REMINISCENCE.

Shannon News, 1 September 1922, Page 3

REMINISCENCE.

(By Rapotini.)

In the little community of early settlers who, "in the 40’s,” took up small holdings at Karon as a first venture in the new land, was a family of tliree—father, mother and little child. The newly-built cottage stood near the newly-formed road. The background, was primeval forest; from the depths of which would he: heard the rhythmic swish of the pit-saw, carving timber for the building of yet more homes. "... the glorious ceiling Of the azure-vaulted sky ”

was always a marvel to those who had been accustomed only to the duller skies of England.

The number of that little household would sometimes be reduced to two, when the exigency oi business took the breadwinner from home. Those were solitary times lor mother and child; for neighbours were far between. Yet the woman kept up bravely, and we know the child was happy. For, give an imaginative child a few picture books, flowers, a doll and a kitten and she will make a world of her own. The fringe of the bush afforded Interest also, lor ii abounded in birds; and there was always a chance to discover a tiny nest. The merry little grey warblers and the inquisitive little faiitails were quite friendly, and when one alighted for a moment on the child’s head, her delight knew no hounds. But when the incident, was breathlessly recounted, an old man neighbour, who was present, solemnly remarked that it was "a sign of de_ath.’ The hush was ‘a thing ol beauty' anu :a joy for ever”! Spoils of-ferns an mosses and foliage were gathered and taken to the mother; and, to please the child, they would decorate the cottage until it resembled a bower! Still, when night came, ami darkness closed around the lonely cot, there was no denying the ionesomeness. But the wood fir.e leaped and sparkled—- " Till the- Rafters glow- with the . ruddy blaze” and the mother’s sweet, tuneful voice would dispel the silence with song. *’* w * *

But one day it was told that two prisoners had escaped /.'rom the gaoi at Wellington. This did not make for cheer when' evening came; and alter mother and child had retired to rest they were awakened by the sound of heavy footsteps and the clanking of a. chain. Reason was in abeyance. Their only thought was of escaped prisoners, as they tremblingly listened to. heavy steps approaching nearer and nearer to the window. There was a moment’s pause—a moment of horrified suspense—and then the air was rent with the loud blare of a donkey braying! A donkey, owned by Judge Chapman, bad strayed and made an' unseasonable visit. It is not certain that the mo ther, in the excess of her relief, did not kiss the creature’s stolid, harm less old face. Harnessed with panniers, the donkey was a means oi transit lor Judge Chapman’s children, and he would often he seen ambling to town with a little child seated in each pannier. # * it * *

Noblesse oblige! A stalwart Maor. requested “a light for the pipe.” He was hidden to enter the cottage, anti a child observed him with interest as, squatting before the hearth, he proceeded to “light up” with a red coal from the wood fire, which he cleverly manipulated with bare fingers. When satisfied that the pipe was doing well, he produced a bit of rag, and untying it, displayed several liu liu grubs (the large white grubs found in decaying timber). Making a place for them in the hot ashes, he allowed them to remain there for a few minutes. Then selecting a fine one, and after patting it ji'roifi hand to hand to free it from the ashes, and finally blowing upon if that none might remain, he offered it to the child. When the dainty was declined witli thanks, he popped it into his mouth with evident relish.

When the fine old Mao'ri Church at Otaki was in the building the late Mrs Williams, wife of the late Archdeacon Williams, gave to a child a small bag of acacia seeds and a trowel and bade her plant tire seeds about the rising ground at the back of the Church and Mission House. One wonders if descendants of those acacia trees survive.

Some scenes in relation to the building of the Church are well remembered; notably that of a long team of Maori men hauling on ropes that were attached to the large totara spars that form the columns in the Church, the men chanting as they hauled. # $ * *

“Riripi” was a confection highly appreciated by these busy workmen. It. consisted of a sort of porridge, made with flour and water, and made v.eiy sweet. The women cooked it in large pots; then tipped it into what appeal ed to be a small canoe. Sugar was poured into it from the bag. When the dinner call was given the men

came with alacrity; and sitting round the "canoe” they ate with much gusto and some noise. For spoons they, used shells or chips cjf wood, and some, more primitive still,f used the hollow of the hand.

This band of willing workers in the erection of their Church was skilfully organised by the Rev. Samuel Williams, afterwards Archdeacon Williams.

About that time occurred the death of the renowned oid chief Te Rau-para-ha. The tangi, as befitted his rank, was great and prolonged. There were amazing stacks of food; there was wailing, and there was . ieasting; and also exceedingly animated speechifying by Maori oiaioxs. The writer's father, who at the time, was scliuoimaster of the Missiun School, superintended the funeral arrangements; and he was the last one who looked on the face of the old wanior win? v.a. ; , once theAerror oj the land * ' * •* * *

The chief, Rangi-hae-ata—whose name had been joined with that of l'e Rau-paraha, as names of dread in earlier days, came to Otaki tor the funeral, and Te Rau-paraha’s son, Mr Thompson Rau-paraha, had provided a fine suit of broadcloth for Rangi-hae-ata to wear. When the garments were shown to him, he examined

them with unmoved face; then enquired if they were such as “te Kawana" (Governor) would wear. When assured that they were, he gave a grunt of approval and a curt order to “lay them aside.”

But when the procession was about to leave, he took a shorter route, alone, and- still clad in his Maori mat. Taking a position on the high ground overlooking the graveyard he remained seated there during the service. But when the earth was about to be cast into th.e grave, he rose and shouted one word which in the Maori language signifies “Stand aside!” Instantly, as though a shot had been fir: ed through the crowd, they parted to

right and left, forming a lane through which lie passed to the graveside

There he stood, looking down into the grave until all was covered. # * * * It would have been interesting to know what were the thoughts or memories passing in the brain of Rangi-hae-ata as he looked into the grave of Te Rau-paraha.