A NEW MAORI MOVE.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5112, 11 August 1877, Page 1 (Supplement)

A NEW MAORI MOVE.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) Awapuni, August 3.

A large white cross stuck up outside a pa. ; Such was the object that served to attract my' attention some days'ago, at Awapuni, Manawatu. Determined to investigate the object.; of curiosity, I wended my way into the pa, | and soon ascertained that something unusual was the order of the day. I was surprised at seeing several natives whose faces were unfamiliar to me. Approaching an old gentleman, whose cheeks had evidently been tattooed with care, I learnt from' him that several influential chiefs, who are looked upon as prophets in their own country, were on a visit, the mission being to propagate views that are not altogether novel and relating to the affairs of the natives generally of the North Island. The idea of the delegates who come from the Waikato is for all the natives to band themselves together and frame their own laws, subject in many respeots to the supervision of a European lawyer, who would see that the Acts and Ordinances'so passed by this native legislature we're legally prepared. In fact, a Maori Parliament, with a European Attorney-General. This idea, in a less extended 'farm, is by no means new. .In. other parts of the colony; where there are native districts it assumes the form of a desire for local government by means of native committees—or "komitis," as they are. called —much on the principle- of-the plan proposed by the Native Councils Bill whioh ;was "thrown •out by the House a few sessions ago. And here one might mention incidentally that while we are doing our best to educate the. New i Zealander; and' expending money in supplying ;himwith journalistic pabulum in the shape of !the ; Walfa Maori, if. is inconsistent to expect Ithat the system of protection, which tends to enervate a race, is to be carried out so far that the Maoris are to have ho practical part in the ladmiuistration of their own affairs. Therefore ■I contend it is idle to suppose ! that the establishment o£ tliose " komitis''—eyed suspiciously

by many—-can be prevented. The natives, a race noted for their oratorical powers, will have assemblies wherein they can exercise that power, and with judicious management those institutions will be productive of good. I will say no more on that subject now, but revert to the delegation from the Waikato. That body consisted of men who are laboring under a supposed wrong. They believe firmly the Government of this country has done them a great injustice in confiscating their lands, and that it is their bounden duty to do all they can to get those lands back. Knowing as we do the absurdity of the appeal, still one cannot withhold a certain amount of sympathy and a desire to set them right, so that they may see at once how futile are their endeavors to gain this object. I listened attentively to the remarks that fell from the various speakers who spoke at the meeting. It lasted for eight hours, and it can be quite imagined that a great deal was said. However, by introducing a process of condensation I may perhaps be able to lay before your readers a fair proportion of the wheat winnowed from the chaff. As I have already stated, the idea expressed by the deputation of Waikato prophets is that the unanimous support of all the Maoris should be given to the formation of a Maori Parliament, so that the making of the laws relating to their lands and their social advancement would rest with themselves. " If," they said, "the Government would concede this point, then indeed might New Zealand exclaim that the troubles,of Waikato had passed away. All the outlaws in the Waikato —Te Kooti, Purukutu, Winiata, and others—would be immediately handed over to the English law." The land they proposed not to sell, but simply to lease.. .Frequent allusion was made to Sir George Grey, against whom was laid the charge of enthroning Tawhiao. Sorely did the delegates regret that Tawhiao was ever, made Xing. It was the, same they said as if the Government had presented them with a steam engine, and forbade them-'to '.use any fuel whatever for it. ,; By far ,the most interesting phase of the proceedings was the part a European took. Perhaps your readers are aware that along the East Coast a private speculator in lands resides, who, I hear, on undoubted authority, has acquired vast estates from the natives, amounting perhaps to considerably over a quarter of a million acres.. This gentleman came upon the scene at an early stage. It was Robert Cooper. Rangiorua, a prophet from the North, asked Mr. Cooper whence he came ? Cooper having answered that he came from Turanga, was now besieged with a variety of questions ; but to secure all would have taxed the ability of ian experienced short-hand writer. Questions were raised respecting East Coast lands. The Waikato men said they had heard before of this pakeha Cooper, who acquired such large areas from the natives. They told'him that a bane (mate) lay over many of the Maori lands, and that this evil should be averted. In reply to questions the European stated he was the greatest purchaser of land in his district. That the natives there were not willing to dispose of their land to Government, only they wished to reserve the right of selling to whom they pleased. Many other interrogatories having been put and answered, the' proposed changes were freely discussed. Soon the European became as voluble as many of the old men who had but recently sot down. He explained that it was not to be