The Power of Tapu

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 51, 2 March 1943, Page 3

The Power of Tapu

At aii address in Wellington recently* Mr. Johannes Anderson spoke on “The Power of Maori Tapu.” There was some misconception in pakeha minds regarding the Maori term “tapu,” the impression being that it was some kind of fantastic primitive superstition, said Mr. Anderson. Actually, it was an expression of the Maori conscience, and j was undoubtedly a more efficacious ! means of conserving the spiritual and moral standards of the ancient Maori than were tomes of acts and regulations governing the life of civilised man. It was the means by which the punishment and redemption of an individual for any act of transgression against communal laws or practices rested entirely with that individual. One who broke tapu, that was to say who did any prohibited act, had either to redeem himself or die by the exorcise of his Own will power. No punish- | ment other than the inexorable sense of personal remorse at having broken tapu was made to fit the offence. Tapu was applied with great primitive sagacity to the elemental things of lire, said Mr. Andersen. For instance, a form of tapu was applied during certain periods of the year to the forests, lakes and rivers, thus ensuring that the natural game of the country could multiply an d provide foods for the inhabitants. A Maori poacher in ancient days was simply unknown. How well this form of tapu conserved the flora and fauna of the country was well demonstrated by the bird and other indigenous wild life which flourished in abundance when the white man first set foot in New Zealand. Unfortunately the white man .

had not appreciated the great primitive wisdom which placed a tapu ou the forests and rivers.