MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 March 1941, Page 6

MAORI MEMORIES

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS. (Recorded by J.H.S., of Palmerston North, for the “Tinies-Age.”) The Maoris greatly reverence their well-born women. Slave women are of no account. In the Friendly Islands they exclude all slaves from the Future Life. Maori chiefs not only admit their followers to Heaven, but include their wives there, and here in friendly council. The Maori Andromedes proceed to battle and animate their Hectors by sqngs, shouts and dances. Even the sceptre of tribal rule —the Taiaha—.and the greenstone club, the Mere pounamu, are entrusted to them by their warrior husbands, and used to lead the war dance or the charge. The consideration of the Maori men toward their women, accounts for the comparative admiration of white folk for these people. One of the noble features of these primitive folk in tribal wars, or in fighting against the aggression of the whites, was to proclaim (whaka puaki) certain localities as the only fightingground, and never to attack an enemy found outside that boundary. What a lesson for the "civilised” Germans! The Maori is apt in learning, and in adopting our habit of merry chaff to attain his objective. While awaiting payment of £25.000 for the Manawattl block old Aperahama te Huruhuru (Hairy one) wrote to Dr. Featherston every two’ or three days: “O Patatone, make the price of the land £9,999,999 19s 9d!" They also had a Royal idea of gifts. When the Governor offered £lOO for the caplure of the rebel Chief Heke, dead or alive, Heke's reply was an offer of 100.960 acres of land for Governor Fitzroy’s upoko rahui (potted head). No other savage race changed his dress or maimer for ours. Yet the Maori "King Maker" dressed like an, Englishman, and Kawana Hunia rode in a steeplechase dressed like a gentleman rider.