MANA LETTERS

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 11, 24 November 1977, Page 2

MANA LETTERS

Friends, I read with interest your article regarding Mrs Antonio’s 'whakapapa' (your October 27th to November 10th issue). Therefore, as one of her descendants, I would like to salute you for reminding us of the importance of genealogy in our Polynesian culture. However, I would also like to clarify that the Maori couple (Petera and Ruatangaere) who first introduced Christianity to Rotuma in 1828, in fact, were Mrs Antonio’s great great grandparents and not her great grandparents as previously stated. Their daughter’s (Marangarangi) son from Captain Tromelin of the “Bayonnaise” was called Marcier (and not Ralf). Marcier married his first cousin, Motuwhanga, and they had two sons, Faiao and Rarafu (or Ralf, who was Mrs Antonio’s father) and a daughter, Tipo. Although, the Maoris were the first to introduce Christianity on Rotuma, they and the Samoans who left there in 1839 by the London Missionary Society ship “John Williams” did not make any converts. The Tongans of the Wesleyan Missionary Society were the ones who established Christianity there in 1843. As a matter of interest, when Petera died in the early 1830 s, his body was disposed on one of the two islets (Husiamea’me’a) off the district of Noa’tau in Rotuma. The islet is often referred to as Dispose Island because that was where the bodies of dead slaves and strangers were placed, as the Rotumans refused to allow them to be put in their burial grounds. Robert Antonio, Featherston, Wellington.

Tena koe. In your issue of October 27-November 10 1977, page 7, 1 note an article regarding Hilda Halkyard who is at present attending Auckland University and is the first woman president of the University Maori Club. I further note that she is a member of Te Rarawa, Ngapuhi “Te Aopouri” sub tribes of the North Northland is divided into five Tribes. The Tribes are —Te Aupouri (not “Te Aopouri”). Te Rarawa, Ngati-Kahu, Ngapuhi •and Ngati-Whatua. I really dor not think that members of these, respective tribes, appreciate the comment that they are “subtribes.” Kia ora, K. M.lhaka Auckland.

Maori Editors Note: We are always open to criticism and openness and accept corrections made'hy Rev. K. M. Ihaka'. However, ire do rely on contributions from the public and .would encourage you our readers to share your views, community news and struggles with us. No reira e hoa Rangatira ma, tonoa mai a koutou korero kia tuhia i roto ia ta tatou nupepa. Friends, Hope your paper will be successful. The children at this school thoroughly enjoy the paper. Heoi ano, Ka kite ano, Erana Wineti (Teacher) Seddon High School