MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 May 1939, Page 9

MAORI MEMORIES

DEATH WAS NOTHING. (Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”) The ancient Maori, having no more idea of future punishment than a bird or a fish was utterly regardless of life for others or death for himself. The death of his father or mother or one of his wives was a matter of a day’s tangi, and they had gone to Te Reinga the underworld where all was wellonly the unworthy were actually dead, probably, eaten by their fellows or the Whiro (evil spirit) as Utu for some wrong. In one and the same hour a Maori would do deeds of heroism, daring and self sacrifice which would in civil life entitle him to the V.C. or the Royal Humane Society’s Medal; or commit an atrocity surpassing any recorded in anient history. The death of a man in his family were merely the loss of a warrior. The death of a wife, a sister, or a daughter was of little concern. In referring to such abnormal personages. writers said: “They were not cruel; only unfeeling!” Such people appeared to think that anyone had a right to do anything and everything they fancied, provided they were willing to stand the consequences. The only natural death was in their view to die in the glory of fighting. Their greatest ambition was to enjoy the excitement and satisfaction of a final battle (he riri whakamutunga) where they should escape the disgrace of dying of disease or old age.

A part of every man’s equipment was a spear and a tomahawk, for enemies wore prowling round in search of Utu or of a reputation for being a brave warrior (ingoa ton). This craze for being known as bold men (tangata maia) led them to enter an enemy camp at midnight and kill a few sleepers. then hurry home to tell the tribe. ■