MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 February 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

MAORI BY ADOPTION.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) In the early years the missionaries met a light-complexioned man, aged 23, who, unlike his oily brother-chiefs, was clean and had a dark but clear skin, without the universal moko (tattoo). His European manner disclosed a distinct difference. His hair, well combed, was tied in a knot on the crown of his head and adorned with a sacred huia feather, worn only by the chiefs. His ears were punctured, and in them were the snow-white downy feathers of a sea bird. His shoulder mat was Maori, but adorned on the margin with foreign rainbow colours. Pie was armed with a musket, and had the dignity of an officer.

Having known the missionaries in New South Wales when a lad of 15, he came with his Maori lady to meet them on board, and gave them every assistance in their intercourse with the Maoris. He had not forgotten the English language, but had not used it for over seven years.

He told of having fought with his adopted tribe in many tribal battles, but had never indulged in the superstitious practices regarding the law of utu (retribution).

This man and the Hindu previously referred to paid a visit to the Bay of Islands mission station in 1827, the Hindu bringing his son, a bright lad 12 years of age. There were many examples of such estrangements which governed the habits of cultured men, but our women were not known to indulge in these adventures.