because some one individual has been guilty of cursing, or theft, or adultery, or murder, or any other crime. On the subject of their jealousy towards the Pakeha, he endeavours to persuade them thut they indulge it without cause, and argues that they ought not to suspect us of evil intentions. He reminds them that we first brought them the Gospel, ihen, when Europeans increased in the land, a government came to protect them ; that if England had not sent a governor, it is probable that the French would have taken possession of these islands, and treated the natives as they have treated the Tahitians. The quarrels are referred to, as the Wairau affair, and the forbearance exercised towards the natives, by England, after they had slaiu so many Englibh rangatiras, is used as an argument to convince them that we have no desire either to enslave or to exterminate them. If we had, troops would have been sent in sufficient numbers to avenge the death of our countrymen. They are expressly told that no want of numbers or power induced England to passitover, but forbearance towards them. Heki's affair is introduced, and the folly of regarding the flag-staff as a sign that the Government has taken their ltnds is pointed out, by reminding them that the Government has bought and paid for all it possesses. 1 The real meaning of the flag-staff is stated to be, that England is their protector, erected to shew to other ' nations that we Inve colonised these islands, and that they are not at liberty to interfere with anything here. The following is a translation of the concluding paragraph on the subject :— " Why is the iiag-staff made a cause of war ? On our part it is intended to produce love, it is a sign you are protected, a sign that you are raised. England has long since ceased to enslave men- America still pursues that traffic, catches and sells men for slaves, just as we sell beasts. Other nations are also guilty of the same thing. England has ceased to do so, and is now employing ships of war to watch the slave .ships. A. large s>um of money has been given by England to purchase the freedom of slaves, and| England only would leave this peoplo a free people. Cease to tell me that the flag is a sign .of your slavery. No, it is rather a sign of your freedom." The war at the south is also referred to, and the blame thrown on the natives. The land at the Hutt, they are reminded, was fir&t purchased by Culonel Wakefieid, after that, another payment was made by Mr. Spain, and then another by Governor Fitzroy. And seeing that three distinct payments had been made, they could have but one reason for retaining possessionof jhat district ; viz., a desire for war, and though war may, and will, be the result of such conduct, the tangata maori alone is to blame, and not the pakeha. On the subject of sheltering thieves and murderers, and refusing to deliver such to justice, as another cause of war between the two races, they are forcibly reasoned with, and shewn the folly of sacrificing so many innocent lives to protect one guilty individual. Here the conduct of Rangihaeata is strongly reprobated. This finishes the firsr part. 11. The Evils of War are exhibited. Here, it is enquired, " Where shall we find words to represent them ? Who is able to describe the evils of war ? They affect the body, they affect the soul. They have to do with this world, they extend to the world to come. They are felt by the living, they reach to the dead. They are so many \hey cannot be cnumeiatcd ; we shall dwell on some of them which you may consider." First, it is argued, war decides nothing. Human life is destroyed, but disputes remain unsettled. This argument is put in clear and forcible maori language,

and an irony employed that is often powerful in thtf native tongue. The waste of time, property, and food, is referred" to as another evil.— The disregard it evinces to the word of God, which enjoins love to all men; the sad destruction of human life ; and lastly, the awful consequences in the world to come. The argument agaitut war, drawn from ihe doctrine of Further Rewards and Punishments, is clearly placed before them. War, hi Us spirit and tendency, is represented as directly opposed to every thing connected with Christianity, and as exposing the aggressors to eternal wrath'; a subject dwelt # upon in strains most iinpressi»c and awakening 1 . 111. The third part points out the means by which war may be abolished. Here the h rher first cautions them against supposing that war is necessary, that it cannot be abolished. &," Don't say so, (reads the first paragraph)! Listen. Our forefathers were like }ou, but our internal wars, such as yours, have long stuce ceased, though we are veiy numerous, and have become a great people, yet we have abolished all our internal wars. Our nation is courageous in battle when others oppress us, strong to fight by ships of war at sea, strong to fi^iU on land, but we never fall upon each other as you do. What has taught us belter? Christiauiiy atid knowledge." 