MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 December 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

INTERMINGLE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) Whether the restrictions imposed upon the Maoris (and half-castes) in regard to the sale of their lands and the consumption of liquor still apply to half-castes I do not know, but I well remember an instance where a young woman, whose mother was a Maori, and her hostess, who had offered her a glass of home-made wine, were prosecuted for a breach of law. A half-caste lady, well educated, dressed in excellent taste, and perfect in manner, was refused admission at the Rangitikei Hotel in 1878, because her lips bore the tattoo marks of her Tupuna Rangatira (noble ancestor). Our half or quarter caste, man for man, woman for woman, given fair opportunities for education and social amenities, is our superior in intellect, manner and form. This is how the God of Nature restores the physical, mental, and moral degeneracy of an inbred race If today Charles Darwin was a personality in New Zealand, his Mana (influence) would inspire every white man and woman to educate the children of the greatest aboriginal race in the world in order to provide wives and husbands for their own families, who would in turn produce a race of gods and godesses akin to those ancient philosophers, poets, and artists of Grecian and Roman history. These little islands, separated by thousands of miles from other lines of descent require fresh blends at least once in every few hundred years. Will wc embrace this rare chance ere yet too late?