THE SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18153, 16 August 1924, Page 10

THE SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.

HOW THE MAORI ACQUIRES HIS SHREWDNESS. The well-known shrewdness of the Maori in money matters has apparently been forced upon him through bitter experience, judging' by two anecdotes related by an old-timer at a local body meeting at Auckland this week. The first concerned the sale of a large block of native land at Waitotara, in which the hapu title was individualised, and the members of the tribe were paid in coin of the realm. After tho paying ceremony the Maoris were eo ostentatious in the display of their material wealth, and apparently so.careless of its fate, that gome welldisposed pakeha3 suggested appointing a trustee on their behalf, who i should dispense their wealth according to requirements. Tins was done, and the money was all poured into a flax kit and handed to the trustee. This gentleman then became overwhelmed with his responsibility and relinquished his load of "utu," which was left lying about in the street all day. When night fell it was still there, apparently spumed and disregarded, but. when day broke, 10, it was gone, and to this day none can eay whither it vanished, its handsome budget of £7ool} doubtless forming tho foundation of someone's fortunes at the expenue of a landless and penniless tribe of Maoris. Tho other incident concerned the establishment of a a Maori bank, in which all shareholders were to receive ten per cent, on their money. It had cashiers, and tellers, cheques" and ledgers, and all the external evidence of financial status, Tawhiao's head adorned its cheque books, and frcm the office at Maungatautari it was anticipated that the business regeneration of the Maori would be begun. But, alas, one morning the president and secretary were_ missing, the funds were found to be nil, and the cheques were valueless. Experience is a stern teacher, and it is no wonder that Hone tries to get some of his own back whan occasion offers.