MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 November 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

A ROYAL MARRIAGE, 1857.

(Recorded by J.H.S., o£ Palmerston North, for the "Times-Age.”) Among the speeches made by the Maori chiefs in 1857 in favour of appointing a Maori king, were some which convinced our authorities that these primitive people had a rare gift of expression. Before an audience of 2000, including 25 white men, there were ten Maoris who spoke eloquently on the subject for which they had assembled. One full day was given to feasting on great supplies of food cooking in the umu (earth ovens), round which the crotvd were seated in the sun, all the men smoking torore (Maori tobacco), of which lOOOlbs. were consumed. Sunday was given to worship under Christian form; then 12 hours on Monday for advocating kingship. The Governor and the Sovereign-elect were the guests of honour. Strict attention and dead silence reigned throughout the day. Flags bore the symbol of Christianity, and the words, “Potatau, King of New Zealand.” A compact universally agreed upon was that never again should there be tribal wars.

Paora said: “Israel was God’s people. They had a King. Why should any nation not have a King if they wish? The Gospel, says: ‘Honour the King: love the brotherhood.’ Why should the Queen be angry? Our friendship will be assured. The Governor does not stop murder and fights—the King will do that. Let us grow with the pakeha. New Zealand is ours. We love it.”

Heuheu of Taupo made the only discordant speech, enumerating many causes of the quarrel between Maori and pakeha, indignities shown to chiefs by low orders in town, women ruined, men made drunk, and chiefs insulted. He was promptly stopped, and sat down. Others followed, and the King’s flag with the Queen’s were hoisted with the cry, “Our King marries your Queen.”