1. Christianity is then represented as the only foundalion of every other means that may be calculated to abolish war and its attendant evils, auU they are urged to consider this subject, thus :— " Friends, consider this wealth. This is the root of every good thing. This is the shield against every evil. Tt will be well when all are clnistians, evil will then cease, men will live: it will be well m this world, aiul well in the'world to come. All will be free in this world, and free in the world to come. When a man becomes a true Christian, he thinks right, and when all are true Christians all will think right." 2. They are next urged to take right views of things and consider the Jollowiug subjects :— The best way of training the rising generatim, which they are told is not by teaching them the art* of war, but rather those of civilised life. "Let your children be taught the arts of the pakeha, to build ships, to build houses, to survey land, to weave clothes, 10 make shoe?, to make axes, and the rest of the works of the pakeha. .. . Cease to buy powder and guns and ball, save your money to buy things for your children, and to pay teacher* to instruct them. . .. Let them he taught the language of the pakeha, to read and write it, and the matiy things that the pakeha can teach them.. . When jour children understand these ihings war will cease. There will be no heart for fighting. Don't say they will never learn these thiugs ; they will, if taught with perseverance. Some have already learnt to work at carpentry, some to farm, to grow wheat, atid grind flour ; aud if you will but encourage them, all may learn the same. Therefore, friends, have straight thoughts towards your children, and train them like pakehas." This is a subject of great importance, and civili?ation will be of slow growth amongst the Ne t w Zealanders, till some efficient method is adopted for properly training the rising generation. We cannot expect to produce any very great change in the. thinkings and habits of their korohekes and ruruhies- t but good industrial schools, combined with proper religions training, under efficient masters, would soon greatly improve their youth, and change their, social state for the belter. It appears to be the intention of his Excellency Governor Grey, to establish a system of Education. It is ceitainly time that we did something for the better education of the natives. We owe it to lhem ; they contribute largely towards our revenue, and ought to have some of it again in a way that will benefit them. There is no doubt but such a subject will meet with the support of all classes. They are next advised to adopt European customs 111 their villages, and oot to live in scattered families as they do at present. This greatly impedes their progress in kuowledge and civilization. Since the Gospel so universally obtained amongst them, and the influence of Christianity became so general, they have ceased to Mve in pahs, and each man has settled on his own patrimouy, with his wife, children, immediate relatives, and slaves, where they live isolated from other parts of the tribe. Heuce the Missionaries in some places find it difficult to secure a congregation, except occasionally, when the separate families meet together. Nor can the children be got' together for education. IF they could be prevailed upon to build villages, aud each tribe congregate iv one place, a great point would be gained;, and under the more immediate supervision of theninstructors, they would have greater opportunities for improvement. To this thp author urges them, to build good houses, one for each family, not to horde, but have rooms for children and strangers ; and to solicit the Governor to appoint them Magistrates and a Police to keep the peace iv their towns, and to punish evil doers. They are next urged to get correct views about their waste lands, and not to keep what they dou'6 need. x " God did not make it to Vie wane," (says the writer), ♦« but to be cultivated for the support of man." And as they have so much to spare, they art advised to dispose of it, especially as England has. sent some of her people to live amongst tiiem. On the subject of selling their lands, just views are giv en lhem in the following language :—: — " Don't say, Let ds have large payment. No, your ancestors did not purchase it, nor did you. All land belonged lo G>*d, and he gives it to whmn he plea>es. All people are his also. The laud i'self is of no value, it is cultivation that makes it valuable. The European buys waste land, and gives a Mnall ulu ior it, but he subdues it, aud builds tow in,, makes ports, and brings ships j then the laud becomes