Passing Maori Memories

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7135, 19 April 1933, Page 6

Passing Maori Memories

MAORI NAILED RACE HORSES [Recorded by “ J.H.S.” for the Times. ] A Trentham breeder, part of whose stud Is developing muscle, wind and stamina in its youthful days on his hillside farm near Otaki and with excellent results, is now coaching a promising youngster there. In his quest for an appropriate and original name he sought the advice of a local Maori sport, who, Maori-liko, asked how the colt was bred. By “Peach Brandy” from “Barmaid,” was the reply. “You may translate the result as Ardent Spirit,” said the ready-witted Maori —anti so “Waipiro” will appear on the racing track this season.

The late Mr Stead was sorely tried for a name which could “catch” the famous mare “Ngaro,” (housefly). A Maori friend at once gave “Pungawerewero,” (house spider), which eventually justified its name and character. Up to 1860 the West Coasters had never seen a white horse. An Arab stallion came to Wellington and one of his progeny, “lost” in the hush, was brought by a Maori to Manawatu. It was purchased as a rare curiosity by the late .Mr. Easton of Moutoa. That was the origin of a splendid race of long lived grey Arab steeds, one of which was ridden by Air. Easton's son for thirty years.

Of the two box seat passengers on the old Cobb’s coach .one was generally a new chum, who was asked to guess the number of white horses to be seen on the journey. The driver said one more and the other passenger one less, so the new chum’s odds were a hundred to one, and he had to pay for the drinks each time.