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No. 33 (December 1960)
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Te Ao Hou
The New World

the Department of Maori Affairs December 1960

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TE AO HOU
THE NEW WORLD
published quarterly for the maori purposes fund board by the department of maori affairs

No. 33 Vol. 9 (No. 1)

Year of Awakening

The year 1960 has been a crucial one in the development of the Maori people. Suddenly, it has seemed, there has been a great flowering of interest in and awareness of the whole race. Newspapers have devoted more space than ever we remember, both editorially and in reporting, to Maori problems and difficulties, to progress and advance, treated in a highly responsible and sympathetic manner.

Earlier in the year, the massive campaign organised by the Citizens' All Black Tour Association brought its activities to an unsuccessful, but dignified conclusion. The decision of the Council of the Rugby Union prevailed, but whatever the moral issues involved, one fact emerged clearly: that any suggestion of racial discrimination will be deeply resented and combated by a large proportion of the European population; any slight to the reputation New Zealand has established in this field will be vigorously contested. This is a most heartening sign.

We cannot doubt that the main impetus to this upsurge of interest and sympathy with Maori problems has come from the Young Maori Leaders' Conferences. Since Te Ao Hou last went to press there have been Regional Young Leaders' Conferences at Whakatane and Gisborne, and a South Island. Conference at Christchurch, reported in this issue. As we go to press, further regional conferences are being planned at Marton and Kaitaia. The agenda for these conferences have been almost identical; papers on population trends, health, housing, apprenticeship and employment have been finely presented and eagerly discussed. Through the wide and interested reporting these conferences have received, Europeans seem suddenly to have realised that the Maori people, far from being an insignificant minority in the population are increasing their numbers so rapidly that by the end of the century, they may be approaching parity with the European.

We print in full in this issue the remarkable paper by Dr Rina Moore, The State of Maori Health, presented at the South Island Conference in August. Those who heard Dr Moore will not easily forget the deep impression she made, both by the quality and insight of her observations and by her manner of delivery, at once scientific and deeply sympathetic. She makes certain observations on housing, population and crime which we trust will form the basis of much fruitful debate, and a notable survey of neurotic behaviour patterns among young Maoris. We feel that no more considered or useful statement has yet been made on this theme.

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He Tau Whakaohooho

ka mutu te tino tau mo te iwi Maori ko te tau 1960. Ano he mea ohorere te puawaitanga mai o te whakaaro nui mo te iwi Maori. Tamatuatahi te puta nui o te korero i nga nupepe mo nga take Maori, mo nga taikahatanga mo nga uauatanga, mo nga painga mo nga pikanga a ko te mea nui ia ko te ngakau aroha o nga korero a aua nupepa.

Timata tino mai te tau i nga korero a Te Ropu Tautoko i te take ma haere he Maori i roto i te tiima ki Awherika, a ahakoa kaore i haere he Maori, i mutu pai nga korero. I tau tonu ki ta Te Ropu Whakahaere Whutupaoro i mea ai kaua he Maori e haere ki Awherika ahakoa ra kaore taua whakataunga i taea te whakaueue, ko te hua nui o te tautohetohe ko tenei na he tokamaha te hunga kei Niu Tireni nei e kore o ratou ngakau e whakaae kia whakaparahakotia te iwi Maori he mea tino pai tenei.

Kaore i kore atu na nga hui a Nga Kaiarahi o Te Rangatahi tetahi wahanga nui i penei rawa ai te aro mai o te motu ki nga take Maori. Mai i tera putanga o Te Ao Hou kua tu nga Hui a Te Rangatahi ki Whakatane, ki Turanga a ki Otautahi, a meake nei ka tu he hui ki Marton a ki Kaitaia. He orite tonu nga putaki korero mo aua hui, ko nga korero mo te piki o te tokomaha o te iwi Maori, no nga mahi e pumau ai te ora a tinana, mo te hanga whare, mo te whakanohonoho i nga taitamariki Maori ki nga kura mahi a ringa, mo te whakawhiwhi mahi. He nui nga korero i puta i aua hui mo aua putake korero. Na te puta nui o nga korero o nga hui nei i roto o nga nupepe ko mohio te Pakeha ko te iwi tokoiti nei ko te Maori kei te piki ki tetakimano ke te takitini a ki te penei tonu te kaha a te tipu pau rawa mai tenei rau tau kua ahua ritetonu te tokomaha o te Maori ki to te Pakeha.

Kei te taia ki tenet putanga o Te Ao Hou nga korero a Takuta Rina Moore “Mo te Ora a Tinana o Te Iwi Maori” i panuitia ki te hui a Te Rangatahi i tu ki Otautahi i Akuhata. Ko nga mea i rongo i aua korero a Rina Moore a kore e wareware tata i a ratou te hohonu o ana korero te pai o te whakatakoto o te korero a te wairua aroha hoki ki te iwi. I roto i ana korero etahi korero mo nga whare mo te Maori, mo te piki o te tokomaha o te Maori menga korero hoki mo te hunga e taka ana ki te he he putake korero hei whiriwhiritanga me kore e kitea he maunga ringa. I puta hoki etahi korero a taua Takuta mo nga mahi hianga a nga taitamariki. Ka mutu pea i ana korero.

Koa ana tera a Te Ao Hou ki te panui I tenei putanga ona i nga korero a Miss S. Ashton-Warner mo Takuta Maharaia Winiata. He kai tito purakau ara he wahine tuhi pukapuka a Miss Ashton-Warner nana te pukapuka ra a Spinster i tuhi a kei te mahia tana korero purakau hei pikitia. Ma koutou tonu e korero te tangi a tenei wahine.

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HAERE KI O KOUTOU
TIPUNA

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HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA

MR TAMAKA AWARUA

One of South Taranaki's pioneer dairy farmers died recently at Taiporohenui, Mr Tamaka Awarua, aged 92 years. Born at Oeo in 1868 during the battle of Turuturumokai, Mr Tamaka, as he was better known, became one of the first to take up dairy farming in the district.

Secretary of the Maori Land League Association in 1892, Mr Tamaka helped to bring about the return of 16,000 acres of land to the Maoris from the Government. While still a farmer he started contracting on a large scale, and he helped the development of many acres of land in the area. An ardent worker in Maori affairs and public affairs, Mr Tamaka is survived by a daughter (Mrs Hariata Mason, Taiporohenui, and a son, Mr Te Hanataua Tamaka, O.B.E., Hawera).

MR F. SWEENEY

The death occurred recently in Waipiro Bay of Mr F. Sweeney, aged 85, after a long illness. In his early days on the East Coast he was in charge of the pressing gang of Mr A. B. Williams' shearing sheds at Takapau and Inhungia. Mr Sweeney worked hard on his farm, which is operated by his adopted son, Mr F. Tibble. He was also a noted fisherman and was president of the Waipiro Bay Fishing Club. The tangi to Mr Sweeney, held on the Iritekura marae, was attended by a large number of people. Mr Sweeney had particular associations with the Iritekura meetinghouse; when it was renovated, he supplied much of the driving force which made it one of the most up-to-date on the coast. His funeral took place at Waipiro Bay. He is survived by a wife and a grown-up adopted family.

MR TUWAREWARE PAI

A well-known identity of the Mangere area in the Waikato, Mr Tuwareware Pai, aged 67, died last September. Over 500 friends and relatives gathered for the tangi, making it one of the largest in the Auckland district for many years. Mr Pai as a child, was adopted by the Maori King, Mahuta. King Koroki was represented at the funeral by Princess Piki. The religious service at St. James' Maori Church was attended by representatives of the Maori Affairs Department, a number of trade unions, and the National and Labour parties.

MR GEORGE TE KAHUI POKAI AITUA

One of the best-known Maori elders in Taranaki, Mr George Te Kahui Pokai Aitua, was burned to death when the historic meeting-house at Parihaka Pa was razed by fire last August. Te Kahui Pokai was a familiar figure on maraes throughout New Zealand. He travelled a great deal, attending most Maori meetings and made his mark as a gifted orator of the traditional type. He was 76 years of age. He was asleep in the building when the fire broke out.

MRS TIRITA KAURI BONNINGTON

Mrs Tirita Kauri Bonnington died recently at her home in Rotorua, aged 60. Born in 1899, daughter of Mr and Mrs A. Butt, sister to the late Bishop Bennett, Mrs M. Wildon and Messrs A. and E. Butt, Rotorua, Mrs Bonnington spent all of her life in Rotorua. In 1925, she married Mr R. H. Bonnington, and their five children, except one son, live in Rotorua.

MR WALTER SMITH

The well-known Maori composer and teacher, Mr Walter Smith, died at his home in Auckland recently after a short illness. He was 77. Born in the small East Coast town of Nuhaka, Mr Smith lived mostly in Auckland. He was a naturally gifted musician and over the last 40 years had passed on his talents to many Maori and European students. Three of the best-known Maori songs he wrote were “Dear Old Maoriland”, “Land of the South Sea Isles”, and “Beneath the Maori Moon.” In his youth, Mr Smith toured overseas with Maori concert parties and it was in California that he met his wife, who survives him.

MR ARIKI MAREHU TAKARANGI

Mr Ariki Marehu (Alex) Takarangi, one of New Zealand's best-known and most highly respected Maoris, died recently at Wanganui. He was 84. Mr Takarangi, who was educated at Te Aute College, was best known because of his association with Rugby football, having been player, selector and administrator over many years. As selector, he served not only the Wanganui Rugby Union but also the New Zealand Rugby Union, was a member of the Maori Advisory Board, and at various times a selector of Maori teams to represent New Zealand at home and overseas.

