Passing Maori Memories

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7196, 30 June 1933, Page 6

Passing Maori Memories

No. 160.

MORE TABLOIDS IN’ VERSE. [Recorded by “ J.H.S.” for tlio Times. ] Wien he inflicted the English dictionary upon us in 1784, if Dr. Johnson had only conceived Hare Hongi’s poetic Maori method, what a joy for every girl and hoy to learn- .What a resource for tonguetied lovers. Aroha Ki Alice My love toward thee ’tis truly great In life no thing can this abate. E Noho Ra Remain in peace, I must away A fond farewell to all who stay. Haere Ra You take your leave; I say depart Farewell then, go in peace my heart. Haere Mai Como here to me, I want you so, Need I add that, you surely know? Haere Atu Go away, be off, I need thee not Nor for thy presence care one jot. WaiaU Poi A poi song and dance of grace, A dream of girlish sinuous pace. Haka A posture song and dance which gives And end to care: man joys and lives. Lord of our day, the sun on high, The mighty one which rules our sky. Marama The moon, moonlight, at night supreme, The lover’s joy, the poet’s theme. Kainga Home of our childhood and our tears Por tender thoughts of passing years. Korero To speak and, what we needs must say, Our thoughts and meanings to convey. The beauty and simplicity of the Maori language, iu which the literal meaning is not the principal one, find expression in poetic form more readily than in any translation. We who are juperficially educated in Maori lore, legend, and language, cannot conceive the romance of memories which may be associated in their minds with a common word. In English there is nothing but the dictionary to guide us—in Maori they had a world of poetic associations for every sentence.