MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 September 1938, Page 11

MAORI MEMORIES

BLOOD TRANSFUSION. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The amalgamated “Euromaori”. is almost exclusively due to the marriage of white men and Maori women. In the few cases of white women and Maori men, the mental development of the offspring is even more marked. The physical improvement is equally developed. One interesting result is that while no pure Maori ever had blue eyes, the majority of half-castes have them. Those qualified ot speak with authority on the subject say that, with regard to physical fitness and appearance, the result of such unions is that the type of the less numerous is lost in that of the greater number. The Franks and the Normans did not materially alter the character or appearance of the English people, with whom they were assimilated. As the Europeans far outnumber the Maoris here, the Maori features will disappear from the progeny of their union, though traces of their blood will occasionally crop up after many generations. From past experience of such admixture of two races, we may look for striking development of brain power in the future as the result of such transfusions. Noble Virginian families are even now proud to trace a connection with the aboriginal tribes of their adopted land. This same pride will yet justify itself in Maoriland, when leaders in art, science and invention will yet boast of their inheritance in the blood of Hongi, Potatau, Rauparaha, Heke, Rangihaeta, or even the wronged and naturally revengeful Te Kooti. One authority on the subject predicted that the illustrious Gibbons hope will be realised when the Hume of the South will arise from among the cannibal race of New Zealand.