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CONTENTS

Features Page
Haere ki o koutou tipuna 3
The Home Garden 58
Farming Newsletter 59
Books 52
Records 57
Crossword Puzzle 61
Articles
The State of Maori Health, by Rina Moore 6
Wini Weka's Joke, by Kate Shaw 11
A week-end in August, by Rowley Habib 13
Ignace Jan Paderewski, 1860–1941 15
Puhiwahine, Maori Poetess, part 6, by Pei te Hurinui Jones 18
The Battle that received a name, by Allan Armstrong 20
Ngaropi, by B. L. Turner 28
Arohanui ki te Tangata, by Celia and Cecil Manson 31
Resurrection, by S. Ashton-Warner 37
Huria Hiha, na Pei te Hurinui Jones 40
The art of adzing, by Pine Taiapa 42
The Maori Student Federation, by Alan Armstrong and Lionel Stewart 50
Haka Night, by Riki Erihi 53
Mutton Bird? Or Just Titi? by Paul Potiki 54
Producing the Maori in Radio Drama, by William Austin 55

The Minister of Maori Affairs: The Rt. Hon. Walter Nash.

The Secretary for Maori Affairs: J. K. Hunn.

Management Committee: Chairman: B. E. Souter, Asst. Secretary. Members: W. Herewini, M. R. Jones, W. T. Ngata, B. E. G. Mason, E. J. Shea, M. J. Taylor.

Editor: B. E. G. Mason.

Associate Editor (Maori text): W. T. Ngata, Lic. Int.

Sponsored by the Maori Purposes Fund Board. Subscriptions to Te Ao Hou at 7/6 per annum (4 issues) or £1 for three years' subscriptions at all offices of the Maori Affairs Department and P.O. Box 2390, Wellington, New Zealand.

Registered at G.P.O., Wellington, for transmission through the post as a magazine.

Editorial Address: P.O. Box 2390, Wellington.

published by the department of maori affairs december 1960 printed by pegasus press ltd.

Brief Notices

Cover Photo. Mr Ihaia Puketapu, O.B.E., standing beside the centre-post of Arohanui ki te tangata, the meeting house at Waiwhetu which owes its being to his inspiration many years ago and his driving force ever since. It was opened by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Walter Nash, on September 19th, 1960. An article on the opening appears on page 31, and pages 3233 carry photographs of the occasion.

Erratum. In Haere ki o koutou tipuna, Issue 32, it was stated in the obituary notice of Mrs N. te Waari that the late Mr and Mrs Wi Hapi Love were both awarded the M.B.E. This, as a relative has pointed out, should have read O.B.E. Apologies for this error, printed in good faith.

Competition. There was an excellent response in the English language section of the story competition, very thin in the Maori section, and almost no drawings. Results will be announced in the March issue.

Back Issues: As previously stated, the supply of some back issues has become very short. No. 16 can be purchased, but the price will now be 5/-instead of 3/-, and back issue No. 9 is now so scarce that it must be withdrawn from sale.

Renewal Stickers: If your subscription is expiring, you will find an expiry sticker on the wrapper of your issue. Please examine hte wrapper carefully and if the sticker appears on it, send us a renewal as soon as possible on the form enclosed with the issue.

Contributions in Maori: Ko tetahi o nga whakaaro nui o Te Ao Hou he pupuri kia mau te reo Maori. Otira ko te nuinga o nga korero kei te tukua mai kei te reo Pakeha anake. Mehemea hoki ka nui mai nga korero i tuhia ki te reo Maori ka whakanuia ake te wahanga o ta tatou pukapuka mo nga korero Maori.

A Disclaimer. The Department of Maori Affairs does not hold itself responsible for the opinions expressed by contributors to Te Ao Hou. We do our best to check the facts, but the responsibility for statements in signed articles remains the author's alone.

The magazine as a text in schools. Our subscription rate for schools is 4/- per year (min. 5 subscriptions).

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Rina Moore. (Geoffrey C. Wood Studio, Nelson).

THE STATE OF MAORI HEALTH

This paper was presented by Dr Moore in the South Island Conference of Young Maori Leaders held at Christchurch, 19th–21st August, 1960.

A discussion of Maori Health must cover a very wide ground indeed; it entails a discussion of the physical health of the people, and the mental health of the people. In a sense, health is the physical and mental reaction to our environment, and in order to discuss health, we must also discuss certain aspects which will come up in the agenda laid down for this conference. We have to discuss housing and over-population because these are the fundamental factors behind Maori health, or perhaps we should call it ill-health, today.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

The natural increase rate of the Maori is one of the highest in the world. The European natural increase rate in 1958 was 12.6 per thousand while the Maori was 37.57 per thousand. These are rather amazing figures, when one realises that at the turn of the century, the Maori was doomed to extinction. Behind these figures, how-over, there lies a rather tragic story. of a short expectation of life, a low standard of health, and in most age groups an incredibly high death-rate as compared with similar age groups among Europeans. The figures we have today of a high birth-rate, a high death-rate, despite the high natural increases of population, tell only of a tremendous wastage of effort on the part of the Maori people, in the form of grief, loss of economic potential when people are ill, and a waste of money and effort on children who do not live long enough to fulfill their proper destiny in the community.

The Maori today has an expectation of life of only 54 years, as compared with the 68 years for the European—a difference of 14 years. This figure was for 1950–52 and there is a slight improvement in the expectation of life for both races, but the relative differences remain the same. You can see what is happening to us when we lose people who are our leaders at the age of 54. It means that every Maori child born at a time when we would want to stimulate him in an all-out effort to improve his economic and educational standards, has fourteen years less life in which to pack all its usefulness, as compared with the European.

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The population structure of our people is quite phenomenal in that it resembles the Eiffel Tower. At the base we have an enormous length representing the under-five age group, and then in each ascending age-group we have the structure pulling back at quite a quick recession so that the whole appearance of the Maori population is rather like a truncated triangle with its sides moving less sharply as the age groups drop step by step from much smaller percentage death-rates. Because there is a much smaller proportion of Maoris in the higher age groups where death must inevitably occur, the crude death-rate of the Maori is much the same as the European. In this way, figures tend to conceal the true position. If, however, we compare deaths with specific ages per hundred-thousand, we find a totally different story. We must remember that 50% of Maoris having half or more Maori blood are under the age of fifteen years. This is an incredible proportion and raises all sorts of problems of overcrowding and lack of housing. And if we take this group and compare the death-rate of the pre-school child with that of the European, we find that three times the number of Maori children die in this period, as compared with the European child.

In the group five to fourteen years there is a lower death-rate, but again it is four times greater in the Maori as compared with the non-Maori group. In the group fifteen to twenty-five years, the death-rate among men is twice as heavy among Maoris, but four times as heavy among the women of the race, because it is here in this age-group that T.B. takes its heaviest toll of Maori women.

In the age group 24–44 years, the Maori death-rate is again three times that of the European.

In the 45 plus age group, the disparity in the death rates declines, but it is still higher among Maoris. The reason for the death rate coming closer in proximity to the European in this age-group, is that we feel only the stronger Maori reaches this age group in the first place.

CAUSES

(1) Poor housing and overcrowding.

These features are ones that must move hand in hand with the large birth-rate of the Maori, which in 1958 was 46.25 per thousand of mean population. When you have such a large proportion of the people still dependent and unable to help in the economy of the race, then I cannot see that one can have anything but sub-standard housing. At the conference held in Auckland last year, it was stated that 50% of Maori housing was sub-standard, perhaps not in actual fact of the type of housing, but in the number of people each house was expected to cater for. In the Statistical Report on the Maori-European Standard of Health, it was suggested that the communal way of life of the Maori might be responsible for the poor standards of health. I thought by this it meant that cross-infection occurred in sleeping in over-crowded houses and in meeting-houses. I feel however, that to say it is the communal life of the Maori is rather inaccurate. There is, after all, a lack of houses for the people and if one house holds fourteen or fifteen people because relatives are staying there with the family unit, it only means that if these relatives were not staying there, they would have to stay in another house. And overall, I think that if we were to spread the Maoris among the houses they have to occupy there would inevitably be overcrowding. I think it would be found that if one crowd of relatives went to stay with another crowd, it would not leave an empty house behind, but rather that their place would simply be filled by a group of relatives from another part of the country.

Poor housing and overcrowding account for such infections as rheumatic fever, meningitis, pneumonia and enteritis. Quite a number of diseases from which the Maori suffers and for which there seems no real explanation could well be the aftermath of damage caused in the younger age groups. I feel that when a mother has too much work with too many children there are two reactions she might have. She might get worried about the whole business but this is not the usual Maori mode of behaviour when confronted with trouble; her other method of dealing with the situation would be simply to give up. She would find it too much of an effort to cook proper meals for her children, too much of an effort to clothe her children properly, and too much of an effort to look after her children with the simple methods of hygiene which she knows should be instituted. And so it is that these mothers neglect to blow their childrens' noses which is a simple measure that can avoid much of the ear and chest troubles that we have today. We have been told by the North Island people at the Auckland Conference, that tablets given by doctors have to be controlled from the school. Either the children have to be instructed that they must take their tablets when they get home, or the tablets have to be given from school. This is simply because these women have so many children they are unable to exert themselves to look after them.

I think that if we want to attain the standards that are available to Europeans today, whether the mother is European or Maori, families should be limited to only four children. I find that very capable women can manage six children, but only a few can manage more.

The rate of T.B. and rheumatic fever among the Maori is ten times the rate of the European. These two diseases however, are thought to increase where there is over-crowding and poor housing. All over the world—in Japan, and among the American negroes—the level of these diseases tends to decrease where there is an improvement in the level of sanitation and standards of living conditions.

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POOR WATER SUPPLY AND POOR
SANITATION

Because a large percentage of the Maori population is rural, we find that water supply and sanitation is much below the standard of the European community. In 1947, the average household consumed 40 gallons per head per day. In our hospital, we use 80 gallons per head per day. These figures are an impossible attainment in rural areas dependent upon limited tank supply. But here again, I do not think these problems would be unsurmountable if we were to return to the methods and ways of our ancestors and consider the limitation of families. I think it is still possible to attain a reasonable level of hygiene with limited water supply, if sufficient skill, thought and money are applied to the problem. But the larger the family, the more difficult it is to attain a reasonable level of cleanliness.

