MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 28 January 1933, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J. H. S. for “The Daily Times”) DISINGENUOUS SUBTLETY. Ratana Ngahina, of Parewanui, grandfather of “The Prophet,” was a handsome Maori, intelligent, six feet, long silken beard. Naturally he was selected as representative of the Maori race at the Commonwealth celebration in Melbourne. When Lord Ranfurly was coming here as Governor, Ratana wrote him in terms of loyalty and sympathy, and expressing disapproval of the Irish Fenians. His letter, written in_Maori of the okl school, concluded with: “May the Atua bless and protect the beloved queen of our hearts —me pnka te aiiri.” Sf Janies 'Carroll declared his inability to translate the four final words, but on his receiving a subsequent explanation, that it was an innocent attempt in our language to condemn the Irish, Ilis Excellency laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks. Reverting to his mother tongue, lie said: “God bliss me sowl, but I’m an Irishman raeself.” In a letter to a Rangitikei resident some five years later, Lord Ranfurly said: “Tell our old friend Ratana his wellremembered letter has dispelled the idea that the Maoris are a race of savages. It has been read with great effect at many an after-dinner speech even in old Ireland herself.”

His grandson the “Prophet” may yet redeem his people who are amenable to teaching by one who really understands them.