MAORI MEMORIES
(By J.H.S. for “The Daily Times.”) THE FIRST SENTENCE. Under the new institution, whereby! their own age old custom was honoured, the Maoris were delighted to act with the Governor’s deputy. Waata. Kukutai, at Taupiri, fell in with a scheme which promised him two things—money and fame. The staff of magistrates and police with total salaries of £IBO was appointed, and the making of their unique regulations was commenced. Among the amusing passages were: —
“No. 3. —We agree that the Government give us eight bullocks, with which to plough the land. The ploughs we already have. “No. 5. —-We agree that the Governor should give us grass seed for our farms —but let it be clean seed., do not let there be any noxious weed mixed with it.”
Each Maori ofiicer took the oath of allegiance to the Queen, and the Runanga in their simplicity passed solemn resolutions asking the Government to build a whare wakawa rakau (wooden court house), instead of leaving them to build a raupo one; requiring a blacksmith to live among them to mend their ploughs; asking the Governor to send an elderly doctor who would not- drink rum or misconduct himself with their women; one who could cure every ill, of which an interesting list was appended. Then the Runanga proceeded to deal with delinquents, the first being the young wife of a Maori policeman, who was charged with having written an ardent love letter to a young man of another tribe. After a severe crossexamination and serious caution, she was “sentenced” to be returned to her husband, whereupon she took his arm and smilingly exclaimed “E nolio ra” (remain in peace).
MAORI MEMORIES
Wairarapa Daily Times, 20 January 1938, Page 6
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