“PASSING MAORI MEMORIES.”

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 416, 24 April 1937, Page 2

“PASSING MAORI MEMORIES.”

RECORDED BY J.H.S. FOR “THE TARANAKI CENTRAL PRESS.”

In 1856 Governor Browne found difficulty in ruling or dealing with hi s Maori subjects, whose nature, was a sealed book to him. In 'the face of this disability, he agreed to be guided by his Ministers in all public affairs, “except” the making of law’s affecting the Native race and the purchase of their lands. A grave error from the very outset of our rule wa s the refusal to give the Maori people a voice in law. which affected their very existence. A Board of Native Affairs was appointed, but, like our commissions, their only duty 'Was to report, not to act. Among their minutes we find this sitrange conclusion: “There is a great falling away of Natives from the Missionaries. They ans divided into Heathens, Christians, and Consistent Christians. The Government should assume ’the office of instructor where the efforts of th? missionaries necessarily ceased.” According to this board, the religion of everyday life, and that of labour were incompatible. to “explain” the difference between a Christian and his consistent brethren, thi s example was solemnly recited to the botard. “Tamihana wag liappy and cont Ist ent until commerce came. He aros© with the sun, shook 'the fleas from his mat, and joined in prayer and praise. After a light breakfast., he squatted with his knees up to his chin, smoking, talking, and chewing a bitumen quid in the sun. At midday, 'the slaves brought food, which he ate heartily, then lit a pipe, and fell asleep till the sun set. At eventide when the iron pot used as bell called the people together, Tamihana told the missionary how wrong it wlas for young men and maidens to dance on the given or sport in the water together.” Thi s ruminating existence Tamihana would, have led till he died, had not the English traders brought shirts land sugar, tea and toffee, with

other luxuries, obtainable only by selling land or by 'Work, both of which he disliked He must perforce work to procure dainties which others enjoy. Each year Tamihana's material wan‘s grew more insistent. A schooner replaced the canoe for tan extensive trade he had opened up with Auckland merchants. He W’as described as a “fairly decent man and a reasonably consistent trader"; but he no long r took an ac'ive part in public worship. A primitive people can only be taught by the very simplest principles of ethics. To them, the formalities are but a departure from their (ancient rites' and ceremonies, the purposes of which were a secret known only to the Ariki.