MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 August 1939, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

THE MAORIS’ WORST ENEMY. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) In the early days of Hawke’s Bay, Ahu rir (the flood bank) was the strategic centre of defence against the threats of attack by wandering tribes who were really in search of arms by “peaceful” means, akin to the reports of German “adoption” today. A powerful tribe under Rangi Hiroa made frequent visits to the little town, always pleading friendship until maddened by drink, when the brain unused to its stimulus, proclaimed their real purpose. Te Ua (the spine) was the inspired prophet of the new religion “Hau hau. pai mariri,” a pretence of peaceful intent. He was the first advocate of total abstinence in this country, his motive being mental and physical strength to exterminate the white invaders. Those addicted to liquor and their suppliers boasted gleefully that their “moral strength” against Te Ua’s prohibition enmity alone saved the white folk’s lives.

Makarini (Sir Donald McLean), a typical Highland gentleman, Maori linguist, and a physical giant, was regarded both by the Maoris and the whites as the saviour of the country.

Upon a cantankerous Maori chief being arrested for drunkenness, and imprisoned for fourteen days, the Maoris numbering four to every single white man, threatened to burn the hotel and kill the publican "because he, not his victim, was the cause of the disgrace.” Sir Donald’s tactful inter-* vention saved the massacre of every white man, woman and child in Ahuriri.