SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 August 1924, Page 12

SCHOOL OF EXPERIENCE.

HOW THE MAORI ACQUIRES HIS SHREWDNESS. The well-known shrewdness of the Maori in money amtters has apparently been forced upon him through bitter experience, judging by two anecdotes related by an old-timer at a local body meeting recently. 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 the paying ceremony the Maoris were 'so ostentatious in th§ display of their material wealth, and apparently so careless of its fate, that some well-disposed pakehas suggested appointing a trustee on their behalf, who should dispense their wealth according to requirements. 'Phis 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 theie, apparently spurned and disregarded, but when day broke, 10, it was gone, and to this day noen cay say whither vanished, its handsome budget of £7OOO doubtless forming the foundation of someone’s fortune at the expense of a landless and penniless tribe of Maoris. The other incident concerned the establishment of 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. Tawhino’s head adorned its cheque books, and froih 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 when occasion offers