expected that such an event would ever come to pass as the sanction by the legislative bodies of New Zealand of a Maori Parliament. Therefore, the sooner they cast away such a vain delusive yearning the better it would be for themselves. This remark scarcely met with approval. He' urged upon his auditory to have without delay the titles to the Waikato lands investigated. His reasons were based on these grounds; while the old people are alive, in whose memories are fresh the traditional lore relating to the battles, conquests, and marriage gifts—data on which so , often rest, questions of native titled—then is the time for having the lands passed throngh the Court. Do not delay, he said, for in, time to come, when the elders have joined their ancestors, men of great talking power will arise, and by the strength of the tongue, instead of the hereditary rights of their fathers, will they have awarded them the lands belonging to others. Your young people, you know, are ignorant of genealogical claims —know little of their ancestors. They are not taught that knowledge now, as they were by your priests in the olden iimes. Therefore, I say, pass your lands through the Court while the people.are alivi who know the history of the lands, otherwise the greatest talkers will have the greatest areas, and your children will become penniless. . Takerei,. also a prophet from the North, stood up, and looking round for some little time, amid profound silence, began by remarking that many years ago, when he was a rebel, he had a dream. He dreamed that a time would come when a European would arise and deliver Waikato from its state of bondage. Now he found what seemed to him the dawning truth of that vision of the night. The long pent-up dream was becoming realised at last, and Cooper was the coming man. Sir Donald McLean had said, " Kaore tetahi tangata i muri i au." The speaker thought otherwise. Cooper, he was convinced, must have been guided thitherwards to that meeting through divine agency ; for who could have told him they were there ? In fact, Cooper himself must be the divine agency—an atua. Mr. Cooper modestly disclaimed the remotest possession of any spiritualistic power. Nor indeed was he a prophet. But he insisted on laying strong claim to be classified in the ranks of the genus homo. He knew the troubles of the native mind. Again the prophet, the dreamerof dreams, arose, and assuming an altered tone said, hitherto the Waikato natives had kept aloof from the pakehas. The pakehas they looked upon as a dubious lot. But if Mr. Cooper had no objection to Bitting on Tawhiao's throne, that old monarch would be readily induced to abdicate. The highly honored European who was thus having " greatness thrust upon him," said concisely : What I propose is this. Hold a large meeting. Invite natives from all parts of the island. Discuss all your troubles. Bring them prominently before the Government, not the way you have done in the past by, as I may say, locking yourselves in your houses, refusing admission to ;your friends, and then pining because no' one visits you. Do this. Show the Government your desires. You willget fair play. It is useless sorrow in thinking, the confiscated lands, large portions of which are Crown granted, can be returned. After further talk, Rangiorua said : "Cooper, I like your words. You seem independent. On the 13th of this month come to - a meeting that will take place near Wanganui. Explain thoroughly all mabters concerning the laws of Maori lands. ' A vast assemblage will be at that meeting. Carry out your proposals, and Tawhiao's power is yours ! We will send word to him, and say we have seen a European upon- whom we can rely. The natives presented Mr. Cooper with several Maori ornaments, greatly prized for their traditional value, particularly a beautiful cap of huia feathers. It should be stated that in olden times head dresses of the feathers of the huia and white crane (kotuku) were crowns of the highest chieftainship. And the huia cap was placed on Cooper's head. j I was very much by, and at a loss to account for, divine power being attributed to Mr. Cooper. Of course, like all races in a transition _ state from barbarism to civilisation, the Maoris are very superstitious. The reason, however, for thinking He possessed celestial sway was that he had ascended the sacred mountain of Toagariro. Whether the ascent was made with a view to Mr.Coopernegotiatingforthe purchase of the pinnacle or not, I was unable satisfactorily to ascertain. The natives having been apprised of the ascent, the prophet, Rangiorua, felt as Didymus felt on a certain occasion in Biblical history. Scrutinising Cooper, he questioned him closely, and it transpired that his description of various points o£ the route exactly tallied with Rangiorua's personal knowledge of the mountain. ; Rangiorua verified Cooper's description of the journey, and related the following circumstance :—ln years past, Rangiorua himself, along with Sir George Grey and the Rev. Mr. Taylor, attempted the ascent of iKuapehn, but only succeeded in getting aa fasts the Green

Lake. • There it came on to snow, and it was impossible to continue the ascent. - While the three travellers were thus snowed up, Sir George; and. Mr. Taylor endeavored to work their way back by melting the snow with the flames of sperm candles. It is needless to say the snow had the best of it, and the three travellers experienced the greatest difficulty and danger in making their way back. Mr. Cooper -succeeded in the perilous ascent, hence his investiture by Takerei,the Waikato prophet, with the power of an atua.

