THE WAKA MAORI

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1885, 3 November 1874, Page 3

THE WAKA MAORI

The last number of the Waka Maori, the journal published in Maori and English by the Government, contains some communications of general interest. We quoie a naiive petition in reference to the liquor traffic, which was presented last session : — Whanganui, 15th June, 1874. A petition from all of us, whose names are signed at the foot hereof, to all the members of the Parliament to grant this request of oursfor some law to be pissed by the Assembly and the Government affecting this evil thing, grog, which is destroying ns; so that a stop may be put to drinking among the Maoris, for that is at the root of the evils from which we suffer. These are the evils:—lt im overtakes w; our children are not born healthy, because the parents drink to excess and tliH children suffer; it muddles men's brains, and they, in ignorance, sign important documents, and get into trouble thereby; grog also turns the intelligent men of tho Maori race into fools. Again, grog is the cause of various diseases which afflict us. We are also liable to accidents, such as tumbling off horses, and falling into the water. These things occur through drunkenness. It also leads on men to take improper liberties with other men's wives; and it is the cause of men fighting with each other. In fact, there are innumerable evils brought upon the Maori race by gr"g. We therefore ask that a very stringent law be passed to keep away this very evil thing from the Maoris altogether. Let only medical men have authority to allow the people to take liquor medicinally, if they think it will lead to the recovery of the patient or patients whom they may be treating. That would be right. Sufficient. We trust that all the members of the House-will grant our prayer. From us all to Mr Fox—Friend, we give this petition to you, and request that you will urge that the prayer of it may be granted, and an Act passed to stop the Mtoris drinking. If you have any regard for us the Maori people, send away this evil leviathan which you brought to this island to destroy u?, our lands, and our children. Sufficient. Friend, be strong, There is an ever-existing God to look at good and at the people who are good and show kindness to the pojr and foolish ones of the earth. Sir, do this for us, long may you be spared on account of your energy in raising your voice against this great snake, liquor, during the years which have passed. Sufficient.

The following account of Haora Tipa, the chief of the Ngatipaoa who died lately at Whakatiwai, is contributed by an influential chief of Shortland :—

Haora Tipa was the last of fflie old chiefs of the district of Hauraki (Thames), all his people and "hapus" are overwhelmed with grief for hjs death; they bewail without ceasing the departure of their chief, who is lost to them in this world and gone to the next. The Lord lengthened days and the Lord shorteneth days "The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away." This old man was not only a chief by descent, but he was a chief by his words and general character. He was the guardian spirit of this district of Hauraki and the director of its affairs; and he was the promoter and supporter among the people of love, charity, peace, and loyalty to our most gracions sovereign the Queen, whose influence o'erspreads the whole world. Shortly before his death he spoke much of these things, lest hi 3 peop'e should trample them.uuder foot after he was gone. Ffe also gave expression to his feelings of warm friendship towards his friend iu Port (Sir D. McLean), who would preserve this desirable state of things, and he desired his people in Hauraki to support him. Two weeks before his death he called a meeting of his tribes at Hauraki to hearken to his words of advice as above-mentioned, and they as-embled together as he had requested them. He was an energetic supporter of Government influence in the Hauraki district, and always exerted himself in suppressing troubles within his boundaries. He accompanied his friend, the Native Minister, to use his influence with William Thompson, to put an end to the war in Waikato in 18o'3. He possessed intelligence and sagacity which enabled hiui to maintain order in his district down to the time when he and his words of wisdom passed away. He instructed his younger brother and his children to hold fast to the Government, that it might be as a guardian and parent to them. This old chief was always energetic in suppressing evil in his district, and iu upholding the laws of the Queen among his people; and it was mainly through his exertions that war'did not arise in Hauraki when the supremacy .of the Government was asserted in the island -(ie., during the war in Waikato.) He was also earnest in supporting the Christian religion among his people; and he was very auxious for the establishment of a school'in his neighbourhood for the instruction of Maori children. His memory will ever be revered for his good works to his people and his district. The above is sent in the midst of sorrow and trouble for the loss of our parent Haora Tipa. (Haora Tipa was believed to have reached the age of nearly 80 years,

We quote also two vernes of the trans' lation of a Maori lament :— But lie's gone-the wildest whirlwinds Of Hauraki's inner waters Caught him in their phantom clutches, Caught bin wandering, broken spirit, And relentless bore it graveward 1 "Go, lluora! whilst the morning Shines inviting on your pathway, With it go and sweetly slumber. Wcath the softly silking rainbow Jlany a radiant couch receive theo t As a chieftain, armed, ad >nie.l, Enter the abode ot lkvo.'s, 'Ming tlw g.rqat«st tluno, none, t* J

POLICE COUKT.-Yesteedat. (Before W. Eraser, Esq., 8.M.)

Dbunebshess. — Frederick Lehmans arid_ Francis de Bowers were charged with having been drunk and disorderly in Pollen-street on the 31st ult. Both were fined 20s and costs, or, in default, 48 hours' imprisonment. The former was a German immigrant, who was uuable to speak English. I lie second defendant denied being disorderly, but the offence was proved by Constable Madill. Chimney on FiiiE. • John Mc Mullen was charged with allowing the chimney of the house occupied by him in Uollestonstrect, Shortland, to take fire on the 28th ult.—Mr Macdonaid, for the defendant, pleaded guilty.—Ho was fined 10s and costs.

Lament. — William Wilkinson was charged that he did, on or about the 31st ult., feloniously steal, take, and carry away, from the garden of Archibald McLaughey, at W aiotahi Creek, a quantity of onions and carrots, value 10s. y-He pleaded guilty. He was under the influence of drink at the time, and knew nothing of it until he was told. There were 15 previous convictions against the prisoner for drunkenness, but this was the first case of larceny.-His Worship said it was a most contemptible offence. He would be sentenced to a month's imprisonment with hard labour.