MAORI MEMORIES
WAHINE MAORI. (Recorded by J.H.S. for the “Times-Age.") The splendid form and dignity of the Maori women compare more than favourably with the white maids. The simple single garment of hand dressed woven flax lends a charm of innocent pride, worn unconsciously like the plumes of a bird. Thin blue lines of Moko cluster from the lower lip lo the chin in waves. True to the very name Maori, which means “Natural," they are indeed graceful creatures, courteous of manner and speech. Their mirth like their language has a soft sound of musical rhythm.
The voice of the Maori woman old or young, has been justly likened in tone lo that of the harp. In ai'e </’ unknown years they become deeply wrinkled and emaciated. Since inc introduction of tobacco the average birthrate of a baker's dozen has fallen to four. The children are graceful in form and feature, cheerful and wonderfully self-reliant. The quick coming of younger brothers and sisters who deprive them of milk at about, a year, does not seem to impair their vitality; but damp winters and smoky fires in closed bedrooms take their toll. Half castes, known to the Maoris as Tohu Ripeka (.sign of the Cross) are fine specimens of humanity.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 March 1940, Page 8
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208MAORI MEMORIES Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 March 1940, Page 8
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