MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 August 1939, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES

FREE FOOD FOR FRIEND OR FOE.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

Few persons alive today can realise the generous hospitality (Atawhai) of the old lime Maori to every passing stranger, all were his guests (Manuhiri). Nothing could induce the gentlemen (Rangati'ra) of any tribe to forego this privilege. To them, giving (Hoatu) was a pleasure far greater than receiving (Tango). This applied more especially to food and. shelter (Kai and Marti).

Travelling parties of Pakeha men mid women were greatly embarrassed by finding their shelter for the night was one apartment, lighted by the glowing embers of a central fire on the clay floor, at which the Maori women assisted them to disrobe and dry their clothes, soaked by rain or flooded streams.

Another difficulty arising from this universal generosity to strangers and friends alike, was the experience of the general storekeeper who set up a business in or near every Maori Pa. In those early days every Maori had an inherent sense of honour in regard to all property. There was no money to steal. Clothes, weapons, and utensils were made sacred or forbidden (Tapu) to all others than the family or the makers. Food was produced by the community in concerted action amid songs, pleasant talks, and laughter. In these conditions Tahai (theft) was unknown. So in those very early days the sale on credit of saddles, and bridles, blankets, axes and spades, or other tangible or permanent articles was perfectly safe, even to passing strangers. This was because of the inherent sense of honour and the tradition of restitution (whakahoki).

Groceries or foods were altogether another question, they were common property. More important still, by the next day every vestige was eaten — “Why then should we pay for a thing now as invisible as air?”

Many early grocers wore ruined by these innocent idealists, even the most intelligent of whom did not understand how food or land could be bought or sold, any more than sunshine or rain.