MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 January 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

AN EARLY KIRI MA (WHITE SKIN.? (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) In the autumn of 1816 a white man of obscure origin named John Rutherford, who had been treated most generously by the Maoris for ten years, managed to make his escape from Hauraki on an American trading brig. Rutherford’s body was tattooed most elaborately in a pattern quite unknown to the Maoris, probably in the Pacific Islands. His face, however'. was distinctly Moko of true Maori origin with the significant meaning of each curve and parallel lines, no two of which crossed. There is no record of where and by whom this was done, but its protective purpose wsa achieved, for he appeared to be regarded as a man of rank among them. His mechanical skill was of great value to the Maoris. 'The appearance of the little vessel's sails in the distance caused much curiosity and anxiety among the Maoris who had learned fr.om Rutherford that the white man could kill a man at seventy tupeke (jumps) distance by merely pointing a straight stick and directing a flash of uira (lightning) followed by a sharp sound of whatatiri (thunder). This so alarmed them that Rutherford persuaded them to let him go on board with a white flag as a karere marie (messenger of peace) when he warned the captain not to land, thus making his own escape to Apia. Nothing more than that he married a native woman there was heard of him. His end was as obscure as his beginning.