MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 December 1938, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

“LAND IS A LIVING THING.” (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) He Wahine, he oneone (Woman and Land) were the two inseparable subjects in Maori discussions —each the equivalent of the other. To every Maori, the land was esteemed not only above every material object, but in a spiritual sense, for “The Land is a living thing.” Thus in coupling their women with it they paid her a high compliment. Their Take or titles to land were' eight:—(l) Mana (moral force). In this, assurance played a material part. (2) Kite hou (discovery and occupation) was akin to our proverb concerning the early bird. (3) Raupatu (conquest). Here, might was right, and right was might. (41 Ririga toa (the strong right hand) reminds one of a burglar’s right. (5) Ahi Ka Roa (keep the home-fire burning). Fire was produced by friction, and to keep it going for ten moon; in gale and rain was a problem. (6) Tuku (handed over) either for service rendered or as a penalty for infidelity or murder. '7) Koha (gift, marriage dowry, or adoption) but only in case of blood relations. (3) Take Tupuna (ancestral rights). These continued frcm cne generation to another throughout the centuries.

Of These eight titles, each prevails in the order given, Mana (moral force) is pre-eminent, and Maori tenure is not so subject to sweeping changes by Raupatu as we think. A Government map dated 1869 shows that the principal tribes have occupied their original territories from. 14 to 30 generations. So now we may just begin to realise what a demoralising influence we brought with our 9th title of Hoko (purchase) for this, lheir “Symbol of Immortal Lite.”