SUPERSTITION

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 439, 22 August 1928, Page 13

SUPERSTITION

Maoris Still Firmly Believe in Omens A TRIBAL GUARDIAN That the Maoris are not likely to drop their inherent superstitions for many years, is the opinion of Mr. James Rukutai, a leading native citizen of Auckland. “A Maori is a Maori, despite ;the verneer of white civilisation,” he says. . Years more of close association with European methods, and extended racial absorption will be necessary before the effects of centuries of primitive beliefs will wear off. To The Sun, Mr. Rukutai gave an example of how a tribal legend has persisted. Last week, a Maori who has lived as a European for years past and has been excellently educated, was driving a car south from the city. With him was a white man. Near Panmure, a bird flew suddenly across the front of the car and the Maori immediately stopped. “Something is going to happen,” he told his passenger, who laughed. But the Maori drove cautiously, and near Mercer, a collision with a recklessly driven car was just avoided. “We have nothing more to fear now,” the Maori assured his shaken companion. - “That is what we were warned of when the bird flew across our front.” He explained that the bird was an owl, and members of his tribe, the Hikairo hapu, of Kawhia, firmly believed that the owl appeared suddenly before them when danger threatened. Legend says that centuries ago, TTri, eldest son of chief Hikairo, founder of the tribe, died, and later returned to his people in the form of an owl. Even in modern times, Hikairo tribe members can give instances where the owl atua has appeared and has thus given a warning. ' “To a Maori, such an occurrence as the sudden appearance of a bird is a subject for important consideration,” said Mr. Rukutai. “Had that owl flown across the path of a Hikairo war-party in the early days, the warriors would have abandoned their expedition.”