A Short Story.

Maori Record : a journal devoted to the advancement of the Maori people, Volume I, Issue 1, 7 November 1904, Page 7

A Short Story.

It has been said that the Maori language contains no word equivalent to gratitude, and that the quality does not exist in the race. The following true story will show that the promptings to gratitude are present to some, though there is a certain thriftiness in sacrifice noticeable, and an inclination to change the obligation which is known for one which is secret, and for which payment, in consequence, is not likely to be demanded. Osborn had a cattle farm and a hut at Atiki,

Manawatu. He was a bachelor and cooked for himself. To save baking he brought bread from Foxton, and on one occasion he returned weary and hungry from his rounds to find the one loaf he had left in the morning absent in the evening. Keys were unknown. Renata was a Native of Papakiri, who was frequently about the place, and he arrived on a visit that evening. Said Osborn —“ Renata, some scoundrel of degraded birth and slavish habits has taken my supper. I know you for an honest and self-respecting person.” (The Lord forgive you, Osborn, when called to the Bar.) “ I should no more think of suspecting you than of accusing my brother who is 14,000 miles away.” Renata said the thief was a taurekareka. He remarked that the wood-pigeon was plump and luscious from feeding on the miro, and that he should like to replenish the larder of Osborn to show his regard. “ Would Osborn lend him the gun for the morrow?” Gun and ammunition were supplied, and Renata disappeared till next evening. Then he returned, and throwing two plump geese on the floor of the hut, he remarked that the sin of another had been paid for by himself, and he hoped the reparation was ample. Osborn wondered at the generosity of Renata in paying two of his own geese for one little loaf, and thought the Native was one of effusive gratitude. But when he found that the geese were the property of his neighbour, Harry Symmons, he did not know by what name to call the morality of Renata. And he has never discovered it yet.