MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 April 1938, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES.

DISCOVERY (KITENGA). (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Tasman is now generally accorded the fame of discovery, but so far as a memorial in his honour, we only have the name of Tasmania, once so infamous in connection with its penal settlement of men, women and children, made m'ore brutal than wild animals by man’s inhumanity to man. The wonderful voyage through unknown seas in two little old sailing vessels, one named the “Heemskirk,” the very meaning of which has no significance for us. Even the valour of that great little nation which fathered the adventure is satirically referred to as “Dutch” courage. If, by their discovery, industry, and peace as a nation, any country in the world is to be invited to our shores, Hollanders should be the first. Tasman’s two little vessels anchored off Nelson. When the Maoris in a panic killed three of his men, a broadside of cannon confirmed their suspicion that these white-faced demons with Uira and Whatatiri (lightning and thunder) in their hands were whiro (evil spirits) from the skies. The name “Massacre Bay” conferred upon Nelson harbour was still another term of infamous association with the intrepid Dutchman’s visit. Tasman then sailed round the North Cape which he named Maria Van Deimen, yet another link in the minds of exconvict whalers and sailors, who called it “Von Demon.” On approaching the islands which he named “Three Kings,” Tasman saw “thirty-five natives of very large size, taking prodigious strides, with clubs in their hands.” He at once steered for Cocos Island to take in water and replenish his larder. Fire-arms were quite unknown to the Maoris in Tasman’s time. Tasman’s journal in Dutch was translated to French in 1772, and later to English by Banks. “New Zealand” is perhaps the only Dutch name we have retained.