MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 July 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

THE MAORIS REVIEW WAIRAU. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.*) Upon the attitude of that memorable meeting at Waikanae, and particularly the discretion of his Excellency, depended the future relations between the two races. The Maori representatives were as 42 to 1. Their ancient sacred mana (power, influence, authority) "regarding the land had been violated, and their vindication had no alternative but death. The Governor said he had the evidence of his people and now came for that of theirs. Rauparaha rose with reluctance. He said the fight was caused by the gross violation of their most sacred symbol of life —the land. He gave every detail of the conflict and its cause, and said the Magistrate had twice ordered his settlers to fire, but no. description of the actual killing was mentioned. For half an hour there was dead silence. “In the first place” said the Governor, “the white men were wrong: but you two (pointing to Rauparaha and Rangihaeata) committed horrible murder of men who relied on your honour and surrendered; but as we were the aggressors I will not avenge their deaths.” On the Maori side they had violated no ancient custom, and even if they were doubly guilty there was no force in New Zealand to arrest them. Justice obtained from the minority is seldom, and "the Maoris regarded the Governor’s decision as mere cowardice. Not to avenge the dead, according to their law, indicates a craven spirit. One chief said: “The Pakeha is good for making bread and growing cabbages; you are like the Kiore (Maori rats) always busy, but like them also in fighting, you only know how to run away.”