MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 May 1939, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) SOME EARLY IMPRESSIONS. The primitive Maori had no idea of weights and measures in pounds and ounces, feet and inches, only by comparison with the Weight of his own body or that of an eel, artd the length of an arm or a finger. With the early ships arriving at the Bay of Islands the main consideration was to “purchase” a pakeha, not as a slave, but as a friend and partner, who would assist first of all in procuring “pu” and “tupara” (muskets and two barrel shot guns). The standard of value being the weight of the Maori buyer in any kind of his products, or so many arm’s length of land, in exchange for a pakeha friend, or his weight in guns. A second-rate pakeha without tango (property) or mana (influence) would have the same value as his weight in tomahawks, or two arm’s lengths of steel fish-hooks.

The first demand of every Maori chief was muskets and gunpowder, which to them was the most miraculous power on earth, and the only alternative to extermination by rival tribes.

Before any of our folks had abused the kindly hospitality of these simple, natural Maori people, their .attitude towards these manuhiri pakeha (white guests) was that of the greatest friendliness.

An evil reputation was spread abroad concerning their cannibal feasts. These were purely and honestly religious ceremonies akin to our own ancient belief in the sacrifice of someone near and dear to us.

To approach a gesticulating crowd of many hundred “savages” on an unknown shore, thousands of miles from anywhere, required a degree of British courage seldom experienced. Those early pioneers, though trembling with fear, assumed the appearance of courage and were accordingly treated with kindness and honour.