MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 October 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

AN INJUSTICE.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Just 100 years ago the New Zealand Land Company acquired the right to purchase lands from any Maori tribes who were willing to sell. This privilege they exercised discreetly and with due caution as to the ownership under Maori custom. '

Ten years later the New Zealand Government acquired this right from the Company. Sir George Grey’s intimate and almost magical knowledge of the Maori unwritten land laws enabled him to maintain a just observance of the Treaty.

Another nine years elapsed when Governor Gore Browne, equally sincere, but lacking that personal magnetism which lays in the voice of one who speaks without the aid of an interpreter (Kai whaka Maori), made a good impression when he said: “Sell only such land as you cannot use. We will not purchase any land with a doubtful title, neither will I take any man’s land without his consent.” Teira offered the Waitara block for sale to the Governor when Wi Kingi, speaking on behalf of his tribe, who occupied the land, said: “It is ours, we will not give it up, never, never, never” (Korerawa, Korerawa, Korerawa). Possession of this land was so desirable that the land agent advanced £ 100 to Teira with a promise to pay the balance when the dispute was settled. On April 25, 1859, Kingi wrote to the Governor: “We will never sell our bedroom —the whole tribe sleep in it. Do not pay money, your loving friend, Wiremu Kingi.” Today the .descendants bitterly and in sorrow regret the unjust act.