valuable— aud if he should sell it a^ain, he obtains larger payment j but the increased payment is not for the laud merely, but in consideration of the improvements he has made, the cultivation, tlio towns, the trade, the ships, and all the other ihings that he has brought. Therefore my advice is, don't ask for large ulu, because the pakeha has the greater work to do, all you have to do is to sell w-ihle laud, let the tttu be ngawari, (small; that pnkehas may come and elevate you." (p. 32.,) The Missionaries have often been charged wiih, being enemies to colonisation, but the above extract fully contiadicts Ihe assertion: the natives are advised to encoui age it, aud supplied with sound and correct views as to the value of their waste lands. While writing on this subject, they are as*uie<l that England has uo intention of taking their land Irom them without paying for. it. Of this, they are frequently assured iv different ports of tlwparajihkt ; which was in print long before the ai rival of Earl Grey's late despatches, m which the doctrine is laid clown that the New .Zealandcrs have no right in tlie uncultivated lands of their country, aud lhal these lands ought to have been taken «is the property «f ihe Crown, and diiects his Excellency Optain Grey

to " look to these principles as the foundation of the poiicy which, so fur as it is in his power, he is to pursue." Jl such principles nre to lie the foundation of the future policy of the Government in these Islands, ihen as a nation, we shall be guilty of mo*t unrighteous conduct towards a people whom we have decei\ed, and of a direct breach of national faith, by a violation ol the solemn Treaty, by which are gauranteed to them nil their possessions. The abstract question may be left in this caie, though the doctrine is based on injustice, and U directly opposed to the sjuiit ami pieccpts of the Christianity we profess, highly deroijatoiy to our character as a nation, in the*e enlightened times, and strangely inconsistent with the genius of the numerous benevolent and philanthropic institutions that exist in our lather Kind. Our solemn Troaty, our many promises, our reiterated assurances, bind us, nor can ■we loose ourselves Irom our obligations to maintain them inviolate. The violation of the Waitangi Treaty would involve the Missionaries more deeply than perhaps any other class of men in the colony. They exerted all their influence to prevail on the chiefs to sign the Treaty. M any of them were employed by Captum llobson to obtain thcstenatuicsof absent and distant ch.efs, and had that Treaty to explain to them, and in doing which ot course they assured them that they should remain in "undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, and obtained signatures with that understanding. The chiefs had confidence in their pastors, and believed what they said to be true. But should England turn round and "lny" the Treaty "on the shelf or "sweep it away' as some of the London Journals express it, then in what a position she places those Christian teachers with their flocks would not their congregations lsgard them as hypocrites and deceivers, men who by false representations and h ing piomises had betrayed them into the hands of an enemy ? would they not return their Bibles, renounce the Christian religion, send away the men wl'o had deceived them thus, break up the Mission Establishments, and 1 etui n to the ferocity of Hie sa vage? Undoubtedly they would. The missiouanes have a right to he heaid on this subject ; for tl.ey weie employed by the government to secure the signatures ot the duels, not by Captain Hobhou merely, but by the highest authority orthe lealm. for he(laptain LlobsouJ had direct instructions from the Home Government to employ them in this business, and any breach ot faith must necessarily involve their character most deeply •with the natives. , . This is an exciting subject, and not only affects the Missionaries and their work amongst the aborigines, but it afreets every person in the colony. And every thing that can be done constitutionally ought to be done, and to be done promptly, to procure Irom the British Pailiament an open disavowal of all intention to break the treaty, or to obtain native lands in any wuy but by fair cession from the owners. By our present Governor, these principles will never, can never, be acted upon ;he is pledged to the natives, and he is too honorable a man to violate his woul. Nor under any circumstances do we thiuk that he would be a party to the carrying out of those " piinrinles." On such subjects his views arc more culighteued, benevolent and just, than those adopted by Earl Grey, or we much mistake him. All his conduct tow aids our aborigines lias so far proved him their friend. But the principle has been laid down by Her Majesty's Secretary of irtnte for the Colonies, and