MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 January 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

LAND SALES.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

The first causes and the only reasons for the Maori revolt against their hitherto most welcome Manuhiri (guests) were the ••purchase" of their land, a word for which their language had no meaning; and the supply of liquor on the false statement that it gave health, strength and wisdom; for the sake of which the Maori overcame his dislike for the waipiro (evil smelling water), and even administered it to their children.

The origin of the Maori King movement was that he should hold their lands on trust, and not permit their transfer to the Queen of the visitors. In the early days no Maori could realise the meaning of sale or purchase of land. The person who by permission occupied a portion of the family or tribal land was "My Pakeha” or “Our Pakeha.” He traded with them by exchange of commodities, supplied guns, and helped to defend them against tribal enemies. In fact next to their beloved land, he was their most valued “possession.” With the increasing population and the advent of the Native Land Purchase Board, the Maori attitude was reversed. They were willing to part with portions of their land on the condition of civilisation and complete equality. Colonial revenue was mainly derived from buying Maori land at sixpence an acre, and selling it at 10s. The purchase of Maori land was the sole right of the Government. From 1850 to 1861, 6,000,000 acres were thus bought at an average price of 6jd per acre. The law of Tapu (sacred or forbidben) was cunningly invoked to gain universal objection to sale by every tribe, in this way The bones of an ancestor were secretly buried on each plot.