." The religion of mankind is the effect of im.provement, not the cause of it." So, I observe, quotes Mr. S. Locke, in his annual report to the Government on the condition of the natives of the East Coast, than whom no one is better qualified to report. I do not intend to make any comment upon the creeds of the whole human race, but merely to give you a few casual remarks on the religion of the Maoris. My object in so doing is because a new form of worship has recently been inaugurated among the Waikato natives. Your readers are aware that clergymen of the Church of England, the Church of Rome, the Wesleyans, and the Presbyterians, have for years past been bringing the Maoris to the fold of Christ. I will therefore confine my hurried observations to the creeds that owe their origin to the Maoris themselves. Hauhauism has become a general term for all aboriginals of treasonable tendencies. At a i time when the Europeans of this country I were scarcely able to cope againßfc internal warfare, a" warfare that subsequently proved disastrous to the colony at large, the Hauhau religion was started. ■ ' Hauhauism as a form of worship has passed away to a great extent, but in Tauranga, Waikato, and other parts adherents may still be found. " Pai marire" is the proper name of that religion." These words, pai marire, were frequently repeated in their devotional exercises, which consisted in a great part of dancing in a circle round a flagstaff, and singing wild incantations. Frequently throughout the singing the word " hau " would be repeated with great forcehence the term Hauhau. The worshippers, while thus engaged, and in a state of religious frenzy, would burst out with the 'words " pai marire, pai marire." By these ejaculations they invoked the blessing of Rura, through whose intercession with the Great God the Maoris were to be enabled to drive the Europeans into the sea. The God " Rura " dwelt in heaven, but was inferior to Jehovah.- "Rura" first was deified by the people of Taranaki, who ascribed to him the power of curing the sick, blind, and the halt. Many of the Waikatos embraced the new faith. The religion quickly spread, after Te Rangitake's fight against the Europeans in Taranaki. The loss on each side in that engagement was comparatively small, but among the killed was a European officer. He was beheaded, and the head dried by a process that need not be explained here. Human heads so preserved have the natural complexion clarified, and retain a life-like expression. As evidence of the downfall of the pakeha the head of. the gallant officer was fixed on the end of a poll and carried nearly all over the island by the fanatical worshippers of " Rura." Many tribes came under the Hauhau standard. But the main object of the mission from Taranaki through the island by way of Taupo was to reach Poverty Bay and place Hirini Te Kani- a native chief now living there upon the Waikato Throne. Tawhiao, the present nominal King, was then unpopular not only with Ms supposititious subjects but also with those who did not send in their allegiance. It was desired that Hirini te Kani should be monarch of the Maori race, because, he was the nearest akin toTe Kani-a-Takirau, a noble chief who possessed vast power and never let it be abused, a chief whose mana extended for about three or four hundred miles along the eastern portion of the North Island south of The greatest chief within that territory paid him tribute. He died in 1855, and is buried near Tologa Bay. It was when this religious faction arrived at Opotiki that so many of the Whakatohea tribe were proselytized. The excitement of this new religion was too much for their partially developed brains. Here it was, while this mental disorganisation was rife, that the. Rev. Mr. Volkner ended with his life his missionary labors. - The Hauhaus, then went-to Poverty Bay, bringing with them further trophies of success. There a large meeting was held. Suffice it to say that the regal offer of Tawhiao's kingdom was repeated to Hirini te Kani, and declined. Hirini, however, with great difficulty induced the Hauhaus to give up the head of ohe European officer, and it was forwarded to Sir Donald McLean, at Napier, to be buried in a Christian manner, which was done. Although there are still many Hauhaus in name, few can be found who believe dogmatically in the original tenets of that faith. What