MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 July 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

KAWANA KEREI. (Recorded by of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) Sir George Grey, who had ruled New Zealand for 8 years, was given permission by the Secretary of State to return to England. His departure was looked upon with genuine regret by the Maoris, who regarded him as one of themselves. This was due first of all to his thorough knowledge of their language, and the consequent insight of character, not even a century later acquired by one in 100,000 of us. From chiefs at a distance and those near our settlements, and from those who fought for or against us, addresses were carried to the Governor breathing a spirit of confidence and affection. Prized heitikis and other ancestral ornaments seldom parted with, were freely given, songs were composed and eloquent speeches delivered. One hundred and seventy Auckland residents invited the Governor to dinner in a room lined with the fronds of Mamaku tree ferns. Among the hosts were the Lord Bishop of New Zealand, and the Superintendent of Wesleyan Missions. Dr Pompallier, the Catholic Bishop, and Chief Justice Martin sent apologies. Others present were Patuone, brother. of Waka Nene, and other great chiefs, also the newly-elected Superintendent and the Speaker of the Provincial Council. On December 31, 1853, Sir George left us. His memory is as actively alive as that of Lord Bledisloe. Maori- and Pakeha still remember Kawana Kerei who captured Ruapekapeka, and subdued Rauparaha, Rangihaeata, and Heke. He endowed schools and hospitals, and prevented the sale of liquor and gunpowder to Maoris. His rare intuition rescued from oblivion many ancient legends and poems of the Maori.