MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 March 1939, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

MONEY IS THE ROOT OF WAR. (Recorded by J.H.S. for ■‘Times-Age.’’) The two most powerful chiefs, Rewi and Tamihana, though holding opposite views as to the purpose and policy of their King, were equally loyal. Tamihana wished to have a paternal sovereign to make just laws for all to obey, and to oppose the encroachment of the pakeha passively, leaving them no pretext for war. Rewi objected to the King in time of peace having authority over any member of the all-powerful Manaiapoto tribe. Yet as the head of the tribes against the intrusion of their, common enemy, the pakeha, he and Tamihana were devoted allies.

Rewi became the most popular leader, and all New Zealand tribes supported his policy of military opposition. Every Maori realised the advantage of one powerful tribe assum-, ing the offensive, while all others remained strictly neutral (in appearance). This guarded them against attack and would enable them to supply all necessary food, arms and recruits in secrecy to their, fighting allies, without discovery. The Chiefs realised for the first time that money, a new element in their lives, upon which they had bestowed the familiar name “utu” (reprisal or satisfaction) was the source from which the pakeha got all his power. So the King’s Council devised schemes by which their Treasury might rival the Queen's hoarded fortune. River crossings for passengers by canoe for Maoris and pakehas at Is were established at over 40 places, and the Hawke’s Bay ferries alone soon paid to the King’s Treasurer £3OO. A toll on mail carriers was another source of wealth.