“Passing Maori Memories ”

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7064, 25 January 1933, Page 6

“Passing Maori Memories ”

“HAU HAU ”

[Recorded by “ J.H.S.” for the Times. ]

Press correspondence from Anglo Maori and pakeha as to the origin or moaning of this war cry, reveals the prevalent neglect of Maori history. Most of these published explanations are fantastic and without foundation. As impressionable boys in the midst of the first rebellion of the Han haus, and actually under the loyal protection of the friendly tribe of Ngatiapa, we had first hand information to this effect: Hau (the wind) was a god of vengeance to the imaginative Maori, His prayers and incantations were addressed to the gentlor breeze, thus, in minor key and slow, he chanted “Hau, hau, pai ffiarire. Hau, liau, pai marire” (Waft, waft ye gentle winds of heaven), then, in loud, gutteral voices as ono man, “hau” (charge). This was an effective mode of speech peculiar to the Maori, who was a master of derisive contempt as a weapon. It captured the imagination of thousands and was a factor in that desperate struggle for self government and for the retention of their mana. Under its spiritual influence the Maori became a religious fanatic and died without a shadow of fear. To the heroism thus inspired there may be no parallel in history, save perhaps that of the Indian tribes.