MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 April 1938, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES.

WHAKATAUKI (Proverbs.) (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) Proverbs, wise and witty, held their sway through the centuries and were used to support arguments, excite man to war or work, or for amusement. An appropriate proverb in a speech carried more weight than the argument. Each proverb inculcated some principle, thus: Cultivating food —Who trusts anoth-’ er’s work lacks food. His own hands produce enough and to spare. One who tills three fields has enough even though one of them fail. The man who works early and late will be satisfied; he who is idle goes hungry to bed. A fighter may stumble, but a culti-. vator lives long. Food given, tickles the tohgue: that worked for satisfies the spirit. Men are taunted in such sayings as these: He works short hours, but his throat is deep. When the fuchsia budded you were not at work in the field. You are eager to swallow, but work worries you. Their most striking proverb is “He orate mahi” (work is life). Hidden thoughts: The spider hides in his web; so man’s intentions are concealed in his heart. Passing clouds are seen, but passing thoughts are hidden. Religion or good deeds were seldom referred to, they were too deep for words. The High Priest sometimes mentioned them. Good things come to those who give, far more than those who take. Some men are shellfish at home and parrots abroad. Who goes before, gets treasures, who follows after, looks in vain.