MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 November 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

CUSTOM AND COURTESIES. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Proud as any British noble of his. lineage, the Maori Whaka papa (the line of his descent) was his most precious memorised record. Equally satisfied that the God of the sky had conferred upon him the distinction of colour to protect him from the sun or the biting winter winds, the Maori pitied the poor pale faced Pakeha, and laughed derisively at the. white creatures who spoke pityingly of the colour bar. Customs of the Tau hou (new" comers) who were received with the courtesies due to them as Manuhiri (guests) were frequently objectionable to the Maoris, who were, however, careful to I disguise their displeasure. The sacred nature of all things concerning food and drink was a marked feature with the Maori and whether as host or guest, his appreciation was shown by an indrawing of liquid with audible sounds. Fish and birds were held in both hands, and Ngau (chewed) with obvious relish. The Pakeha silence lacked this courteous acknowledgement of his host’s bounty. In Maori domestic service each hue (gourd) was made Tapu (sacred) to one purpose. A white woman broke that strict observance with her pots and dishes by cooking and serving all kinds of food from the same article. Still more degrading was the fact, due no doubt to the scarcity of utensils in the early days, that the housewife washed her dishes and her baby in the same enamel basin —a deadly breach of the sacred law of Tapu.