MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 July 1938, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

THE LAND AGAIN. . (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Before - the war the Maoris were governed by the good influence of unselfish missionaries, whilst the sword was carefully hidden. Now Sir George proposed to rule them by force, kindness, and goodness; education in- the left hand, a sword in the right. Some church missionaries considered the change to be a reflection on themselves, and pointed out that as the Maori war had cost Britain a million of money, her plan of ruling was too costly. As the simple Maoris were quick to perceive any difference or inconsistency in form or procedure, they in their various creeds gave the impression that the Church of England’s sympathies lay with the enemy. This probably arose from the fact that the church accused Colonel Despard of openly breaking the Sabbath by capturing Ruapekapeka on a Sunday, actually while the enemy was at worship. As the tendency of all nations is to “say nought but good of the dead,” we must refrain from comment upon the land purchase claims made by various religious bodies from 1820 to 1838, amounting to 216,000 acres. The Commissioners appointed to investigate these alleged purchases, awarded them 66,000 acres. Bishop Selwyn did his best to persuade the church to abandon all superfluous claims. There arose a strong controversy in the House of Commons over these transactions, which were said to be a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi. Referring to Earl Gray’s report in the British Parliament, a Maori chief wrote to her Majesty: “Speak openly, and as you mean to act; do not say one thing and mean another.” The House cheered when this was read.