It is believed that in pre-European days, birth control was fairly rigidly practised by the Maori. You can see this if you know your whakapapas very well, and if you can trace your family tree back, you will understand just how small most Maori families were in the old days. When the Victorian Europeans landed with their large families of eight, nine or ten children, the Maoris looked at them with astonishment. They could not understand these people with their large families. It is thought, however, that when they found easier methods of producing food, when food became more plentiful, that they quickly forgot their methods of control, because the Maori has always loved his children. And when there did not seem to be any necessity to limit families, the methods by which they were limited were lost.

LACK OF EDUCATION

We should consider the use of a magazine such as Te Ao Hou for educational purposes, so that we can have the same pressure of propaganda directed at Maori women, as is directed at her European counterpart.

“Have you a lump in the breast?”

“Have you got a discharge?”

“Are you suffering from irregular bleeding, or spotty bleeding?”

Then see your doctor.

“Have you got chronic indigestion?”

“Are you losing weight?”

All these things the majority of Europeans know as danger signals, a need to see their doctor.

GROUP DIFFERENCES

Over and above these causes are certain group differences.

1.

The feeling that all illness arises from an interference with personal tapu and that this state renders a person susceptible to evils which include illness. A very large section of the Maori people believe that their illness should be managed by the local tohunga. It is unfortunate that tohungaism has been made illegal because the only way to deal with this sort of thing is for the local doctors to work in with the tohunga. The tohunga is the person to whom the propanganda should be directed and this is the way they are trying to deal with this sort of thing overseas. We must remember that to lots of people tohungaism is a religion, that these people feel they have become ill because they have offended against the sacred laws of their gods.

2.

There is often a reluctance in the rural areas on the part of the people to invite nurses or doctors into their own sub-standard dwellings. And it is here important to make sure that there is room provided for a clinic, in the meeting houses.

3.

There is a very great reluctance on the part of Maori women to go to men doctors with any intimate ailments. The whole picture of physical ill-health points to poor housing, over-crowding, lack of knowledge, and a life-time of bad or indifferent health which is tolerated and endured, so that when something serious does happen to the people, they do not realise that these are danger signals which must be observed. They are so used to enduring their pain with a stoical indifference, and they do not notice when something serious happens to them.

MENTAL ILL-HEALTH

This is an aspect which has held very little interest until recently and is often not recognised for what it is. We find that every country in the world has the same problems, in different forms, as we have here.

(1) Intelligence Quotient level.

When we think of mental ill-health, we must think of the child in the beginning, and among the Maori people, you have a tremendous proportion with depressed I.Q.'s. People with normal intelligence quotients are said to have an I.Q. of 100. Very frequently, when Maoris, especially from rural districts are tested, they are found to have an I.Q. level much below what is normal. This is partly a cultural difference in that it shows, I feel, that the Maori is not able to perform in the different European culture as well as he might if he were left in his own Maori background. Not only has the Maori difficulties in contending with different cultural background, but he also suffers from the difficulty of being bi-lingual. It is not easy for him to answer questions which rely on language skills. When a person is bi-lingual, although he has advantages in social intercourse with the two races, he usually learns a much smaller vocabulary. This vocabulary tends to be much larger in a mono-lingual person.

It has also been found that even where two races are brought up with fairly similar cultural backgrounds, there will be an I.Q. that is not de-

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veloped when the standard of home conditions is depressed in one section of the community. This has been argued out many times, and by many people it has been felt that these are inherited racial differences. But most evidence points to the fact that a child's I.Q. will not dvelop normally if it has not been properly fed and given a reasonable physical environment, even in the first twelve months of its life. Southern Negroes in rural districts for instance, have an I.Q. level of only 50 whereas in a city like Los Angeles, where Negroes are tolerated fairly well and have better standards of home conditions and opportunity of education, then their I.Q. level is about 102.

2. High Accident Rate.

Liability to accident is usually classed with mental ill-health because it is associated with lack of co-ordination and lack of awareness of one's environment. We find also that the Maori clings to life a good deal less than the European does. I think that most Maoris have a firm belief in an after-life. They enjoy this life in a happy-go-lucky carefree way, but they are fairly certain in their own minds that life will continue in the same way among their ancestors. This certainty of the hereafter is not quite so marked in the European who tends to cling to the life he knows and to what is more certain to him, with an obvious lack of faith in the promises of an after-life. This factor, plus the rural background in which most Maoris live, with their rutted back roads, old ramshackle trucks crowded with people, and what the Statistics Book calls “general carelessness”, all produce a very heavy accident rate.

3. Anxiety Neurosis.

In most countries in the world there is no increase in the amount of psychosis. This is a disease which results in a complete change of personality.

All over the world, however, there is an increase in neurosis: a state where there is no change in personality but an alteration of the emotional centre of the brain, resulting in chronic tension and fear and a great variety of physical complaints. We do not know how frequently neurotic conditions exist among the Maori people, because if we examine their physical complaints, we see that very frequently he does not take his illness to his doctor. He suffers his illness until it is too late to do anything about it. This is the reason why, when he is attacked by a disease such as cancer or diabetes, he usually dies because the treatment comes to him too late for anything to be done. We know, however, that neurosis is increasing in countries such as China and Kenya. In most countries in the world, anxiety states arise in this way, and many points are applicable to the Maoris. Two-thirds of the world's population is underfed, and with easier communications between countries such as radio, planes and ships, these people realise that chronic hunger is by no means the state of things in some other countries.

People in other countries want food; they associate education with an improved economy; they send their children to school where they speak not in their own language but in English, French or Portuguese; they learn other customs. Communication between parents and children becomes difficult.

In Asia and Latin America they have lived like the Maoris in what is called an extended family system which includes grandparents, uncles and aunts and there is a wonderful sense of security because there are several mothers and fathers to look after all the children. Now this extended family system is beginning to crumble and people are beginning to suffer from what is known as “identity confusion”; they do not know to what group they should give their loyalty, with what group they should identify themselves. Perhaps they feel they would like to identify themselves with one group and yet when they return to their own families, they feel different there, too, and don't fit in. This causes anxiety and breakdown, social unrest and industrial unrest.

We need a very positive sense of our own identity; we need to know that we belong to a certain racial group, that it is a remarkably organised group and very important in its own world. If you know the important things about your own racial group, not just the waiatas and hakas but the sort of things that were important to our ancestors—the history of the race, the knowledge of the birds and the forests, and the knowledge of the stars and the seasons, then you can see that it was a very well-developed racial group and you feel a security that makes you feel that you don't have to compare yourself with any other racial group. To know this is to know the security of exactly where you belong.

4. Delinquency.

The obvious breakdown in the mental health of the Maori people occurs in their delinquency problem. This differs from the European in that Maori crime, like European crime, which is almost entirely centred about the urban area, occurs 50% in urban areas and 50% in rural areas attached to their home situation.

While most Europeans suffering from delinquency come within normal intelligence, the Maori intelligence level is lower than normal. I feel that this is probably not a true indication of the intelligence of the Maori but rather a depressed I.Q. level, indicating that the Maori has not yet adapted himself to the European culture and is finding difficulty in adjusting himself to it, and also difficulty in expressing himself in the English language.

In his own cultural background, the activities of the Maori have previously been controlled by a group, by the strength of his religion and by the strength of his tribal leaders. In most districts, the tribal leaders no longer have a strong control over their people. The extended family system that we have spoken of earlier is disintegrating, sometimes for economic reasons. People are finding it difficult to live on a farm that will support one

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small family unit only, but not all their aunts and uncles, their cousins and perhaps their grandparents. Another difficulty is also one which we have mentioned earlier, with children gradually changing so that they have not a great deal in common with their parents. Then we have this state of identity confusion arising. People do not quite know where they belong, and they feel at home in no society. Man is a gregarious animal and when he does not feel secure in any situation, he suffers from fears and tensions. The neurotic, when he suffers from these fears and tensions, keeps his anxiety within himself and perhaps he might not be an efficient economic unit, but on the whole he usually manages to keep going. A delinquent, on the other hand, will suffer anxiety only to the point of discomfort, and then get rid of all these anxieties, these fears and these tensions in acts of aggression against the environment which he feels is so hostile towards him. When he suffers from this anxiety and expiates it in the form of aggression he feels a bit guilty about it and his guilt feelings again build up into anxiety feelings and you have this pattern of insecurity—anxiety—aggression—guilt—back to anxiety again. This is the reason for the type of crime we have among the Maoris; the crimes of assault, rape and homicide which are so high. It is the casting out of all his fears and his insecurity against society. This form of acting out is something which I think the Maori has been practising for many years. When he goes into battle for instance, he works out any fears and tensions he might have in performing his hakas. When he has his tangis, he works out his sorrow and grief in the form of weeping and wailing. For many generations, therefore, it has not been his habit to contain unpleasant emotions within him. Many psychiatrists think that this acting out is perhaps a healthier method of living, because emotions do not build themselves up to create unhappiness in the person. With the lack of group control among the Maoris, however, you can see that it can take this unfortunate form of delinquency. I feel very strongly that this pattern of Maori crime should be treated as a mental illness of the people and that the community should insist on treatment so that they can be assisted in their adjustment to society rather than a purely punitive attitude taken towards them. I had in mind the training schools instead of the enclosed prison system which exists at present. Because Maoris, in working out their difficulties in this manner, tend to aggressive crime, then they are frequently confined to closed prisons; a better adjustment might be made in a training school. These people, once they have been confined for an aggressive crime, suffer under grave disabilities, because all too frequently, their own people turn against them and disown them. I feel that Maori people look upon crime as a shame and a stigma on the race, instead of realising that it is just part of the adjustment and part of the price we have to pay for this adjustment between two greatly different cultures. small family unit only, but not all their aunts and uncles, their cousins and perhaps their grandparents. Another difficulty is also one which we have mentioned earlier, with children gradually changing so that they have not a great deal in common with their parents. Then we have this state of identity confusion arising. People do not quite know where they belong, and they feel at home in no society. Man is a gregarious animal and when he does not feel secure in any situation, he suffers from fears and tensions. The neurotic, when he suffers from these fears and tensions, keeps his anxiety within himself and perhaps he might not be an efficient economic unit, but on the whole he usually manages to keep going. A delinquent, on the other hand, will suffer anxiety only to the point of discomfort, and then get rid of all these anxieties, these fears and these tensions in acts of aggression against the environment which he feels is so hostile towards him. When he suffers from this anxiety and expiates it in the form of aggression he feels a bit guilty about it and his guilt feelings again build up into anxiety feelings and you have this pattern of insecurity—anxiety—aggression—guilt—back to anxiety again. This is the reason for the type of crime we have among the Maoris; the crimes of assault, rape and homicide which are so high. It is the casting out of all his fears and his insecurity against society. This form of acting out is something which I think the Maori has been practising for many years. When he goes into battle for instance, he works out any fears and tensions he might have in performing his hakas. When he has his tangis, he works out his sorrow and grief in the form of weeping and wailing. For many generations, therefore, it has not been his habit to contain unpleasant emotions within him. Many psychiatrists think that this acting out is perhaps a healthier method of living, because emotions do not build themselves up to create unhappiness in the person. With the lack of group control among the Maoris, however, you can see that it can take this unfortunate form of delinquency. I feel very strongly that this pattern of Maori crime should be treated as a mental illness of the people and that the community should insist on treatment so that they can be assisted in their adjustment to society rather than a purely punitive attitude taken towards them. I had in mind the training schools instead of the enclosed prison system which exists at present. Because Maoris, in working out their difficulties in this manner, tend to aggressive crime, then they are frequently confined to closed prisons; a better adjustment might be made in a training school. These people, once they have been confined for an aggressive crime, suffer under grave disabilities, because all too frequently, their own people turn against them and disown them. I feel that Maori people look upon crime as a shame and a stigma on the race, instead of realising that it is just part of the adjustment and part of the price we have to pay for this adjustment between two greatly different cultures.

