MAORI RACING.
The Wairoa correspondent of the Napier Mercury says :—The Maoris are an imitative people, and quite a burlesque in the shape of horse-racing was got up near the Uwhi settlement on Bt. Patrick’s Day. The course was circular, half a mile round, and more like a pigtrack than anything else ; an awkward gully crossed it in one place, and manuka stumps were plentiful. There was a judge, a starter, a clerk of the scales or rather steelyards, and actually a few native bookmakers. In the intervals between the races there was the usual galloping about, and on one occasion two Maoris going round one way were met by another Maori (Paku) going round the other way. He tried to pass between, but collided with such force that not only all three riders but all three saddles were thrown off, and Mr Paku’s neck was broken. Ho was carried to the creek in the orthodox manner, and not recovering was at last admitted to be dead and removed by bis sorrowing relatives. Being a native there is not likely to be any inquest.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PATM18810402.2.17
Bibliographic details
Patea Mail, 2 April 1881, Page 4
Word Count
184MAORI RACING. Patea Mail, 2 April 1881, Page 4
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in