MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 August 1940, Page 8

MAORI MEMORIES

FAMILY AND TRIBAL LIFE. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.’’) The almost constant, warfare between tribes, like Hitler's desire to dominate the countries of the world, brought the members of each family and each tribe into an ideal fellowship in work, worship and recreation. Every person had the instinct of mutual help and protection. Jealousy (Tupato) was rare, and generally ended in death by a blow on the back of the skull. It unjustified if the offence were a breach of the sacred law of Tangohanga (taking) which was their only marriage ceremony. The Maoris were necessarily and by nature a most industrious people, the men, both slaves (pononga) and gentry (rangatira), working ’ together in perfect accord, building, digging fern root (aruhe), fishing, etc. The women cooked food, made mats and baskets, cultivated kumera and taiawa patches, and taught the children these arts, their only schooling. In manner and speech they were courteous and considerate. Rudeness ci' even contradiction was regarded as a mark of inferiority. Guests were received with songs and dancing, treated hospitably and presented with ample food for their outward journey. Their lavish generosity and sacrifice to their guests, though strangers, was the greatest pleasure of life. Giving every scrap of food and pretending there was plenty more was a common practice. The men and women loved all children, who seemed to be tribal property, and were regarded as the future warriors and guardians of their race. Parents seldom punished their children, lest they should in turn be punished by the tribe. It was essential that future warriors, fathers and mothers should grow up bold and independent.