Delinquency also frequently occurs when a child identifies himself with a parent who is also disturbed, and tends himself to act out his difficulties in impulsive and aggressive behaviour. I think this is the commonest reason for which Maoris come to see me professionally. It is most frequently a tired mother with several children who have arrived in rapid succession, who in her over-worked worn-out state becomes extremely aggressive and irritable towards her husband and children. She realises that she is providing an unsatisfactory home background for her family, but she cannot help herself. She wants to do the best for her family, but she can't, so she comes to me, to learn how to contain her fears and tensions within herself and keep this pattern of aggression from affecting the next generation.

In conclusion, I think that a large proportion of our difficulties lies basically in our large birth-rate of 45:1000 people. If we have 50% of our population under the age of fifteen, then we must be tired, over-burdened, over-worked women who are not able to look after our children or provide them with the security, the loving care and affection that they need. It is because women are tired that they do not always dress their children properly, that they feel so enervated that they cannot hand out the necessary tablets. I am sure too, that the over-drinking of the men is caused by the lack of home comforts within the home where the noise of over-crowding cannot make for a peaceful life.

The total picture is really not as bad as it sounds. With the natural increase rate of 37.57 per 1000, the Maori race is riding a great wave of expansion, but we must compare this figure with the figure of our birth-rate which, in 1958, was 46.25 per 1000 and realise the tremendous wastage in which we are involved. Pregnancy is a tiring, wearying business for most women, and we must realise that this energy would be better spent in raising fewer children, keeping more alive and educating these ones better, rather than these large numbers, trebling or quadrupling the European death-rate. We can only give health to people who want health. And so, the only way to make the Maori people want health is to talk to them in as many places and to as many groups as possible. I am quite sure that if the birth-rate were lowered, then women would have more energy to devote to the physical and natural needs of their children.

Sir Maui Pomare, in his Official Report on Maori Health in 1906, stated: “We have looked into the question of the decline of the Maori and found that the causes were legion. Bad housing, feeding, clothing, nursing, unventilated rooms, unwholesome pas, were all opposed to the perpetuation of the race, but a deeper knowledge of the Maori reveals to us the fact that these are not the only potent factors in the causation of this decay. Like an imprisoned bird of the forest, he pines for the liberty and freedom of his Alpine Woods. This was a warrior race, used to fighting

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for liberty or to death. All this has gone: fighting is no more. There is no alternative but to become a Pakeha. Was this saying not uttered by the mouth of a dying chief many generations ago: ‘Kei muri i te awe kapara he tangata ke, mana kao, he ma.’ (Shadowed behind the tattooed face a stranger stands, he who owns the earth and he is white.')

The fear of extinction of the Maori race with its loss of morals and confidence has passed. There is a new resurgence of the Maori people who should now strive towards higher standards of health, better education and a better economic level for their children. No longer does the Pakeha stand “a stranger behind the tattooed face”, because the Maori should take into his hands the heritage of the culture of his forefathers, certain and proud of his own identity, so that he can mix freely with the Pakeha, knowing that he can offer something from his own background, in exchange for the European culture he has absorbed.

This above all, to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.

from Hamlet, by William Shakespeare.

WINI WEKA'S JOKE

Wini Weka liked to know what was going on. She was what her mother called in-quis-i-tive, but all her playmates called her Quizzy.

One day Puki Pukeko, Mrs Raki Duck, Tuku Bittern, Pipi Shining Cuckoo and little Pi-toi Robin were waiting by the swamp for Wini to come and play. She was very late and they began to talk about her.

“I'm sure she is poking her nose in somewhere trying to find out things that are not her business,” said Puki.

“We couldn't really call her anything but Quizzy,” said Mrs Raki.

“One day she will get into real trouble,” said Tuku. “Yes, she will,” said Pipi.

“Oh, is she really quizzier than me?” asked Pi-toi, who didn't know Wini Weka very well.

“Yes, she's very quizzy indeed,” said Mrs Raki.

“Let's teach her a lesson,” they all said together.

“Let's play a trick on her.” So they put their heads together and planned the trick. Then they went away.

When Wini arrived she couldn't see any of her playmates and she was quite sad and upset. “I know I'm late,” she thought, “But I was busy finding out things, and they might have waited. Now I will have to go home again and there isn't anyone there to play with. I did want to play.”

She hung her hand and scratched on the ground with her foot wondering what she would do. Then she heard a sound a little way off, behind some raupo. It was a small tapping sound. Tap, tap, went the sound, tap, tap, tap. Wini was interested. She wanted to find out what the sound was and who was making it. She began to walk towards the raupo patch. Tap, tap, she heard, tap, tap, tap. It was very exciting. She walked a little faster. She poked her head round the raupo patch. There was nothing there! But she could still hear the tapping sound. It was further away now. It was behind a flax bush.

She wanted very much to find out about the tapping and walked on until she could see behind the flax bush. There was absolutely nothing there! But the tapping sounded once more. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap! “I wonder what it is,” thought Wini. She was just about to walk on again when she heard a creaky voice say “Wini, wait a minute.”

She looked down and on the ground by her feet she saw Tu. He was puffing and blowing as he had hurried to catch up to Wini.

“What is it, Tu?” asked Wini, “Are you in trouble? Can I help?” because Wini had a kind heart even if she was in-quis-i-tive.

“No,” said Tu, “I'm not in trouble. You are in trouble.”

“How am I in trouble?” asked Wini. “The others are playing a trick on you,” said Tu. “They are walking ahead and making tapping sounds with pebbles so you will follow. They will

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take you right to the far edge of the swamp where there is a big hole. They have covered the hole with rushes so you won't know it is there. On the other side of the hole they have put a bright shining shell on a bush. The shell is nearly covered up and there is just enough of it showing to make you want to find out what it is. When you rush over to look at the shell you will step on the rushes and fall into the hole. The others will be inside the hole and they have planned to make all kinds of noises when you fall in so you will be quite scared. Puki is going to screech, Mrs Raki will quack, Tuku will boom and Pipi will give a shrill whistle. Pi-toi is there too and she will yell her loudest right in your ear. When they have scared you by all this they will laugh and tell you it was just a joke.”

“How did you find out, Tu?” asked Wini.

“I was close by when they were planning the trick and they didn't see me,” said Tu.

“What shall I do?” asked Wini. “It would be fun to play a trick on them instead. Will you help me Tu?”

“Yes, I will help,” said Tu. “Let us follow the tapping until we see the shell on the bush. Then instead of stepping on the rushes we will stay on the edge of the hole and I'll call out something that will scare them and make them come scrambling out of the hole. Then we can laugh and laugh. It will be a great joke.”

“Oh, Tu, you think of everything,” said Wini. “Come along and we'll do exactly as you say. There's the tapping again.”

Wini and Tu went along until they saw something shining on a low bush. In front there were a lot of rushes so they knew there was the place with the hole underneath. But when Wini saw the shining shell she nearly forgot about the joke because anything shining always excited her and she wanted to touch it. But Tu whispered “Wini, remember the hole, remember the joke,” and she stopped.

Then Tu said very loudly, “Wini, I think I can hear heavy footsteps coming this way. I think I can hear heavy breathing too. Oh Wini, do you think it is the taniwha? We'd better hide or he'll gobble us up.”

“Oh Tu,” squeaked Wini, “I do think it is the taniwha. Let us hide at once. What a good thing my playmates are not here. The taniwha just loves all kinds of birds to eat, especially walking birds.”

Tu and Wini could hear their friends moving about in the hole under the rushes and they looked at each other and grinned because they knew the others were beginning to worry about the taniwha catching them.

Then Tu said, “The footsteps are coming closer, Wini. We must hide. Hurry!”

Suddenly there was a wild scrambling and a pushing and a shoving as Wini's playmates came tumbling out of the hole. They looked so scared that Wini could hardly tell which was Puki Pukeko and which was Mrs Raki or Tuku Bittern.

Tu slithered out of sight but Wini stood there and said “Hullo everybody.” Then she laughed and laughed. “Ha, ha,” she chuckled, “Your trick didn't work after all. My trick worked. The taniwha isn't coming at all. We only said he was to scare you. Ha, ha, it is a great joke.”

