MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 August 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

MAORI RANK. (Recorded by J.H.S.. o£ Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) Maori children of tender age or old folks could repeat Maori titles in their sequence. All grades and titles of men and women were therefore known and honoured. Ariki (a priest)-com-bined the practical knowledge and handcraft with the manners and methods of a Rangatira (gentleman), practising and teaching both. He was a teacher rather than a preacher, ranking with our titled men. With the potent influence of “Tapu.” a word of greater significance in the language and life of the Maori than any Pakeha volume, their loyalty to the Ariki and obedience to his law was universal. The eldest son. of the eldest son or daughter, or the eldest daughter of either were both named “Tuakana” while the youngest son or daughter were known as “Teina.” This appeared to accord a similar rank to brother and sister. In every rank or position of life the eldest son or daughter for many generations held place next to the Ariki. Even in the rank of men of honour or maids of honour, right down to the Pononga (slaves) this law of primogeniture was strictly observed. In the Native Land Courts, licensed interpreters had to acquire a complete knowledge, not only' of the Maori language, but of the intricacies of descent and customs in regard to their many land titles; otherwise he would incur the open ridicule of rival claimants including his own clients.