SONNETS OF THE MAORI.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 76

SONNETS OF THE MAORI.

XXIV.— TAPU

[The ceremony of tapu (or taboo), or setting under a ban, although often used, even to oppression, seems to have been in savage life the only sanction, beside brute force, to enforce the unwritten rules of primitive society.] As witless bairns are saved by sane control, Which they obey, but do not understand, And are not free to reason or command Till love's clear precepts waken in their soul, So ban. of tapu played a. master role "With, arbitrary rule. The priestly band "Wrought wiser than they knew towards life's

Por tapu saved the life of sea ancl wood When it was scarce or bred. Tlie worke* knew Hknself, and warrior, tapu to his aim! The sacted cuise enfenced the growing food Or toilsome work -which, wrath, might seek undo, Although it puiged with superstitious flam©, March, 1905. e-H, A.

The special Gakdbh Fertiliser maSe up by Nimmo and Blaik Trill be found to give a*, cellent Tesults when ueesJ for Flowers and Vegetables; also for Pot Plants, in and out ol greenhouse. It 19 put up in 71b bags, at 1» 6£ each. Ask JOBr »t«ekeep«x fgj