Man of the Mist

Te Ao Hou, June 1965, Page 57

Man of the Mist by Elsdon Craig A. H. & A. W. Reed, 32s. 6d. reviewed by Sam Karetu This biography of Elsdon Best, written by his grand-nephew Elsdon Craig, shows him to have been a highly individualistic man who found bureaucracy irksome. He was a serious and conscientious student, and a sympathetic man when dealing with Maoris and their different outlook on life. He was also a humble man, despite the fact that—as evidenced by the statements of so many other ‘greats’ of Maori studies—he was the acknowledged expert of his time. There is little doubt that Te Peehi, as he was known to many of his Maori friends, was one of the greatest compilers and scholars of Maori history, culture and tradition that New Zealand has ever produced. His desire to preserve for future generations the indigenous culture to which they would be heir caused him to be one of the most prolific writers on Maori topics, as well as one of the most expert. I found the book readable and enjoyable. It gives a most interesting account of an action-packed life, and has passages in it which are most moving, especially the account of Best's farewell to the people of Ruatahuna and Maungapohatu. Best's obvious affection for Tuhoe in general, and Paitini and his wife Makurata in particular, is well described. When we consider that prior to the publication of much of his material Best suffered many setbacks, both bureaucratic and private, we must consider ourselves extremely fortunate that his manuscripts ever saw the light of day. It seems strange that such a great expert should have struggled so long for recognition. Eventually he received it—but only in his very last years. My dislike for hybrid sentences was intensified by parts of this book which seem to have been straight quotations: ‘Though by no means a Tamariki (child) in years …’ (p. 196) ‘In these matters you are the kaumatua (elder) and I the tamariki (child) …’ (p. 204). There are several such examples. The habit of translating Maori names is even more irritating. Tamakaimoana, a Tuhoe informant, is referred to constantly as ‘Sons of the sea food.’ Some of the Maori quotations are rather badly translated, but this does not appear to have been the fault of the author, since the relevant extracts appear within quotation marks. These are personal dislikes, which in no way detract from a very well written, interesting and enjoyable book. It is a fitting tribute to a learned man. Since Elsdon Best considered himself to be of Tuhoe, the following whaka-tauki seems apposite: ‘He kotahi na Tuhoe, e kata te po.’