MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

THE GREAT PEACEMAKER.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Ahuriri (The Stop Bank), since named Napier, narrowly escaped a calamity in the early years; worse even than the recent earthquake which has no parallel in New Zealand. A quarrel between two chiefs, Hapuku (the cod fish) and Moana nui (the great ocean), concerning the ownership of land (whenua), led to very serious differences, which threatened to result in bloodshed. The few Pakeha settlers would have been involved, and as the Maoris numbered ten to one, we would have suffered extinction.

Te Makarini (Douglas McLean), afterward Sir Douglas, intervened. He was held in high estimation by Pakehas and rival Maori tribes for his kindly geniality. Over six feet, and of Herculean stature, gentle as a kindly woman, yet firm decision was written on his massive brow.

The Maoris, under their ferocious old chief, Te Rang! Hiroa, grandsire of Dr. Buck, were in the village under the pretence of buying blankets and food, but their secret mission was to induce the friendly tribes to adopt the new Ilau Hau religion. » As usual with these simple people, they were easily induced to accept what they called the “hospital” of the public houses, where free food was available so long as they ordered rum and paid for it. This liquid' (waipiro) was dispensed night and day. Seeing even their rangatira and tohunga (chiefs and priests) under violation of their sacred law of tapu with handcuffs on, they resolved to throw every barrel of liquor and every white man into the sea, and watch the latter drown. Only Sir Donald McLean’s wisdom and knowledge of Maori language, character, law and custom averted what might have been a terrible tragedy.