Her friends didn't look very happy at first. They were a little annoyed. But they couldn't be angry with Wini. She was laughing so happily they soon had to laugh with her. And the pleasant sound floated all over the swamp.

When Tu heard the laughter he knew they wouldn't be angry with him for his part in the joke. So he came back and he laughed loudly too.

PUHA

Puha has been fetching up to one shilling a bundle in the Auckland city markets. Maoris and Islanders have settled in Auckland in sufficient numbers to make the collection and sale of puha worthwhile, a produce merchant said.

A market gardener started collecting thistles from wasteland and sent a few cases into the market, and others had followed his example, said the merchant. On market days there are usually half a dozen or more cases sold.

GRANT FOR MAORI ART

The Maori Purposes Fund Board has made a grant of £250 to Ngata Memorial College to assist in the production of Maori art work in a special recess in the school library. The letter from the Fund Board stated: “The Board appreciates the effort that is being made by the principal, Mr E. J. Jennings, and supported by the Education Board, to foster the interest of Maori children in the art of their ancestors.”

HINE DOUGLAS

A young Maori nurse, Staff Nurse Hine Douglas, daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Dougl as of Te Uhi, Wairoa, gained the highest honour that the Cook Hospital Board, Gisborne, can bestow on a graduate in recent nursing examinations.

This was the award of the silver medal. The announcement that she had won this coveted award was greeted with loud applause at the graduation ceremony in the Gisborne Memorial Hall. Nurse Douglas was also awarded the Tombleson Rose Bowl, Miss Bunt's prize, and the third-year highest aggregate prize. Miss R. D. Bunt, supervising matron of the Cook Hospital, said that this was the first time that a Maori nurse had won the silver medal.

Miss Douglas was educated in Wairoa, going straight to Cook Hospital from Wairoa College.

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A WEEK-END IN AUGUST

When I was approached by Te Ao Hou to write on the South Island Young Maori Leaders' Conference, I felt at first that there were others far more qualified to do so. But Te Ao Hou assured me that impressions were what was required, and I felt that perhaps I was as entitled to these as anyone else.

So I asked myself these questions: What did the meeting mean to me? What had I learnt from this packed week-end? One thing I knew, that it had been one of the experiences of my life.

If anyone had in his hand the notes of the opening speech by Sir Eruera Tirikatene, he would have something to treasure. I believe that in this speech were most of the answers we are seeking to the Maori problems of today and of the future. And I should like to say what a deep impression the whole Tirikatene family made on me. They seem to me an example of what the modern Maori should be. They must surely be the answer to what Sir Apirana Ngata asked of the modern Maori. “The future Maori,” wrote Sir Apirana. “should stand firm upon the best of his Maori mana and at the same time, reach out for the best of what the European has to offer him.” I looked at this family. I saw Miss Whetu Tirikatene open her lecture with a Maori wai, in which her father and mother joined, with a dignity to make any Maori proud. Here, it seemed to me, was the best of the two cultures, blended to make one person, the modern Maori.

I was glad to hear from Mr Lewin that the Department of Maori Affairs was working hard towards a solution of Maori lands. I think that the Maori in the future can look with more hope towards their complex situation. I was also glad to hear Mr Lewin's comments on integration and especially intermarriage between the two races, and pleased to learn that he favoured it. I have thought much about it, and know many, both Maori and Pakeha, who are against it. I know what worries them: that the half or quarter caste will have no place. Rubbish! I am a half-caste and know what it means. The Maori has a natural warmth, and his first wish is to cling to his people, and make those of part Maori parentage wholly one of themselves. I agree with Mr Lewin that when you have two races working side by side, there will be, there must be, intermarriage. Nature, after all, will ignore creeds and conventions for her purposes. Mr Rex Austin, in a round-table session, spoke for a lot of us when he said, “looking round this table, I would say that intermarriage is working all right.” Very few of us at the conference could claim full Maori inheritance. We sat there in many colours and variety of feature. Yet we were all Maoris and all New Zealanders.

I was very interested in the District Commissioner for Apprenticeship, Mr Thomas, in his address on apprenticeship and employment. This is to me the bigger problem now, and ahead, for the Maori people. Why do so many Maoris leave their apprenticeships before they are completed? The air was electric with concern, with questions, answers, questions. What's wrong with us? Are we below the intelligence of our pakeha brothers? What can we do? Mr Thomas mentioned that some firms are prejudiced against Maoris. This is true, as I know. But often I feel the Maori is to blame. I see them in Dunedin, work today, holiday tomorrow. It is the same in the boarding-houses. One Maori misbehaves and the whole race suffers. And let me be honest: the behaviour of some Maoris makes them very bad risks in some boarding houses. But Pakeha prejudice exists also. Why should a person be labelled German, say, and judged for his whole race because of Hitler and the war? Why should my race then, be judged because of the bad behaviour of a single member of it? We must all, surely, learn to look at all men as individuals, as human souls.

Dr Rina Moore's lecture was a revelation to me. I was most disconcerted to learn that the rate of Maori crime is so high. What can we do? Visit

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prisons, house some lost soul for a few nights, find him a job after he has been wandering the streets for a fortnight or sleeping in the park at nights. We can do all this and feel pleased with our work, but is it all necessary? Should we have to do it? Must we visit a prison to find most of the inmates are Maoris? Surely prevention is better than cure. And I believe that in Dr Moore's lecture lay some of the solutions to Maori problems today. We must get to them before they start, in the homes, where, as Dr Moore so justly said, most of the trouble starts.

Finally, I would like to mention the thrill and delight I had in meeting the other delegates to the conference. It cheered me immensely to learn that we had so many intelligent and serious men and women in our race. And I would like to say how encouraging I found the enthusiasm of our pakeha brothers. We are neither deserted nor disregarded. As long as we try to help ourselves, we will have the support and blessing of our fellow New Zealanders. They are good men. At the Conference, at least half of the lecturers were Europeans, and some of the leading citizens of Christchurch came to speak to us and wish us well; the Mayor of Christchurch was one, the Professor of Education another. The Department of Adult Education gave us more than their share of service, and the University allowed us to use their students' hostel and their building for our lectures. All told, I had a feeling of oneness, of co-operation, of combined effort from both sides. I would like to pass that encouragement on to my fellow countrymen. The boat is launched, and there is a great stir about its water-line as it turns to head for the open sea.

I have finished. But like others, I am asking the question: What are we going to do about it? Yes, we know where the trouble lies, and we know how we might be able to overcome it. But are we just going home to our jobs to carry on in the same old way? Tell ourselves that we are all right and to heck with the rest? So: What are we going to do about it? Kia kaha, kia ora.

Picture icon

Official photograph of the 1960 South Island Young Maori Leaders' Conference. Sir Eruera and Lady Tirikatene, centre, seated; His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr George Manning, third from right; Mr D. W. Rutherford, Director of Adult Education, University of Canterbury and Director of the Conference, second from right. (Green and Hahn Photograph, Christchurch).

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IGNACE JAN PADEREWSKI

This year marks the centenary of the birth of the great Polish pianist and patriot, Ignace Jan Paderewski, possibly the greatest pianist the world has known, certainly the most celebrated. For nearly fifty years he toured the world in princely style—he was the pianist, as Caruso was the tenor, and as Picasso is now the painter. But this is not all. A fierce Polish patriot, he became his country's Premier and President, and was transported in state to the Versailles Peace Conference in a British battleship.

Paderewski visited New Zealand twice, in 1904, when he was at the zenith of his career, and again in 1927, when he was an elderly man. He has left a lively account of his 1904 visit in his Memoirs, including what was evidently a memorable visit to Rotorua. This is what he said:

“I was very anxious to try the baths at Rotorua which had quite a reputation as a watering-place in New Zealand, but as a neighbouring village was more interesting and comfortable, we decided to stop there. The entire population was Maori. The only white man was a gentleman by the name of Nelson, a Britisher of course, who came some forty years before to the place as a surveyor and was so impressed, so enraptured by the country and by the people especially, that he decided to live there to the end of his days, which occurred some ten years after our visit.

“We lived in the Hotel Nelson and it must be said that nowhere in the world did we ever enjoy such quiet, pleasant and absolutely undisturbed peace as there. All the Maori people were most interesting to me. They were educated, some of them having been at high school and so on, but they lived just as their ancestors had lived for a thousand years. Some of them even knew who I was and they showed me so much respect and affection, and such courtesy as I've never really found elsewhere.

“From time to time we made some little excursions. Everywhere in that wonderful land there are geysers and hot lakes. The bath I enjoyed

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there (and which quieted my nerves very much) was called an oil bath, because the water was so fat and came from natural sources. It must have been something very particular. It was very heavy and naturally very hot. I think it some 85 or even more degrees.

“Our guide was a Maori girl bearing the poetic name of Maggie Papakura. She was quite a lady—well-educated. She married, afterwards, some English lord.” (Not true: Paderewski was misinformed. Maggie Papakura married twice, and her second marriage was to a Mr Staples-Brown. She died in England and was buried there.) “She was recognised chieftainess of that little tribe and she always offered, most graciously, her services as guide to that delightful land. She published an interesting book later about the district of Whakarewarewa. She guided us most carefully. She would take my wife by the hand, and then to me, following, she would say, “Now be careful, very careful. Don't go to the right. Just follow me exactly.' I asked why. ‘Because there is an abyss here which you cannot see. It is boiling mud—it is on your right, only a yard away. So be very careful.’ And then she threw in, by way of warning, ‘A few years ago my aunt made a mis-step and sank into that abyss, and disappeared for ever.’ Well, I can assure you that I followed her advice! I was very careful.

“On one occasion she showed me a Maori fishing with a line in fresh and very cold water for trout. He caught one, and without moving from the place where he stood, he threw that trout right into a little pond only two yards away from him. Then drew in the line, took off the fish, put a little salt on it, and ate it! It was thoroughly cooked.

