SOUTH SEA ROVERS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 11

SOUTH SEA ROVERS

COMING OF THE MAORIS VOYAGES TO AOTEAROA FAR-FLUNG POLYNESIAN RACE Centuries before Tasman and Cook sailed into the sheltered harbours of New Zealand a race of dusky navigators laid down the seaways of the Pacific Ocean. In their frail canoes they ventured through the Indian Archipelago into the Great Ocean of Kiwa. Guided only by the stars and braving the fury of Tawhiri-matea, the god of winds and storms, they voyaged southwards, linking island with island in a vast net-work of ocean water-ways, from Hawaii in the north to New Zealand in the south and eastward to Easter Island. These intrepid sailors were the ancestors of the Maori race and pioneers of Polynesian colonisation, the romance and daring of which excited the imagination of European navigators, who, hundreds of years later, followed similar routes in search of the mythical southern continent. About 1350, when England was in the throes of the Hundred Years’ War, these brown Vikings of the Pacific forged the last link in theii chain of remarkable voyages. From an island in the Cook group seven great canoes set out in a westerly direction for Aotearoa (the Land of the Long White Cloud). Tossed on mountainous seas and buffeted by howling gales, these hardy adventurers steered ever towards the rising sun. Long before they had been told of a majestic land of swiftflowing rivers and snow-capped peaks; of streams and forests teaming with food; a land where the gigantic moa stalked across the hills on its long legs. Kupe, of Raiatea, had been there and seen these wonders. Hui Te Rangiora had explored the region and returned with strange tales of continents of ice far to the south. Tpi Te Huatahi had also come back with glowing accounts of this immensely rich land. Ordeal of Voyagers Ever before these Polynesian folk was the vision of Aotearoa, but weeks passed by with no indication of the promised land. Day and night they watched for a sign that their ordeal was drawing to a close—a cloud on the distant horizon, or, perhaps, a land-bird venturing far out to sea. Food and water were scarce but still the gallant seamen refused to abandon hope of reaching landfall. Soon the long-awaited harbinger would appear; if it did not then it was the wish of Hine-moana (the Sea Maiden) that they should perish. But Hine-moana was kind. “A cloud! A cloud!” The long-hoped-for cry rang out from the leading canoe, piercing the still Pacific air and echoed and re-echoed by hundreds of voices. Many a weary traveller was roused from his resting place beneath the awnings of the canoe to look with thanksgiving upon the joyful sight. So came the Maoris to Aotearoa.

Such exploits as the voyage of the Maoris to New Zealand have earned for the Polynesians a place amongst the greatest seamen the world has known. Even today, with their Wanderings over, the natives of the Pacific Isles will make long and ! dangerous journeys in their outI rigger canoes, much to the wonderment of their European brothers. They retain implicit faith in their gods of old and many a native adventurer in the grips of a furious gale has called upon the denizens of the ocean to preserve him from the anger of the Ocean Maid and guide him safely home. Building of Canoes It is no small wonder that the canoe has been given a time-honour-ed place in Polynesian myth and religion. The gallant deeds of men and women such as these can be recalled in no better way than by the building of the great canoes for the Centennial celebrations. At Ngaruawahia Pa, native carvers, under the direction of Princess Te Puea Herangi, have toiled day and night to complete the great project which i pride and sentiment demanded of them. This tremendous task, involving the intricacies of native handcraft with all its meaning and ritual, has made a contribution to the momentous event that cannot fail but bring forth admiration from Maori and Pakeha alike. Here are memorials dedicated by the Maoris themselves to their great and courageous ancestors. Although it has been revived to a great extent in the past fo W much of the tradition of the Maori people has been lost. As it was passed by word of mouth from father to son down through the ages it was only natural that time should have its effect in depriving the stories of much of their detail. Pakeha admirers of the Maori folk—Percy Smith, Colonel Gudgeon, Elsdon Best, James Cowan and many others —have collected and recorded information almost forgotten by what was once considered a dying race. In late years Te Rangihiroa (Dr. Peter Buck) has made a vast contribution to this store of knowledge and his faith and understanding m his own people have contributed largely to his outstanding success in the sphere of ethnology. Origin of the Maoris From all accounts the Polynesian folk are a far-flung community. Remnants of their civilisation have been found in the furthest confines of the globe. From where they came, it seems, must ever remain a mystery. Some authorities have placed their origin in the Ganges Basin of India, others in Malay States, while a few have ventured to sav they came from South America. Culture similar to theirs is found in all these regions but no evidence has yet been gathered to establish definitely their origin. Hawaiki, which according to Maori tradition was the home of their people, is a name which is found scattered throughout the Pacific, from Hawaii to New Zealand—but it is only a name, recalling associations with a still further distant homeland.