MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 January 1939, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

mana whenua.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

When a chief discovered and lit his fire on a piece of land suitable for cultivation and occupation he conferred upon it the title named "Mana" which meant ‘’trustee,” “sacred,” or “for them." The final and even more effective title "Ahi Ka Roa" (keeping a fire alight) proved that it was really being used. Fire could be kindled only by the tedious process of friction. Its non-extinction for ton moons by means of the ashes, especially in the rainy season, was not easy.

This, however, gave the chief's claim finality or Tika, so that he could appropriate portions to families or the tribe as he thought just.

Tangata Ke (strange interlopers) tried to take possession, like “jumping” the claim of a gold digger, but even strange tribes would help to defeat their purpose.

Boys succeeded to their father's family land, girls to their mother's. If a girl marries a man of another tribe she loses the rights in her mother’s land and kinship, thus also,becoming a Tangata Ke. Thus the proverb Taere atu te wahine, haere maro kore —(When a woman departs, she goes naked). Should the uncles of her children seek their adoption the tribal rights may be restored. If their father dies, the widow may be similarly reinstated. When peace was made between two warring tribes, the stronger generously handed over its rights in a proportion of its tribal lands, and in token of Pono (good faith).