MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1939, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

RAUPARAHA (1770—1849). ' (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Rauparaha, whose name may mean either “the quivering sword” or “the quivering leaf,” was born north of the Mokau River. His ancestors had occupied that country for six centuries, ever since Hoturoa, the chief of the Ngatitoa, had arrived in the historic canoe “Tainui” (the great ocean). Kimihia (the seeker) and Parekowhatu (the stone cliff) were Rauparaha's father and mother. From Hoturoa also was born the ancestors of the great tribes named Ngatiraukawa, Ngati Kowhatu and Manaiapoto.

Their seaport. Kawhia, is one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand, surrounded by semi-tropic forests, valleys and limestone cliffs. Masses of rock at the entrance to the Awaroa River, looking like great castles and towers, reflected in the mirrors of the harbour. The historic mountain Pirongia, near the Waipa Valley, is in full view.

Being placed by his father in charge of a taua (war party) at an early age, Rauparaha’s confidence gave the spirit and belief in his being inspired, which he never lost for one moment until his last breath.

When Hape te Taurangi, a great warrior, died, Rauparaha took his widow Akau, and she became the mother of Tamihana Rauparaha, who in turn attained eminence as a racehorse owner, a warrior, and a preacher of the Gospel. Rauparaha kept in close touch with Te Heuheu, the great leader, who subsequently met his death in a fearful landslide at Te Rapa in 1846, when 50 of his people were buried alive. Seeing the prospect of universal conquest in the possession of guns, Rauparaha offered the pakchas as much as 20 pigs for an old musket. When Marsden brought pigs and potatoes, fowls and corn in 1841. he certainly did not foresee that they would be exchanged for guns and rum, for the depravity and ruin of the whole Maori race. Even the best of our acts seem to have some reflex action.