MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 November 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

TWO GOVERNORS WANTED. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) A great feast was held to consider the question of better conditions. Wi Tamihana explained how the runanga had seized three kegs of rum consigned to a Maori village, and put them in charge of the vessel's owner. He had asked Sir George whether the seizure was legal. The reply was: “Yes, and the Government wished to help the Maoris in this respect.” Tamihana replied that he had long since besought the Government in this matter, but nothing was done. He was therefore about to set up a Maori control. “If a weka once escapes from a snare he is never caught again.” Ti Oriori said the Queen’s Government was treating the Maoris like the ruru (owls), dangling something before them and slipping a noose over their necks from behind. It was then definitely decided that if the Governor would recognise their king as a loyal ally, and recognise their national flag flying beside or even below the Union Jack, all other matters would be easily adjusted. Sir George Grey made an eloquent appeal in their own language, asking every honest Maori man to restore everything of value taken in their raids upon settlers’ houses or in villages. He also urged them in their own and our interests to consent and assist in making roads to enable them and us to cultivate and convey to the market many products. “While your king obeys the law, well and good; if not, then he, like any of us, must be punished,” he said. This in no way satisfied the Maori request that their king should be given the same influence as the Governor, or, failing that, the authority of a Minister of the Crown. They decided that Sir George’s demand meant war.