MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 November 1939, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

ELOQUENT SILENCE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The marvel of the Maori mind to comprehend the inner meaning of subtlety and allegory in which the literal words are not used, is a source of admiration to every linguist who is fortunate enough to have acquired the rare gift of knowing their language. Here is a true and unique love story of a Maori maid, E Hine, told by her fortunate winner: —“My father fell over a cl iff after losing his manhood, and all his possessions through the curse of drink. I joined a whaling party and the others in their rum parties. The liquor habit got us body and soul., Our station was near the Pa. and as I was the son of a noted warrior, the crew were always welcomed. E Hine and I fell in love; but instinct told her to delay consent each realising that the other knew the reason without words. Her parents knew and urged delay ‘in order that my pedigree should be traced'! I asked the girl to trust me for six moons then to answer me truly. “Yes." she said, “if you will but quit that awful habit." The matter was referred to her parents who agreed to the terms. In my excitement I went* straight to the hidden store of Wai piro. drank freely and before the fumes entered my head, smashed every bottle full or empty. For two days and nights 1 was a beast, Then for' six moons 1 fought like a man. and she helped me. I conquered the taste, paid every debt, and laid a little pile of gold in her hand. Now 1 am a man for the first time in ten gross years. Her silent help saved me from that Pakeha everlasting lire.”