MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 December 1940, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

FOREIGN FAILURE. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Times-Age.”) The Maori King s revenue was not derived from taxing his subjects, but from a toll of Is per head for service such as carrying passenges across the rivers by canoe, £1 per head for all white men living on the King's territory, and unsolicited gifts from any source. No Pinono (begging) was permitted. In those days money was money, and Government expenditure in Waikato was regarded as very heavy. In 1363 nearly £6,000 was spent there. £1,260 of this being for salaries and pensions io Maoris. None of the King's officers except his bodyguard were paid, so they enjoyed what is most prized, absolute irresponsibility in the pleasure of giving (Homai nomai). All praise but no blame was theirs, service was voluntary, and could cease at will. Little if any hostility was felt against our Kuini Wikitoria, and a proposal to change her name in the Prayer Book to that of Kingi Matutaera was received with scorn. It was. however, difficult for them to say “Amen” after the preacher read aloud the words “and may she vanquish and overcome all her enemies” so that was abandoned. Because the British people knew nothing of the character or the needs of the Maori people, whose interests were absolutely neglected, the Maori King was proclaimed and obeyed. The war in Taranaki assumed a serious phase. Force alone may subdue, but will never reform the Maori race. To this day we have not restored this fine people to their original heritage, nor will we do so till every family has its full quota of the only symbol of immortal life—the land.