MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1939, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

TAP'J TONHUNGA. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The priestly power was a different form of faith, even more sacred than that to which I have referred. It was specially derided by the Pakeha because the missionaries condemned it as of the Devil. Here it is interesting to note that in the early days a Maori who had studied foreign languages under clerical tuition, caused consternation in orthodox circles by ridiculing the prevalent belief in a personal devil or a personal god. These two ideas he declared had their origin in the words “d’evil” and “good.” He was condemned by both Maoris and missionaries. Instances of the firm belief in the Tapu Tohunga occur frequently. A young chief had a quarrel with his people and joined another tribe, saying he would never return. His friends in great distress appealed to the Tohunga, who in the dark invoked a familiar spirit. In a hollow whistling sound as from a high elevation there came in response to the priestly appeal the words “He will return, yet he will not return.” No one understood. yet all agreed it would turn out to be true. Months later some relatives went out to persuade him. They found him dying, and carried his dead body home. So it was true. Another instance of credulity and belief in the Tohunga was fully demonstrated in 1860. A small but brave war party consulted the Tohunga as to whether a proposed raid would succeed. In the dark came the whistling voice “A desolate country” several times repeated. Thus encouraged they went out hopefully; but were exterminated. The remnant of the tribe was so weakened that they lost their lands and their tribal rights. It was their own country that became “desolate.” Their faith in the Oracle was stronger than ever.