MAORI MEMORIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18855, 27 January 1933, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES.

INTERESTING VIGNETTES. (Recorded by DISINGENUOUS SUBTLETY. Ratana Ngahina, of Parewanui, grandfather of “The Prophet” was a handsome Maori, intelligent, six feet, long siiken 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, expressing their disapproval of the „ Irish Fenians. His letter, written in Maori of the old school, concluded with “May the Atua bless and protect the beloved Queen of our hearts — me paka le aiiri.” Sir James 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, His Excellency laugbc.d till the tears ran down b.s cheeks. Reverting to his mother tongue he said “God bliss me sowi, but I'm an Irishman mesilf.” in a letter to a Rangitikei resident some five years later Lord Ranfurley said, “Telf our old friend Ratana his wellremembered letter has dispelled tuo British idea that the Maoris are a race of savages. It has been read with great effect at many an after-dinner speeoh 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.