MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 October 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

* A CONTRACT. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) Realising its value as a means of ■ uniting the races politically, Bishop Selwyn strongly advocated the ap- 5 pointment of Maoris to both Houses. Mock Parliaments were held in every Maori Pa, and the speeches of our leading members were cleverly parodied. much to the amusement of both races. The desire for social equality was far too serious to permit caricature. Like their worship, it was too sacred for words, and therefore more dangerous. A- chief whose aptitude was shown by his knowledge of the English language and character declared that \a civilised people who spoke of a dark skinned race as “damned niggers,” merely disclosed the weakness and pretence of its Christian professions. Other critics said Bishop Selwyn, Sir George Grey and a few worthy gentlemen who had studied the Maori language treated the Maoris as equals, whilst the ignorant people judged them by their clothing or the want of it. The Bishop said he felt ashamed to travel with a Maori guide, a groom or a notable chief, because his companian was invariably regarded as an “inferior” and had to sleep in the stable and eat on the kitchen table. Maori hospitality to us contrasted sharply with our behaviour to them When a white traveller or settler came to the pa, he was directed to the best Whare where the chief would feed and water his horse while the chief’s wife made him a cup of tea.

Our few newspapers in the early days spoke disparagingly of the Maoris and were aptly translated to the crowd by a Maori girl who had been educated at the convent.