MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1939, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

GOD'S MAIDENS. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The Maids of Maori worship formed a most important part of their ideal religion. Among them Hine-Maunga (Maid of the Mountains) was the Queen. Then followed Hine-Ngahere (Maid of the Forest), Hine Moana (Maid of the Ocean), Hine Pukohu (Maid of the Mist), and a number of others to whom were offered silent adoration akin to our own love for a chosen one.

There were also Hine Uira (Maid of Lightning), Hine Whatatiri (Maid of Thunder), and others to be guarded against by those loving maids. To each one there was a special incantation of poetic beauty extending to great lengths and embracing the main features of our own hymns to the Creator. The most familiar of them was that to their Queen Maiden, Hine Maunga, from which a portion is herp given:— "I feel your lifeless forces, 1 hear your silent speech That wise men told in days of old. Quaint lore the gods did teach. O! Brave old Taranaki O! Green old Hine Maunga Old mountain strong and wise. Give sight to sightless eyes. Down through the changing ages Your faithful service grew Onward through countless aeons Loyal you were and true, Until across the pathless seas Where palm clad islets lie, You saw cold Kupe’s seaworn craft Break through the hanging sky. So let me strive to hold my task, Ere yet the lessons fade, We owe to Hine Maunga The steadfast mountain maid. Sing me. O Hine Maunga. Your wondrous service song. That I. too, may be faithful. That I. too, may be strong.