MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 May 1939, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

PEACE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The previous “Memory” was of expectation, this one of apprehension. The scouts reported a great ope (army) a day’s march away. ; Preparation for defence and counter-attack must be perfect, but not apparent, as that would be an obvious offence to possible guests. Over 200 fat pigs were tethered outside the forts, and a huge shelter built of nikau palm fronds indicated a welcome. All this was carefully covered by hidden defences. With the first signs of stealthy approach, the pigs gave the signal for the great wooden tetere (trumpet) to sound a welcome. The combined chorus of dogs, pigs, women and children howled and screamed to its accompaniment. From the forest, half a mile distant, across the open tahora (plain), counties hordes of men dressed only in then cartridge belts .came forward in perfect squares, each far enough apart to permit jumping, contorting his body and limbs, and grimacing like baboons. No one could possibly tell whether it meant peace or war until their kai arahi (leader)' spoke the word after a thrilling silence of seventy breaths (whitu te kau manawa), during which even the noisy animals realised the tense atmosphere and were silent in sympathy. Then from their leader came the clear ringing sound, “Ka hohou te rangi” (to make peace). At once from the women, discreetly dressed, came the musical cries in perfect unison. “Haere mai, haere mai, aku manuhiri” (“Come, come, our welcome guest”) • Both sides had fallen to their knees to hear the verdict of peace or war. They sprang to their feet, and each one embraced with the true sign of friendship, the hongi (pressing noses together).