MAORI MEMORIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18946, 16 May 1933, Page 3

MAORI MEMORIES.

INTERESTING VIGNETTES.

(Recorded by "J. 11.5.")

WANTED, A MAORI M.P.

The Maoris joined the “King Movement" because-they were denied the privileges of a Whaikorero (advocate), and that they were regarded by many white neighbours as an inferior race. A British statesman in 1857 said: ‘‘To view men whose skin differs from our own as damned niggers is a weakness which proves that our civilisation and Christianity are far from perfect.” Nothing could exceed the kindness and respect with which Sir George Grey and the Bishop of New Zealand treated the natives, but the mass of our people affected to despise them. The Maori behaviour to strangers afforded a striking contrast not creditable to us. A chief of high rank would unsaddle the horse of his white guest, pitch his tent or conduct him to the best whare. In return, anyone who invited the chief to the city could not fail. to be shamed on the road. A shakedown in the stable and a lump of meat in the kitchen would be, their hospitality. Tfiese people were devoted to Kuinl Wikitoria, whose mana, like that of Sir George Grey and the Bishop, was comparable only to their own' ancestral claims. Was it any wonder, then, that they desired to •create a loyal kingship Xrom which by ■a future inter-marriage to cement the friendship of the two races. There were grave faults on both sides, but we were not only the aggressors but the first transgressors. Until they discovered our trickery nothing in history could compare with their hospitality. •■»