DAYS OF YORE.
THE OLD-TIME MAORI
Not somauy years ago, according to Mr A. L. D. Fraser, M.H.R., the older people amongst the Maoris could repeat the Bible—the first book printed for distribution amongst them—from Genesis to Revelation, so good was their memory. h\ a Native Land Court an old man was giving evidence in support of ownership on behalf of himself and his people. He had given from river to mountain every detail of the boundary laid down by his ancestors fourteen or fifteen generations ago, aud was twitted by counsel on the other side that the boundary had been prepared for the case. The old man stood quietly, aud repeated his statement twice, aud then he said in Maori: "My sou you doubt my words, let me refer you to the 27th chapter of Deuteronomy. 17th verse, and the 22nd chapter of Proverbs, 28th verse. That is my answer." The judge of the court asked for a Bible, and on turning up the passages found—" Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's laud mark" and "Remove not the ancient laud mark which they fathers have set."
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Bibliographic details
Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8910, 9 November 1907, Page 6
Word Count
188DAYS OF YORE. Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVII, Issue 8910, 9 November 1907, Page 6
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