MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1939, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

REVERSE.

(Recorded by J.H.S. for “Times-Age.”)

In silent sadness, but with deep resentment, every Maori man and woman realised seventy years ago that the white peoples’ friendly relations were mostly a prelude to the ultimate acquirement of their beloved land. This was an especially bitter reflection, the main reasons for which were that every Maori believed implicitly his people were the “natural” heirs to the circle of land upon which they stood. His title was “Iroto aku atarangi” (within the circle of my shadow); this was later changed by the Pakeha to “Rohe potai” (under my hat). To this we must add the bitter but unspoken reflection that marriage between the brown and white was whakakore (forbidden), especially that minamina (most desired) form of linking fair maids to dark men, which seldom occurred. Centuries before we realised that union between widely separated races produced more intellectual, vigorous, and handsome men and women. The Maori knew and practised it so far as his limited field of tribal or north and south areas permitted. We have only to reflect upon the intelligent athletic men and women of Maori British blood, 90 per cent of whom are proof of this. In our desire to reclaim the Maori we sought to make him a Pakeha in, life and language. We perhaps instinctively but unthinkingly tried to convert him from his ancient laws, language and religious beliefs, all in vain. There is even now a faint hope i of success if we reverse the process, | and preserve for him his laws, langu-i age, customs, and worship of the gods of Nature. 1