Macaulay has said of " now be applied to "Hauhauism." "Itis a mere name. Nobody is left to fight for that wretched cause, and very few to drink for it." Usurped by Te Kooti's religion, the Pai-marire faith became gradually extinguished. The religion of Te Kooti germinated at the Chatham Islands among the rebels transported there after the.fighting on the East Coast. _ The new doctrines introduced by Te Kooti- first brought him into notice. He impressed on his disciples that the teachings of the New Testament were henceforth to be eschewed. Their articles of faith were to be based on the old Mosaic laws. The portions of the Old Testament from which these were culled are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, also extracts from Samuel, the Chronicles, and the Psalms. This religion, under certain modifications, now prevails to a considerable extent among the tribes called the Uriwera, occupying the interior of the country. The. old Jewish law was found by many of the Maoris more consonant withtheir primitive condition than the Christian religion, which doubtless is "the effect of improvement "in the human race. The religion of the Maoris in the old Maori days, before the advent of the pakeha, was subject to no such mutations as those to which I have briefly alluded. They state that before their ancestors came from Hawaiki, down even to the present time, superstition of all sorts was the groundwork of their devotional acts. Need we then be surprised to learn that a new_ religion is spreading among the tribes. Waikato is the fountain head. Much anxiety has been felt among certain sections of the Wairarapa natives, who dread the propagation of the new creed. At Tamaki, Mr. Karaitiana Takamoana, M;H.R., exercises chieftainship, and has offered to it the most strenuous opposition. Notwithstanding his efforts _ many of the natives have become quite infatuated. In the Manawatu District believers are found more plentiful. Meihana and Te Peti, chiefs of great influence in that part of the country, have invited the prophets of Tawhiao to settle in their midst, in order to inculcate the new doctrines. A pa is being built on land belonging to | 1 the two chiefs above named. The place is called Awapuni, and is near a lagoon, whence the name~-is derived. It is a fertile spot, rather bushy, but the natives have been busy of late clearing off the timber. A council-house has been recently erected, where the natives assemble. It is only the plain white cross close by which denotes that the runanga whare is used for sacred purposes. A large building, 80ft. long and 24ft. wide, is now in course of construction, the present building affording insufficient accommodation for the many converts. The prophets contemplate sending missionaries along the East Coast, and have inquired of Mr. Cooper as to tbeir probable success. Mr. Cooper has assured them that the Maoris there have of late been very zealous in matters of religion; but they are nearly all of the Church of England, and are attached to their native pastors and their archdeacon, Mr. Williams. It would take up too much space to describe fully'the principles of the new religion. Of all branches of the Christian faith, it approaches nearer to Roman Catholicism than any other o£ the Maori creeds; but the hymns sung are peculiar. The prophets argue that the science o£ numbers is the mainspring of all human actions; that without arithmetical computation nothing can be attained. To ascertain ithe simplest problem in life, figures must be resorted to. . ]?rom calculating the distance of jthe 3?leiadea to weighing a pound of sugar figures must be usacl. The Same is the case

in ascertaining the area of the surface of the earth and in calculating the contents of a ten acre paddock or the contents of a keg of rum. In the duration of time the samp rule applies, and so could futurity be measured if the science of figures were more fully developed. The sacred songs consist of numerals from 1 to 200„ and due regard is paid to their metrical construction. Beautiful time and proper attention to cadence are observed. The voices of the young girls pleasingly commingle with the deeper tones of the men. The vocal portion of the service is affecting to the sympathetic nerves of the natives; but to a European certain verses irresistibly remind one of the first attempt at learning to dance a polka.