MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 March 1941, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

FRIENDSHIP DESTROYED. (Recorded by J.U.S., of Palmerston North, lor the “Times-Age.”l From reliable sources we may find that, as early as 1808. traders and whalers were on mutually good terms with the Maoris. The exchange of blankets, axes, fishing tackle and other useful articles for pigs, potatoes, masts and spars, and. above all, the fine handdressed flax fibre, tended to foster this goodwill. Neither firearms nor tobacco had yet been introduced. Through our sailors and whalers the Maoris created a good impression among civilised folks with whom they travelled and worked. On whale ships in the far south, Maori harpooners, were noted for their skill and contempt of the many dangers of the sea. Through the rapid motion of a huge whale the boat was so tossed about that the Maori could not throw the harpoon, and when the monster’s tail struck the prow he leaped on the whale's back, fixed the harpoon deply. and swam back to the boat. This steadily-growing confidence between the two races was sadly interrupted by the massacre of “The Boyd” in 1809. Tara, son of a well known Whangaroa chief, one of seven Maoris working their return passage from Sydney, had refused to work because of illness. The captain stopped his food and flogged him, drawing blood. This infringement of the sacred law of tapu must be avenged. It could only be clone by konihi (treachery). The captain and crew were invited ashore, when all were killed and eaten. Those on board, except two women, two children and a cabin boy, shared the same fate. The boy’s life was saved by Tara for some kindness, the other four by concealment, and were rescued by a Maori chief, Te Pahi. Sixty-six of the crew and passengers were killed.