MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1939, Page 11

MAORI MEMORIES

RESULTS OF MURU. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) This law of Muru had the effect of converting all "personal” property into communal ownership. Each man was proud of his belongings, yet gratified and complimented by the strength of the Muru party that came to claim compensation for the accident which had deprived a family or a tribe of some actual or potential value. These parties were comprised of skilled spearmen, and with the clash of weapons in the mock battle, the attack and defence appeared to a Pakeha as most dangerous, yet all that was aimed at was to draw a spot of blood 'from the unwitting offender, when a ■peaceful submission was given. , It may happen that a pioneer settler lighted a fire at the foot of a tree, on his own property, to boil his billy, when one of his Maori workmen discovers that his grandfather’s bones had once rested in its branches. Thus figuratively. the fire had “roasted his Tupuna” (ancestor) and must be met by Muru (compensation. Rarely indeed did Kohuru (murder) occur between members of their own or other tribes. When it did, punishment seldom followed. If Muru could not be proved, the family or tribe claimed the right of reproof, thus avoiding wars. The law of Utu was generally accepted. In the early days when a Maori, for real or fancied injury, killed a white man his tribe reviewed the motive, and the method of reprisal, so when the Government asked for his surrender they might refuse, and the matter ended.