MAORI MEMORIES.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 May 1938, Page 10

MAORI MEMORIES.

UMU AND TARA (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age”) In 1808 the Maoris lived more peacefully than in earlier years. Regular work and trade began to interest them. Whale ships exchanged blankets, axes, and fishhooks at fabulous values for pigs, potatoes, dressed flax and timber.

Drink, tobacco and firearms, the three curses of Maori manhood had not yet reached them. Many vigorous young men, bred, born and trained in deep sea fishing took to whaling under the direction of the visitors. They soon became expert harpooners, and their services were in demand. Stories of their intrepid skill went abroad. A prized whale was seen, and Umu, the young Maori lad, perched on the rim of the boat’s prow, missed three times to pierce its glossy skin. The tired crew used nautical terms to taunt the boy, who, when the boat came alongside, was seen harpoon in hand, to jump astride the monster and thrust the barb with both hands. Right ahead was the threshing tail amid a storm of foam tinged with blood, the boat shot through the water like an arrow, but where was the Maori boy? His hand grasped the boat and he was drawn abroad amid a shower of spray and cries of praise. A year later the admiration and good

fellowship between the Maoris and their welcome guests was destroyed bj' the cruelty of the “Boj’d's” captain to the Maori lad, Tara, who refused work because he was unwell. Tara was twice flogged with a knotted rope. On arrival at Whangaroa he showed his torn shoulders to the chiefs, who were unanimously resolved to revenge the indignity to the son of a chief. A massacre of the crew resulted in a bitter enstrangement between us for more than half a century, the primary cause of which was ours.