A MAORI WAR CANOE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21529, 16 December 1939, Page 21 (Supplement)

A MAORI WAR CANOE

Perhaps one of the most interesting of the dark-skinned races of the world is the Maori, who inhabits New Zealand, though alas, like most native races brought into contact with white settlers, it is gradually dying out. Tradition says that the Maoris came some 27 generations ago (about eight or nine hundred years) from Haiwaiki, an unknown island in the Pacific; and of late years discoveries have been made which render it probable that their original home was Easter Island, which lies alone in the South Pacific, Great numbers of huge statues are still to be seen there, the names of which correspond with those of the ancient gods of the Maoris; and the people still preserve the names of the great canoes in which the journey to New Zealand was accomplished. It would appear that an earthquake, tidal wave or some other great convulsion of nature obliged them to leave their old home and seek a fresh abiding place. The marvel is how such a journey could have been made across such a vast stretch of ocean in open boats, the distance not being less than 2000 miles; but it is an accepted fact that islanders have frequently made voyages of over 1000 miles in their native vessels, and in courage

and endurance the Maoris yield to none.

Few things in history are more remarkable than the readiness with which they accepted both civilisation and Christianity, when convinced of their advantages. No doubt this was greatly brought about by the wise conduct of the British Government, which, accepting the fact that the Maoris were then owners of New Zealand, insisted on colonists paying honestly for every piece of land which they occupied.

The Maoris, though now a peaceful trading community, have been mighty warriors, and took great pride in adorning their war canoes. They are still unusually clever at wood-carving, and houses, furniture, and boats show great skill, both in design and execution. The variety of patterns carved outside the canoe, and its curious shape, are both remarkable. Each end of the boat was decorated with an ornamented projection which stood out above the level of the sides, one being considerably taller than the other; and a fleet of these canoes must have presented a most imposing spectacle. They were usually made out of a single piece of wood, hardened by fire, and sometimes 60 feet or so long by five feet broad. They carried 40 to 100 men. The huge ornament at the stern has

been known in extreme cases to project 14 feet in height above the water. They were not good sailing vessels, but could be propelled at a great pace with light paddles. Savage nations are greatly impressed by outward show, and the advancing fleet of Maori boats appearing on the New Zealand shores must have struck terror into the hearts of the ancient inhabitants, and helped to make their conquest an easy matter. Some of these aborigines still survive, living peacefully with their conquerors, and are easily recognised by their much darker complexions. (5 marks to Margaret McGunn, age 13.)