MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 August 1938, Page 11

MAORI MEMORIES

WORSHIP (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Many pioneers of this country sought yainly to impress upon the Maoris the importance of formal worship, and the observance of ceremony as a proof of religion. Regular attendance at church seemed to atone for many shortcomings. Prior to 1856 this theory was a restraint against certain crimes or evil practices. But the .perceptive faculties-of the primitive Maori were akin to the instinct of animals in a state of nature, and they soon discovered that the formalities were often practiced not only as a cloak for weak or unworthy natures; but in an honest endeavour to overcome such evil. Thus the influence of the church and the missionaries fell away, except where they were known by their personal practice of the principles they taught. Gratitude was an outstanding feature of the old time Maori nature; but like the mutual love of man and maid; father and mother, parent and child, too sacred for words. This silent worship of • their three great spirits, Rangi, god of the sky, Rongo, prjnce of peace, and Tane, father of all, was ever silent. So real indeed was this silent tribute to their gods or their earthly benefactors, that not only was it never spoken but there is no word in the language to signify thanks or gratitude. When making grace before a meal, the missionaries had to use the Fijian word “Whetai” for thankful. As the missionaries were to busy for ordinary labour,. the Maori believed that work and worship were incompatible. Their ancient proverb “He orate Mahi” .(work is life) is now obsolete.