MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 February 1940, Page 10

MAORI MEMORIES

MAORI MAIDENS IN LOVE. (Recorded by J.H.S. for "iimes-Age”) In a Native Land Court action, where two sisters claimed a valuable block of country, the-facts elicited by evidence"at the trial proved that Tupato (jealousy’), a word regarded Os Tapu (forbidden), was common among the Maori people, who, however, regarded it as a Whakarikarika (disgrace) and never mentioned it. The land was. named Waitatari (the waiting spring) because of a famous spring of pure drinking water. The claimants were two young women, both strikingly handsome and prospective heiresses. Both had been reserved from birth as Puhi (betrothed) to some suitable men to be nominated by’ the Chief. "? Many young chiefs'sought. their favour and that of their chief, but were not bold enough to make advances. A Wairarapa chief, Rautoroa (plume of the albatross) decided to make the long and dangerous journey through enemy country and seek the hand and heart of Rehutai (sea mist) or Tangimoana (murmur of the ocean). After the long adventurous journey lie came near their beautiful whare with his slave, who carried gifts including sweet scented Kakara or oil extracts from titoki berries and mokimoki fern. Both lost their hearts to the handsome lad; but he could not make choice from two of equal charms. Neither girl would permit the other to see him alone, until by subterfuge Tangimoana succeeded. By Maori custom ’tis the woman who proclaims her choice, and when Rehutai--returned>she found they had married by Whakaae (consent) according to Maori Taw. Rehutai generously disappeared, leaving word that the Fairies had carried her to the mountains. . . .J.._ —....