MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 March 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

HAU—-HAU—PAI MARIRE.

(Recorded by J.H.S. lor the “Times-Age. ’)

Te Hau (the wind) a native chief founded a “religious” movement named “Hau hau” (brisk, cool, active), the object of which was like Hitler’s, personal glory (or infamy), and territorial conquest. The lands over which he then ruled had come under his domination by a terrible series of massacres with British guns bought from foreign traders.

Hau’s followers were taught to chant in unison with soft musical tones “Hau-hau-pai Mature —Hau. hau, pai Marire —Hau!”, the last Hau in loud guttural voice. meaning a deceptive "Blow, blow, ye gentle winds of Heaven" twice repeated, followed by the imperative "Charge!” Under the shadow of fiery Tongariro and Ngaurtihoe volcanoes, Hau's personal greeting was regarded by the few white men who were permitted to meet him. as akin to that of "The very Devil himself emerging from the flames and smoke of Hell lire then seen at the summit of our only two burning mountains."

From its level base encircled by extinct cones at some distance, the graceful tapering form of Tongariro rises 3,000 feet above the sea. Unlike most active or defunct volcanic mountains, it is of perfect symmetry, apparently formed for thousands of years by particles of scoria gradually poured out on all sides.

This was the emblem and the reputed homo of the savage conqueror Nau.