MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 20 July 1934, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”) PEACE LOVING, YET FIGHTERS. Valuable contributions to the life history of the Natural Maori were made by sucli of our early pioneers as had put their observations in writing, and even these are hidden in the locked cabinets of so-called readers, who merely look upon their quaint old bindings. But alas, the cupidity of these and indeed of many a book lover, leads us to conclude that lenders are losers. From some of these old treasures we learn that the Maoris of a family, a sub tribe, or of one tribe, never quarrelled among themselves. That they had no natural love of fighting is proven by the fact that they lived together. We should blush to know that the tongue of scandal and personal quarrelling were unknown. It was an inherent part of their religion that they must espouse and resent the personal differences between members of two tribes. When they fight, they are urged by motives of what they regard as tribal honour. Having no fear of being punished after death, they had a negative bravery consisting of an indiffirence to life,. The show of bravery in the preliminary songs, yells, war dances, and grimaces, was expected to act upon the fears of their adversaries, rather than as a stimulant to their own courage.

One of the chief virtues of a Maori is, that he very seldom gives way to anger. We may look in vain for . a civilised country where it is a point of honour to abstain from anger, as it is with the Maori.

Closely allied to this peculiarity, is the fact they never swear at each other, nor have they any words for the purpose, the nearest approach to a swear word is “Uupoko Koliua” (to cook your head). This defect was deplored by the old sailors, whose expressive vocabulary was thus wasted upon them!

Despite this apparent lack of fire, the Maoris talk with great animation, and when the subject is at all exciting, work up an appearance of passion.

Though their men do not quarrel, I sorry to say the ladies sometimes do: but after a'short skirmish with postures, tongues, and finger nails, they become good friends, and never cherish a grievance after they have resented it.