though it may notat present be acted upon, other Governors may come, and other days may see it attempted to the ruin of the colony and the extermination of the native race. A strong protest saould therefore be entered against the doctrine, and an earnest memorial signed by every Englishman in the coiony sent home, praying for ,a disavowal ot such principles. To return to the rhimpLl -t — it assures and reassures the natives that the intent ons of government are friendly, and honorable, and just. The Author argues the point with them, referring to our treatment of them down to the present time for the proof, teaching them to infer, that as we have so far been honorable, such we shall continue, and tha»- all suspicion and jealousy may safely be dismissed from their minds. But how can he allow the continued distribution of his book, so long as those despatches, cont lining such a doctrine are unrepudiated ? Tue book, and ,. the doctrine put forth in the despatches, arc in direct contradiction, and until there is a distinct disavowal by the HomeGoverument of all intention to 'sweep away' the Treaty, or to May it on the shelf,' the writer will only more deeply involve himself with the natives, by continuing to distiibute his book. The i ext subject introduced in a periodical assembly ofnutive chief* for the purpose of settling all matters that can not be decided in their local cout ts, as boundaiies of disputed lands, &c. They are advised to request the Government to establish such assemblies ; 9 iy,one for the noith, one for Waikato, and one for the south, and the mode of conducting such meetings is pointed out. On this subject there will doubtless exist a difference of opinion. Some would say that such an assembly Mould constitute them an independent people, under a government of their own. 'Ibis however is evidently not the writer's intention, for he refers them to the Pakeh.i (or iustiuction on the subject, and clearly intends that the whole affair should be under the control of the Go\crnim'nt. Perhaps his illu&ttntious drawn from the Hritish I'ailiament, and American Assemblies, and the French Chambers, are not the best he might have used, as these are all independant assemblies, governing the affairs of their re-pective nations. Our Muuicipul bodie*, or Country Courts, would have better illu fraud hi> meaning. The plan suggested is a good one for settling native disputes, the only otic at present being that of mob korero ; the principal part or the disputing tribes collecting together, men, women, and children, when often the worst men of the tribe have most to say, and by their violence, excite each other to deeds of cruelty, oppression and blood. Whereas, if principal and disinteresteil chiefs could be brought together from distant parts, and after hearing the claims of both parties, give n decision which should be final, much mischief would be prevented. And could not this be done, under the control and guidance of the Local Government ? It might have a President of its own for the assembly, and a few other members, to which the native-, would not object. This would be one wav of incorporating the chiefs in the administiation of justice throughout the Colony, and of promoting their civilization. And it might furnish them with the means of representing their own inteiests xo the general assembly of representatives under the mv constitution ; for on this subject as well as others 11 c new Charter seems radically defective, no provision being made for a representation of native interests — While the 4,000 Rujopeans now in the colony have representatives of their own selection 60,000 aborigines are cutout, left without the privelege of a single indi- \ idunl in the new house of assembly to M-atch their interests, and must submit to the legislation of the Pals eha, and to be taxed as lie may see good without having a voice in the matter. Is this as it ought to be ? To prevent wa. 1 with the Pakdia, the Author next recommends them to take right views of our intentions in reference to the colonization of their country in substance as follows :— „,.<. , , "We came not as an enemy, but as a fncnd ; if we had come as ::n cik my> {•oldieis uouldjiave been introduced at once, but it was not so. The^Governor came with his olhcers, land surveyors and colonists, and soldiers were not brought till war had commenced." "f ke riff'nt views" (s«ys the writer) "of the number of Euiopeans and their army. Uont suppose you have keen all. Had we come as enemies to cut you off and tnke your lands, we should have had multitudes before uoH\ And were tnh now England's design, she would not keep back her soldiers, now that some of you have aiisen for war, but would tei.d them in large numbers. • '1 therefore caution }o« agaiu&t erroneous views as

