MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Daily Times, 15 September 1936, Page 4

MAORI MEMORIES

(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”)

RULE BY AGREEMENT.

Sir George Grey did not receive political support for all his good work during liis first reign here, not even from tlie Maoris for whose sake lie had suspended that unwise British Charter. Late in 1848 the Governor wrote to the Colonial Secretary suggesting an act giving us self government and without awaiting a reply issued a Provincial regulation which the agitators described as “a sham ordinance for provincial debating clubs. ’ ’ This political agitation for self government fostered by those who had an eye on the positions and emoluments of M.P. or M.L.C., caused the people to forget that the arch enemy was a captive, and that peace reigned because of Sir George’s foresight. Rauparalia was a prisoner of war on H.M.S. Calliope for nearly a year and then permitted to occupy Te Wherowliero’s house in the Auckland Domain.

His nature was changed like that of a tiger in captivity—a towering spirit in prison with no hope of again being allowed to reign. Both Europeans and Maoris tried to help him by kindness, but his mana was broken. At last he gained permission to return to his old home at Otaki. Accompanied by Sir George Grey, Te Wherowhero, Taraia, and other Chiefs he landed there. Crowds of Maoris met them and entertained the Governor and visitors in Royal style. Wakefield and many, settlers whose friends had been the victims of Rangihaeata and Rauparalia at Wairau, denounced this clemency as weakness. They also declared that the Governor had unjustly hanged men of no account like Luther at Porirua, but feared to strike this blood-stained tiger. Under Fitzroy’s proclamation, over 100 settlers had bought nearly 1000 acres each in the vicinity of Auckland, and when they demanded crown grants Sir George brought a test ease before the court. Their claims were disallowed and the lands were sold by auction, the proceeds going to the Crown. This and other similar European Tikanga (regulations) were futile, and the fruitful source of .Tautehe (disputes). Possibly they were near the truth —“Tikanga ma Ritenga” (rule by agreement) was their family motto.