MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 July 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

LANGUAGE AND WORSHIP. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) Even as early as 1854 the unique simplicity of the Maori language was shown by the letter of a mature man. who had less than a year’s lesson in the art of writing. It was so new to them that the word “tuhituhi” (write) had to be coined from “tuitui” (weaving a mat) from a similar motion of the hand. Paper became “pukapuka” (an attempt to say “book”). “Korero pukapuka” (a speaking book) was adopted for “reading.” The letter referred to was translated. “Here in Auckland are thousands of white people and one Magistrate. When a dispute about property occurs, they do not all stop work and become judges (as we do). The disputed question is referred to the Magistrate whose decision was final." In those early years the Maoris as landlords had no sense of inferiority. They were the owners as well as the tillers of the soil by which man lives —the whites were mere mechanics, inahi pononga (slave’s work) who indulged in waipiro (evil smelling liquid) to delude them with the idea of being superiors. We then made a decision which was fatal to the Maori. We sought to teach them our complicated language and theology instead of learning their ideal language, through which alone we could gain mutual understanding and appreciation of their nature worship, wherein they paid unconscious tribute to the unseen and unknown Architect of the Universe by worshipping all things created by Him. Their silent wordless adoration, akin to the true love of father and mother, parent and child, was direced to the Wairua (spirit) of the sky, the earth, the land, the sea, according to tneir urgent need. Their worship was akin to the spirit of giving, rather than as a supplication.