MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 October 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

INGOA (NAMES.)

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.’’)

In (he Native Land Court, inquiries as to the ownership and tribal relations of claimants to certain territories were prolonged for many months by the want of permanent surnames iii persons or families, making identity a matter of chance. In the published report of a case which entailed proof of this nature, it was decided after eight days’ argument that Rangiriri was the sole survivor and rightful owner of a valuable area of 800 acres on the bank of the Rangitikei River. The main point of evidence was that shortly after his birth the father and mother quarrelled over the name to be given to their first born After heated argument they compromised and agreed upon Rangirir (Day of Anger). Many names which to a Pakeha would be a source of reproach or offence, were a matter of distinction, pride or humour to the owners. Puku Hiakai (hungry belly) to a thirsty infant, Ngutu Kaka (parrot beak) for a Roman nose, Waewae Whana (a kicker), and other names such as we bestow upon dogs, working bullocks or horses were given at random. In the last century, tribal and family pride have cause the Maori to readily adopt the white man’s system of permanent surnames. Their only objection is that we demean our women by robbing them of their illustrious and often highly honourable parents’ names. Names of friends and even of enemies were carefully preserved by the Maori warriors, for the glory of defeating an enemy of high fame and name is thereby increased ten fold.