MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 January 1940, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

TEKA (FALSITY). (Recorded by J.H.S. tor “Times-Age.”) In 1820, in the Northern district, a serious crisis between two tribes threatened war concerning the alleged seduction of one of the several wives of the chief Waitea. Hinau. another chief, being the accused. The two parties, men. women and children, assembled at 9 a.m., separated by a line of 10 feet. An ancient warrior, brandishing his long matia (spear), quivering in his right hand, jumping and running like a young athlete, dramatised the case for the defence of the allegedly guilty pair. Another defender, mere (stone weapon) in hand, spoke eloquently, his graceful maner and logical argument creating an impression on both sides. Not a sound of approval or otherwise came from either side of the green lane.

Conciliatory measures ended in a good-natured sham fight, when Waitea. the plaintiff, presented a full basket of "tamahu riwai” (season's first new potatoes) to Hinau. These two principals handled the vital question at issue, life and disgrace to one, death and infamy to the other, more mildly and in good nautre than their advocates.

Waitea’s three wives here sought to confirm the mediation, and incidentally to completely exonerate the unnamed wife and the other two.

Their attitude was naturally forbearing and considerate, though such charges almost invariably ended in death and utter disgrace to the man and woman concerned.

Every Maori, the women especially, strongly condemned the pakeha attitude, wherein we ostracise the woman offender and condone the aggressor man.