MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 April 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

SUSPICIOUS TRAVELLERS. (Recorded by J.H.S. for the “Times-Age.") Two explorers who visited the "Forbidden Land" (Whenna wliakakorc) at Ruakaka were looked upon will) grave suspicion, by the Maoris who had recently joined the new religion—the Hao Han. After an hour of silent embarrassment, the Maori dogs and even the village pigs rubbed their flea-bitten shoulders against the visitors' weary knees, as a token of fellowship. The chief’s wife at once came into tho circle, waving her bare arms around her jet-black hairy head, shouting loudly: "Haeremai, mamihiri Pakeha. hia kai" ("Welcome, hungry visitors, to our bed and board.)) Here we find the appreciation and silent worship bestowed upon the animals introduced by their enemy the pakeha. who sought to rob them of (heir two greatest treasures —women and land. Dogs, pigs, shoe].), horses and cattle wore at first named by the Maoris "Kiori nui" (huge rats), their only four-legged animals. Many health authorities wonder how the Maori people maintained almost universal health and attained longevity without milk, apples or stone fruits. to which we attribute such virtues. The two visitors then learned from the chief's wife why they had at first been regarded with such suspicion, fl was shortly after the mysterious murder of Mr IVlofl'att. the pakeha gold seeker in the Kaimanawa Ranges. Gold to lhe Maori was of no value, and had not even a Maori name. So prospectors tkai kimi) were thought to be. like all travellers, merely land seekers in disguise.