“At that time, some of the geysers were playing, but not at their greatest height and splendour, not high enough for their guests of honour, as we were considered by the Maoris. They were extremely proud to have us staying with them. So one day they decided to give us a ‘soap of honour’ as they call it. In other words, a treat. What was it? You can never guess. Well, they bought twenty pounds of soap, put it into the hole of one of the geysers, and the geyser immediately jumped about 150 feet in the air because the soap increased the gas. It was a thrilling sight and we watched in amazement.

“We saw the interesting lake of Rotorua. The lake is of icy cold water, but right in the centre of it there are a few small islands containing geysers of boiling water jumping very high into the air. Another lake, still farther away, had a temperature of 140 degrees. Amazing.

“The country was not strictly beautiful, but so uncanny and so interesting, and full of constant surprises.

“One day, we expressed a desire to go to a

Picture icon

Paderewski and Madame Paderewska in Maori dress on the New Zealand tour, 1904.

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waterfall in the neighbourhood, which was one of the wonders of the country. Mr Lemmone applied to the Governor for permission to visit it, and the Minister of the Interior, Sir Joseph Ward, notified us that the Government would be very pleased to have me visit the place and the chief guide of New Zealand, Mr Warbrick, would call on me and make all the necessary arrangements.

“Mr Warbrick came to our hotel and to our surprise told us that it was an excursion of at least three days. There was no hotel there, just a cabin, so we had to carry our own food and bedding, which was something of an undertaking. Well, everything was arranged and we were to start at five in the morning. Suddenly at midnight, somebody knocked at the door. It was Mr War-brick to tell us that the excursion was off. He deeply regretted it, but he had just been notified that there had been an earthquake in the vicinity and the waterfall we were to visit had disappeared!

“The Maori people were a source of great interest to me. They were brown in colour and very good-looking. They were supposed to have come from Tahiti. (sic) They travelled at least a thousand miles before they established themselves in New Zealand, and they are said to have come in boats made from one log of wood. These Maoris are a fine, handsome people, but the women become perfectly abominable when they are married, for they immediately tattoo their chins horribly—an awful sight. As long as they are girls, they are very pretty to look at, but as married women they are perfectly hideous.

“Mr Nelson claimed that they were very intelligent. He said, ‘Ask any Maori about his ancestry, and he will tell you, 32 generations back, the names, not only of those who founded the colony, but of everyone belonging to that tribe. More than that, they will tell you the particulars of everyone, at what age he died, and so forth.’

“I have known several Maoris of exceptionally high education. One was a member of the Cabinet of New Zealand (Sir James Carroll), who received the Duke and Duchess of York during their visit here. He gave an admirable address at their reception, and then took them afterwards to the Rotorua district, of which he was a native. Then, to add to his prowess, he actually took part in a war dance before the royalties and finally, at the grand finale, tried to frighten them by putting his tongue out almost to his navel! Of course, in the dance, he had to wear another and special attire which completely disguised him. After the dance he made a little address in Maori, and created a tremendous impression. Later on at the reception he sat with the royalties at the table, and the Duke of York said, ‘Tell me, who was that wonderful dancer who made such a fine address afterwards, and who danced with his tongue hanging out so long?’ ‘Oh,’ replied the Cabinet member, ‘it was myself. I am a Maori, you know, and a fine dancer.’

“It is to be added that as well as their own Maori language, they all speak English, which they learn at school.”

NO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
IN ROTORUA

There is no racial discrimination in Rotorua district, according to Mr B. Adam, the man in charge of the Maori apprentices' hostel at Rotorua. “I have never been questioned on the fact that a boy I bring along for a job is a Maori,” said Mr Adam. The hostel warden was speaking at the 23rd annual conference of the Women's Health League, held at the Kearoa Meeting House, Horohoro, recently.

“Maori youths are accepted equally with Europeans in the Rotorua area,” added Mr Adam. “People often ring me up and ask me for another boy like the Maori youth they have working for them already. I have had to turn down nine offers of apprenticeship recently because I did not have the boys to fill them. I would appeal to all Maori people to keep their children at a high school for at least two years, three if they can manage it. I know that this is often difficult, but I believe that Maori youth should be trained to take a full part in the development of New Zealand—a task that they are so well fitted to carry out,” he said.

MAORI WELFARE LEAGUE

The Dominion President of the Maori Welfare League was the guest of honour at a luncheon in the P.D.C., Palmerston North, some weeks ago, given by the Ngati Pamutana Branch of the League.

The President, Mrs E. J. Magee, welcomed Mrs Hirini, the Mayoress, Mrs G. M. Rennie, the patroness, Mrs M. Durie, Aorangi, and members representing Maori groups. In reply to Mrs Magee and Mrs Rennie, Mrs Hirini said that it was an honour and a privilege to be with the group. She had lately been travelling throughout the Ngati Pamutana League's district—Otaki. Tokorangi, and Palmerston North, and the direct contact with the Maori groups would be of valuable assistance to the council. This was, she said, the first time a Dominion President had visited the area and it was her intention to tour the whole of New Zealand.

“We must be of one mind,” said Mrs Hirini, “pull the canoe and forge ahead with the work for the betterment of the Maori people. New Zealanders are one people and we must work to that end.”

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PUHIWAHINE - MAORI POETESS

Sixth Instalment
THE LAST DAYS OF PUHIWAHINE

Puhiwahine mourned the loss of her husband for many months and her only comfort was the company of her grandchildren, the children of John. With the passing years most of her friends had passed away. In her sorrow and lone-liness her thoughts turned more and more towards the home of her people in the valley of the Taringamotu, where she first saw the light of day. Like a true Maori she felt a great longing to return to her natal soil and end her days there.

She made known her wish to her son, John, and he wrote to his brother, George, informing him of their mother's melancholy state and of her wish. George was at his home at Ongarue at the time, and receiving his brother's letter he lost no time and within a few days he had arrived at Ohinepuhiawe, the home of his brother John. It was a sad leave-taking when Puhiwahine left.

George took her to Miringa, the main settlement of the Ngati-Hinenihi at that time. Miringa is a short distance down the Taringamotu Stream from Petania where she was born. George left her there and returned to his home at Ongarue. Sometime later an invitation was received from the Maniapoto tribe at Te Kuiti for the Ngati-Hinemihi to take Puhiwahine through, as they wished to commiserate with her on her bereavement, as was—and still is—the custom of our people.

A hari mate group (Party of mourners) of the Hinemihi people and representatives of the neighbouring tribes of Ngati-Raerae of Ongarue, the Ngati-Haua of Taumarunui, Ngati Pahere of Te Koura, and the Ngati-Te Ihingarangi of Waimiha. It was a well organised company for a hari mate visit, as was befitting the occasion, and included in their numbers were the leading orators, the song leaders, and the singers of the chorus songs, chants and laments. As a historical note, the writer will name some of them, and they were: Kahutopuni Waata, of Ongarue—a grandaunt of the writer; Hema Rangawhenua, a sister-in-law of George; Puangarangi Te Haeata, Petera, the elder chief of the Ngati-Hinemihi; daughter of Te Haeata Petera, the elder chief of the Hinemihi; and among the chiefs were: Tutahanga Rotohiko Te Wano and his brother, Te Hurinui Te Wano, granduncles of the writer, and first cousins of Kahutopuni Waata; Te Haeata Petera, already mentioned above; Te Hihi Rangawhenua, brother-in-law of George; and Ngatokowha te Rangituatea, of Te Koura.

On arrival at Te Kuiti, the visitors learnt that the full ceremonies for the occasion of the visit of the hari mate had been transferred to Oparure, in deference to the wishes of the Ngati-Kinohaku and their elder chief, none other than Puhiwahine's cousin lover, Te Mahutu Te Teko.

At the time appointed, the visitors—escorted by Tawhana, Te Haeata's cousin—moved off, with their hosts of Ngati-Rora of Te Kuiti, by way of the Mangaokewa river-flats to the marae, or courtyard, at Oparure. The visitors on arrival went through the solemn ceremony of the tangi, or lamentation ceremony. After a time the lamentation died down; and different ones, both among the local people and the visitors, moved away and retired to the bounds of the marae. Finally the only two left standing were Puhiwahine and Te Mahutu Te Teko.

Puhiwahine soon noticed that she and Te Mahutu were the only ones left, and with her fine sense of the dramatic she straightened herself and slowly glanced round at the assembled people; then with a shrug of her shoulders, she dropped her shawl off her shoulders and wrapped it around her waist. There was a short pause then, in the silence that could almost be felt, Puhiwahine burst into song with all the allure and passion of her youthful days. The people were spell-bound and looked up at her in wonder and admiration as they strained their ears to catch every note of her song.

This account from the time the visitors arrived at Te Kuiti is from the story as told to the writer by the late Tu Tawhiao who was present at the time (Tu Tawhiao's Obituary notice is in Te Ao Hou No. 16). We shall now continue with the story. Puhiwahine accompanied her singing with the appropriate gestures for which she was far-famed, and the technique of her performance was altogether a thing of joy. The song she sang was her love song for Te Mahutu (Chapter 4).

Tu Tawhiao, when he told me this story, said it was a dramatic moment, and it was a highly emotional experience for all who were there.

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Puhiwahine seemed to have regained her youth; she sang with feeling, and her sweet voice, which never taltered, held the listening multitude in thrall. In voice and gesture she gave a polished performance to the last triumphant note in her singing of her rhapsody of love.

Te Mahutu remained standing throughout. At the end of her song, Puhiwahine unfastened her shawl and throwing it over her shoulders she sat down and sobbed softly to herself. Te Mahutu looked up with a whimsical smile on his tattooed face then, glancing round to his people, he beckoned them to come near, and with his mere in his hand he delivered his speech of welcome. As the song for his speech he sang his own song for Puhiwahine (Chapter 4). His song had been well rehearsed, his voice rang clear, and to the lilt of the song he flourished his mere now high and then close to his breast. His people joined in the singing, and at the end of each verse, from their ranks would come the question, “Where is she, O Ma’?” In the presence of Puhiwahine, Te Mahutu's answer was—in a voice charged with emotion—“E haria mai nei e tana iwi.” (Over yonder, escorted hither by her people.)

