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"TENA-KOE!"

"Tena-koe! does not mean 'good day,'" said Colonel Porter, spealcing at a meeting of the historical section of the Wellington Philosophical Society, "it means 'that is you.' The reply is 'tena-ra-koe,' mean, ing 'and that is you.' Then comos the final 'tena-ano-ra-koe,' - meaning 'and that is you again.' Maoris did not "rub" noses. They merely took each others' hands and touched their noses together, with closed eyes, for to look was a breach of etiquette. When a stranger paid a visit to a kainga or pa he was required by etiquette to sit silent until spoken to by nis host. Another peculiar custom was the manner of speeding the parting guest and welcoming him home. His departure was treated in an off-hand manner, lest a show of grief should depress the wayfarer and render his way heavy and weary. When he returned, however, he was greeted by weeping. and wailing, for then there was no reason why liis near and dear ones should hold back the evidences of their affections. I

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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19181227.2.18

Bibliographic details

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16405, 27 December 1918, Page 5

Word Count
172

"TENA-KOE!" Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16405, 27 December 1918, Page 5

"TENA-KOE!" Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16405, 27 December 1918, Page 5