MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 March 1939, Page 5

MAORI MEMORIES

“KINGSLAND.” (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The cause of difference between the Maori and the white Manuhiri. (welcome guests) was that of the Europeans, where occupation gradually assumes the idea of ownership . As we had better arms, so we endeavoured to control the destinies of our hosts. The Maori King’s subjects believed that every favour offered by Sir George Grey was an attempt to suppress the King’s growing authority, especially among the young Maoris. They stated 'the causes of discord as: (1) The unt just war in Taranaki. (2) The attempts to bribe lhe Maori King's subjects from their allegiance. (3) The threat to pm down the Peaceful King movement by force of arms. They felt that we should at least leave them alone unless their genuine attempt to follow our own example of peaceful self-government failed. . , . Though weak and inexperienced in the details of domestic affairs, their definite aim was to prevent the encroachment of the Pakeha on the comparatively small portion of their unsolc land, the Waikato. Every tribe Ihrougm out Waikato supported the King party in that objective. Their only differences were in details. When Reihana was asked to send Ins 50 young troopers to stop the Pakeha gold diggers at Coromandel, he said: ‘‘My soldiers look after our King, let Coromandel care for its own gold. A Kawhia chief was ordered by the King’s Runanga to dismiss one of his two wives. He threatened to join Governor Grey, and the Queen’s party, so the order was cancelled. All Maori people prefer agreement to compulsion.