At the end of his song Te Mahutu came forward slowly to where Puhiwahine was sitting with her head bent low; and there—surrounded by their tribespeople—the two greeted each other in the hongi, the time-honoured touching of noses in greeting of their race. This was a climax to a poignant scene which touched every heart; and a moment, not without pathos, the like of which had never before—or since—been witnessed.

LIFE'S END

Puhiwahine on her return from Oparure stayed on at Ongarue in the care of her son George.

Among the earliest recollections of the writer was of Puhiwahine strolling along the roadway through our little village at Ongarue. She would often come among the little children playing their games, and with a softly spoken word she would affectionately pat a bobbing little head as she passed on her way. The last recollection is of the old lady coming towards the writer, softly humming a tune. A few paces away she stopped and looked intently at the apprehensive child before her, and then suddenly without warning she began to sing quite loudly. The child panicked and ran off to his mother. The writer was to learn later of the Hauauru romance from his granduncle, Te Hurinui Te Wano. His explanation for Puhiwahine's behaviour that day was because she must have learnt at that time that the writer was of the same family as Hauauru, and that she only did it in fun and meant no harm.

From all accounts Puhiwahine lived a happy life at Ongarue. From the front door of George's home and to the east the valley of the Mangakaahu opened up a grand view of the Tuhua range. At its southern foothills nestled the Ngati-Hinemihi village of Petania, her birthplace. The writer opines that this view of Tuhua gave solace to her soul, and peace of mind; and that she found happiness and contentment in her declining years at Ongarue.

The dawnlight of a summer's morn was lighting up the high bush-clad range of Tuhua when Puhiwahine passed away to join the many in the Whare Kura o Matangi-reia, The Temple of Fragrant Breezes.

Editor's Note. This concludes Mr Jones' biography of the life and art of Puhiwahine, but a final instalment will appear in the next issue, giving the whakapapa of Puhiwahine, and a fantasy by Mr Jones seeking to throw what light he can on the relationship of Puhiwahine to the great German poet, Goethe.

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Te Keehi Kati, widow of Maraku Kati. (These two were also first cousins.) She is wearing two family heirlooms, a rounded piece of greenstone which at one time belonged to Te Rauparaha, and which he presented to Puhiwahine, and a greenstone tiki called Maunganui, which has been a family heirloom for several generations. The photograph was taken in 1958.

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A BATTLE THAT
RECEIVED A NAME

Illustrated by Dennis Knight-Turner

In ancient Maoridom, battles were glorious not because of the numbers of foes killed but because of the quality of the foe. Battles were associated with the names of chiefs killed and those that killed them. If there was no chiefly name to connect the engagement with a tribal genealogy, then the battle was without a name.

“It is war,’ said the chief Rangipakia, and his people stamped their feet and shouted “Ae! Tokia! Tokia! Tokia! It is war!”

There had been an uneasy peace for many years between the people of the river and the people of the mountains. Now Rangipakia knew that peace would soon end for war seemed the only course open to him. A raiding party from the mountains had come down and ambushed one of his peaceful fishing parties. Now his people cried out for revenge! The stain had to be wiped out. And yet Rangipakia alone of all those present was not entirely carried away with the fervour of the moment. His heart filled with misgivings and he realised that the River People would be hard put to defeat their enemies. But there were no misgivings in the minds of the warriors.

“Tokia!” they shouted. “Strike them down!” and the people roared their approval. Presently when one of the orators had finished, Rangipakia stood up again.

“Our enemies are as numerous as leaves on the ground,” he said. “This will be a hard battle. We must call on all our kinfolk to aid us in avenging our honour.” The elders nodded wisely and raised their hands in assent.

After the speeches were finished and the hakas had ended, messengers were chosen from amongst the men and each was ceremoniously presented with a broken taiaha as the symbol of war. Then they were sent out to the neighbouring sub-tribes to call them to arms and to give the time and place of assembly. Meanwhile there was much to be done and the whole pa became a hive of bustling activity and noisy sound. Many times a day the booming war gong and the brassy putara sent their ringing call over the marae and the blood of the men quickened as they sharpened their weapons and practised their war dance under Rangipakia's leadership and the critical eyes of the old men.

Finally the messengers returned with the news that the sub-tribes had risen to the call of their kinsmen and were making their preparations. At this news the men practised their peruperu with even more energy than before. Several more days passed before at last the sentries gave warning of the approach of the first of the allied war parties. At this, all work stopped in the pa and the women and children hurried to the edge of the marae whilst the fighting men stripped for the war dance and quickly took up their positions kneeling in columns on the marae, each man gripping his weapon in his hand.

The shrill chatter of the spectators stilled into an expectant hush as the visitors, led by their chief Te Whareporo, strode through the gates of the pa which had been thrown open to receive them. They came forward slowly and in perfect silence.

Rangipakia knelt in front of his men and as the others neared the marae he made a quick movement with his hand and Harapaki, one of the younger warriors, stood up. He paused for a moment and then advanced with quick springy steps carrying in his left hand a rough spear made of manuka rod. This was the whakaara—the first of three challenge spears. The tail of the visiting

– 21 –

band was still passing through the gate when Harapaki threw his spear. It whistled through the air and then slithered across the ground in front of the silently advancing men. Then Morete stood up carrying the second whakaoho spear and minced forward with short bouncing steps. Then his spear flew through the air. Suddenly a quick breeze caused it to corkscrew and a gasp went up. If the spear turned and fell across the line it would be a bad sign. However the breeze dropped and the spear righted itself and fell true. The visitors ignored it and continued their silent march.

Then Toheriri, son of the chief, jumped to his feet. He was recognised as the fastest runner in the tribe. In his right hand he held the rakau mutu, the final challenging spear, and in his left hand he gripped his greenstone mere. All eyes were on him as he neared the silently marching war band. No sound could now be heard except the tramp of feet and the cries of the challenger. Then when the visitors were less than 100 paces away he cast his spear and at the same moment he turned right and raced back to the waiting tribesmen of Rangipakia. Straight and unwavering, the spear flew through the air and landed pointing at the visitors. Even whilst the spear was still in flight hover, the kaiwhai or pursuer, who was the fastest runner of the visitors, dashed out at full speed to catch the impudent Toheriri. The visitors gave a throaty roar and followed the runners at a quick trot waving their weapons and giving a peculiar hissing cry.

The pursuer strained every ounce of his strength to get close enough to thrust his taiaha between Toheriri's legs and bring him crashing to the ground, but with a final spurt the chief's son gained the security of his own ranks and the tensed up warrior relaxed a little. This was a good omen! The spectators roared their approval. The war band now quickened their pace and charged headlong until they were just short of Rangipakia then with heaving sides they kneeled down and glared across the intervening space.

Suddenly with bloodcurdling yells both parties sprang to their feet simultaneously and charged at one another. At the last moment, when it seemed that nothing could stop a head on collision, both forces swerved slightly and the visitors passed on the right hand side of the home forces.

“Hurihia!” Rangipakia and Te Whareporo shouted together and the two war parties spun round, passed one another again, wheeled suddenly and took up their previous positions kneeling in a rough column of fours. There was a moment of

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stillness broken only by the whining of a dog and the wailing of a child from amongst the raupo-thatched whares which stood close to the marae. The sweat streamed down the naked flanks of the warriors and formed rivulets in the lines of their tattoo. The hot sun made their bodies shine like polished teak.

“Whiti! Whiti!” shouted Rangipakia and his men leaped to their feet and began the tribal peruperu. The ground quivered beneath the pounding feet of the warriors, their faces twisted into the most terrifying expressions of which each man was capable and the thunderous shouting of the words, chanted in perfect unison, rolled across the marae to be thrown back and forth by the encircling stockade. Then with a final shout the dance was finished and as the war party sank to the ground, the visitors rose to their feet and replied, each man trying his best to better the performance of those opposite.

At last the visitors were also finished and both groups broke ranks and greeted one another in the normal way with wailing and many speeches and finally feasting. The next day the second band of reinforcements arrived under their chief Matorohanga and the ceremony was repeated. Once again Rangipakia's challenger was too swift for the visitors and the chief's misgivings lessened a little at the thought of these favourable omens.

After the ceremonies of greeting were over, came the ceremonies of purification of the warriors. These were many and varied and lasted throughout the whole of the next day. As the shadows began to lengthen all that remianed was the ritual of wai taua—the ceremonial baptism into the service of Tumatauenga, God of War. The warriors trooped down to the river followed by the old men. No slaves or women or boys were allowed to be present at such a tapu ritual. The warriors stripped and entered the water and waited for the tohunga. There was a stir and the throng parted as the priest strode down to the bank. There he took two strips of flax leaf from his girdle, tied them together and entering the running water placed them so that he was standing between the two trailing strips.

The tohunga's voice rose high and clear and his chant rang above the sound of the water. He went to the man closest to him, dipped a small branch of karamu shrub into the water and sprinkled a few drops on him, chanting all the while. He moved on to the next and repeated the performance and continued this down the line. As the men felt the water swirling around their thighs, cold and clean, they knew they had stepped out of their old skins into a new body free from the fears and weaknesses of the old. Now the war tapu was on them and they were under the protection of the tribal war god.

When the men returned to the pa after the long ceremony, the people were silent. They knew that their men were now separate and apart and no longer of the same world, for one of the restrictions of the war tapu was that the warriors could have no contact with their wives or sweethearts until it was removed.

Where before there had been feasting and gaiety and bustle, there was now a hush over the pa as the warriors lay down on their mats for some much needed sleep. One by one the fires died and the night silence was broken only by the voices of the sentries as they recited watch alarms at intervals in loud voices.

“Tenei te pa, o ko roto, ko au e…. This is the fort and here within am I….”

II

Next morning the village was awake as the first grey streaks of dawn were in the sky. The white smoke from the fires twisted up into the still air as the women busied themselves cooking a meal and the warriors made themselves ready. After eating, the men took their weapons and gathered on the marae for the grand finale of the war dance.

