MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 May 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES.

THE MAORI VERSION (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) The scene of the tragedy related by Crozet was the Bay of Islands, which was then renamed “The Bay of Treachery” by the French journalists. Crozet’s narrative says “They treated us with every show of friendship for thirty-three days, with the intention of eating us on the thirty-fourth.” That was the sum of the French account, which had the effect of scaring France away from this “Cannibal country” for eighty years, and thus giving it to Britain. The Maoris do not speak to anyone of their victories or defeats, quarrels or friendships, other than their own people. In 1851 the French vessel L’Alemene was wrecked 50 miles from the scene of Marion’s death. Recognising the sailors of this ship as “Wiwi’s” (French oui oui) the Maori rescuers were specially cautious; yet a quarrel arose in which ten of the crew were killed.

A military medical officer was sent by the Governor to their assistance, guided by Maoris. On the return journey they stayed at several Maori Kaingas, sleeping round the camp fires. One hundred French sailors soundly sleeping, and two hundred Maoris in animated conversation. The medical officer, hearing Marion’s name, also pretended sleep. Hearing his loud Ngongoro (snoring) they spoke freely among themselves. Then the Maori version came to light for the first time. “We welcomed them as guests and found pleasure in their company, but they betrayed our maids, set fires in our sacred places, and finally put a Tohunga whose person was Tapu in ringahere (handcuffs). This desecration demanded whakahere (sacrifice), which they refused, so the gods insisted, and were obliged to take it or lose our Mana (influence) for ever after.”