to the numbers of the Pakeha. Don't think you can conquer him. Can you dry up the sea ? can you dry up any of your rivers? Try it. Collect your forces, men, women, and children, dogs, pigs, all, to diy up one of your rivers. Either Waikato, or Wanganui, or Kaipara, try all possible means. Shall you succeed ? No, certainly not. The river will continue to spring from its fountain, a ceaseless supply, to flow on, and live btill. So the Pakeha, suppose ever tribe in NeAv ' Zealand were to unite, and cut off every European now in the land, what then ? There are Pakehas still, like the river, there would be a continued supply from the fountain on the other side of the water, they would flow in multitudes such as the country could not contain. — Therefore, 1 say get right views of the Pakeha Consider the end of your quarrels with him. Who will eventually be lost? The Pakeha? Ctin a new born child dig away Taranaki ? ( v ount Egmont). Where is the land to which the maori can repair for help, for nllies, for'powder, guns, hall? With the Pakeha are all these things ; therefore I say you cannot conquer the Pakeha. The end will be if you are determined on war, that the maoi i will he exterminated. Not that the Pakeha. will destroy the good with the bad, the obedient with the rebellious. No, the rebels only will perish. Some of the Pakeha may fall in the struggle, hut their places will soon be supplied by others but when the maori fall from which island will you get others to bear the arms of those who have fallen, and to avenge their death ?"_ "'lhe Pakeha has no desire for war, hut if the maori perseveres in a course of rebellion and bloodshed, what is to be done? There is no a tei native. Remember Buonaparte He was a man of valour, mighty in war, had a numerous people, plenty of ammunition, and other riches, but he was not able to contend with I' ngliind. He would fight, and he lost thousands of his soldiers He persevered, was beat again, aurain took the field, til completely conquered, and taken prisoner by the English, who sent him to St. Helena an island in the midst of the si'a. There he lived in exile, sighing in vain after the kainga (land) he had lost, and his kingdom that was gone, and his brave men that he had sacrificed in war. There he died in banishment, and thus received utu for his evil deeds. \Veha\e heard lately of war in India where also there arc Fakehas as in this conutry, The natives arose to make war on the Europeans, to the amount of 60,000 They fought from morning till night, and from nigiit till mom ng. The end was 10,000 natives were slain, and the Pakeln obtained the victory. So it will be he.c, should the maori persevere in warring against the Pakeha. Don't think the Pakeha has a desire for war. — No. He would rather leave the country to the maori ; and return acioss the sea. But he has a reason ior re- j maining, lost other nations should come and take your country and cut you off. Therefore I say don't'disturb him. Let him have land. Keep him as a friend. As afiiend he is valuable, as an enemy dieadful. As a friend he » ill elevate you. Let him have the rule ; with him is kuowledge, and power, and riches, and go- | vernment, he will establish right rule in the Island."— pp. 36—89. IV.— The fourth part of the Pamphlet is on the Advantages of Peace, viz. The abolition of the evils of war ; a Jmt settlement of all disputes; Increase of Property ; Union among the tr.bes with an increasing' population , Advance of civilization', -Mid increase of Knowledge in the arts of the Pakeha ; and lastly the spread of Christianity. It is an excellent and well timed publication, and does great credit both to the head and heart of the Author. As regards the maori language, it ranks amongst the best publications that have been issued in that tongue. And the style is in many parts most natural, just after native fashion, exhibiting extensive acquaintance with uative habits of thought, and native customs. And Mr, Whitcley will do well to employ his talents a little more in the same way. it is to be regietted that any impediment should have arisen in the way of the distribution of the book, but there certainly does seem to be a dilhculty in the way, both on the part of the writer and of the Missionary Society of which he is a member. How can they safely distribute a book containing statements that may at some future period be contradicted by the acts of their country ? Tiue, they are already committed, and as a number of copies are already in circulation perhaps they are as deeply imolved as they can he. Thisiba question for them to settle. It is to be hoped, however, that ere long we shall have some public declaration of the intentious of England on the subject of the Treaty, that every Englishman may be able to say to a maori when asked, my country is honebt, we have made an agreement with you and it will be kept inviolate.