MAORI JOURNALISM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20236, 22 April 1929, Page 14

MAORI JOURNALISM.

DAYS OF THE HOKIOI.

HOW PAPER WAS PRINTED

PLANT FROM AUSTRIAN DUKE

Tho fact that Iho Kingito Maoris of tho 60's were in possession of a printingplant of their own, by means of which they used to publish a journal of their own, tho Hokioi, in controversy with the Pihoihoi of Sir John (then Mr.) Gorst, is well-onough known. How they obtained it is told in the memoirs of the lato Mr. C. 0. Davis, one of tho most notablo philo-Maoris of the early days. The effect of the story is that when the Austrian frigate Novara came to Auckland some 70 years ago, with the famous geologist Dr. Hochstettor on board, two Maori chiefs from the Waikato went back to Europe in her. They visited Vienna, and tho Archduko Maximilian, who in later years so tragically ended his career in Mexico, after ho had accepted the Mexican crown, made much of them. Maximilian showed them over tho city, and on parting asked them what they would liko him io givo them as a memento of their visit. Their answer was that they would liko t<> liavo a printing-press and type. These were accordingly supplied, and were brought to New Zealand.

First tho printing-press and typo were taken to Mangcre, whero Potatau, afterwards tho first Maori "king," was then living. Ono of Mr. Davis' nephews had picked up tho art of type-setting in the old New Zealander office, Auckland, and ho instructed some Maoris how to do il. Tho plant was taken to tho King Country and thero used for printing the Kingite proclamations, and also tho Hokioi. On tho old files of that remarkablo newspaper it can be seen that each issue bears tho imprint, "Printed with tho loving gift of tho Emperor of Austria to the Maori people."