All the war parties squatted together in a column five abreast. Suddenly Rangipakia bounded to the front and gave a short call. On the last word the whole body rose to its feet as one man and the dance began. The stamping feet were quiet and almost lazy at first but gradually the beat increased in intensity. Each man held a weapon in his right hand and beat his bare thigh with his left, the whole sounding like the beating of a huge drum. The thunderous chorus reverberated back and forth and the sweat-soaked earth seemed to rumble and quake beneath the frenzied feet of the warriors as if mighty Rauumoko the earthquake god had risen and himself joined in the dance. Then with a great shout that went to the heavens, the dance was finished.

A roar of farewell rose from the throats of the people as the men strode off without a backward glance. It was over a day's march to the territory of the mountain people and the war party wasted no time as they moved over the narrow bush tracks. Rangipakia led the way, for although the allied tribes were under their own chiefs, the whole party came under Rangipakia's leadership. Very soon the sounds of the waterfall close to the pa faded to a subdued rumble against the greenery which rose from either side of the path like a green wall. Overhead, the tui called and to Rangipakia it seemed to chant a prayer over and over again.

“Tuia! Tuia! Tuia mai tatou—Bind! Bind! Bind! us together!” He begged Tu that it would be so for he knew that his men were much fewer in numbers than the mountain dwellers. Victory would not come easily, but honour must be avenged. His men lacked nothing in courage and training.

That night the tohunga selected a camping spot by driving his tupou into the ground. A hurried meal was eaten, sentries posted and then the party slept. The next morning the men rubbed their naked bodies with fat and oil to make themselves slippery and hard to hold when they came to grips

– 23 –

with the enemy. Only the principal fighting men and those of high rank wore the war belt and the dog skin war cloak. Then the tohunga performed a short ritual over the weapons to give them greater killing powers, and strengthened and fortified the war party set off again.

About mid-morning they reached the foot hills. The bush was stunted here and it was possible to see a considerable distance ahead.

Then as the river people crossed a ridge, they saw a great host drawn up on the plateau above them. The foe had got news of their coming and were so confident of their superiority that they had left their fortified pa and come to meet them on open ground!

With a roar, the attackers surged forward until they were a mere thousand yards from the mountain people. There they pulled up and closed their ranks and warily watched the furious haka of their enemy. Then in reply the river people gave their dance with every ounce of energy of which they were capable.

When this was finished, Rangipakia threw off his cloak and stepped from the ranks and strode out across no man's land and stopped when he was half way between his own force and those opposite. In a high clear voice he challenged a member of the other side to single combat. It was the custom. There was a stir in the ranks of the mountain people and a hefty warrior came out and stopped just short of Rangipakia. The chief of the mountain people was old and had sent out instead one of his younger and tried warriors which was permissible.

Rangipakia danced at his opponent, his taiaha held vertically. The opposing armies watched with deep interest but remained where they were without movement. The chief watched his adversary's big toes. Feint blows came from the elbows and for them the feet did not need a firm grip. Striking blows however flowed from the shoulders and then the toes flexed and gripped the ground. Rangipakia saw the danger sign and deftly parried a deadly blow then suddenly he turned his staff to the upright position, crossing his hands as he did so and lowering the blade to the left, seemingly leaving his head and chest unprotected. With a low cry the enemy lunged forward and struck a vicous right-handed blow to the chief's apparently unprotected head. It was a trick! The blade of Rangipakia's taiaha rose like a flash, and turned the enemy's blade off to the right whilst at the same time its point ripped into the man's stomach sinking deep and splashing the chief with a sudden spurt of blood.

A great cry went up from the opposing armies and as if a spell was suddenly broken they lunged together with a fierce roar and clashed in conflict. All afternoon the bloody battle raged, the long line of men at times coming to grips fighting hand to hand with patu and mere and other times separating and hurling spears. They thrust forward and

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fell back like a huge writhing serpent. As the sun started to go down behind the peaks, the mountain people pushed forward time and again and drove a wedge deep into the ranks of the river people who started to fall in ever increasing numbers beneath the superior weight of those who opposed them.

Gradually the gallant war bands of Rangipakia and allies gave way and soon it developed into a running battle as the line broke and fled. Back, back fell the river people fighting furiously but unable to stem the inexorable rushes of their enemies. Even when they reached the forest there was no refuge from the pursuing enemy. The rear guards fought stubbornly on the narrow bush tracks so that the main body could make good their escape. None fought more gallantly than Rangipakia and his son Toheriri until suddenly a spear pierced the chief's leg and he collapsed with the weapon protruding from the other side. With one wrench, Toheriri broke off the tip and pulled the shaft from his father's leg. Rangipakia's face twisted with pain but he said nothing. Whilst the rest of the rear guard forged a barrier in front of the enemy, Toheriri and another man picked up the chief and together they supported him along the track.

The going was slow and before long shouts from their rear told them that their pursuers had broken through. “Stop!” commanded Rangipakia. “Leave me here in this thicket beside the path. Return when all is clear by night and take me back to my people that I may fight again.” Toheriri hesitated a moment, then as his father made an impatient gesture, he and his companion turned and ran down the track whilst Rangipakia dragged himself into the bush and lay still, watching the path through a small chink in the thick curtain of greenery.

Seconds later the mountain people swept down the track and from the cries and yells further down, Rangipakia guessed that more fighting was going on. Then these sounds died away and there was only the evening songs of the birds and, amongst them, the call of the tui which seemed to cry mockingly now …

“Tuia! Tuia! Tuia! mai tatou—Bind! Bind! Bind us together!”

At these words Rangipakia thought of the defeat to his tribe and the pain in his leg seemed to inflame into fresh life. The twilight was short and night soon fell. The forest slept but Rangipakia did not. He waited for his rescuers but no one came. After a pain-racked night, dawn broke. As the light and sunshine streamed through the trees turning the dew to wisps of steam and dappling the greenery with patchwork, there was no lightness in Rangipakia's heart nor warmth in his body. Again he heard the derisive call of the tuia … “Tuia! Tuia! Tuia mai tatou!”

III

It had not long been light when Rangipakia heard voices from down the path. For a minute a spasm of hope gripped him until he realised that it was some of the mountain people returning from the chase. Suddenly, through his little opening, he saw one of those in front point to something on the ground and call to the others. From his words, the chief realised with horror that there must be a minute trail of blood leading from the path straight to his hiding place and the sharp-eyed enemy had seen it. Rangipakia tried to pull himself to his feet but with a rush the war party was on him and had hold of his arms.

They half carried, half dragged Rangipakia along the forest tracks until they came to the edge of the bush where the rest of the mountain people had made a hasty camp. There he was recognised and given food and drink but he refused them both. He sat on the ground a prey to his thoughts. He knew that his useless leg ruled out any chance of escape or even of making a fight for it. He also knew that the alternative was slavery for the mountain people did not eat their captives. Slavery! This was a fate far worse than death on the battlefield or in the ovens of the victors. His family would be disgraced for ever and his tribe would never again command respect for their chief would be the slave of another people, a hewer of wood and a carrier of water, a menial to be spat on and jeered at. To be defeated was bad enough, to be captured and eaten was even worse, but to be captured and become a slave …! This was the ultimate disgrace.

The thoughts crowded through Rangipakia's mind. How could he persuade the enemy to kill him and in that way save his mana and that of his family and tribe? How could he die honourable? Then at last an idea came to him. There was yet hope! If only Tu had spared the lives of his two brother chiefs who had led the allied war parties. Rangipakia struggled to his feet with a great effort. “Take me to your chief”. The chief of the mountain people received him courteously for he had no feelings of personal enmity towards Rangipakia. It was the impetuosity of some of his young men in killing the fishing party of the river people which had made events from then on inevitable…. Rangipakia asked:

“Has my brother Te Whareporo been killed in the battle or has Tu spared him?”

The chief of the mountain people shook his head. “Te Whareporo still lives and has eluded my son.”

Then Rangipakia asked the fareful question on which hung his chance of saving the honour of his family and his tribe.

“That is good! And what of my other brother Matorohanga? Has he also escaped?”

“He has escaped and presumably still lives. You, Rangipakia, are our only captive of rank!”

The lines of pain and despair on Rangipakia's face disappeared. His eye glowed with a fierce light as he got to his feet now seemingly without effort. He drew his shoulders back with dignity and stood with his arms folded across his chest.

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– 26 –

ARCHAEOLOGY AT PAEKAKARIKI

Evidence of a much larger Maori occupation than had previously been thought had been found recently at Paekakariki by the group of archaeological enthusiasts organised by Mr C. Smart, of the Dominion Museum, some weeks ago. The group had recently explored one known site on the ridge of the Paekakariki Hill immediately above the township, he said. They had been surprised to find evidence of extensive population over a long period.

“It was evidently a pa site, a defensive position, with terraces and ridges showing the former place of fortifications,” he said. “It is difficult to reach even today, with no fortifications left to protect it.”

The group also found, lower down the hill, strange ditch and bank defences surrounding a very small area of land, hardly large enough to hold two fighting men. Little was known of the people of the area in ancient Maori times, though it was known that a group of Ngati Ira had at one time occupied part of Paekakariki, said Mr Smart. Just what the bank and ditch defence was used for was difficult to say, except that it might have been a refuge for a quick retreat for a small number of people.

“Then kill Rangipakia! Kill me that this victory of yours may be sung of in the genealogies and stories of your people. Kill me that your battle may have a name!”

There was a sudden hush. The chief of the mountain people looked into Rangipakia's face and understood. He recognised a gallant enemy and nodded slowly.

“Very well.”

He pulled his mere from his belt. Rangipakia stood straight in front of him, his head high and proud, a smile of triumph on his lips. Slowly the chief of the mountain people raised his mere and the sun glinted on the polished greenstone as he paused for a moment and brought it sideways.

As a great blackness closed on Rangipakia, chief of the river people, he smiled and seemed to hear the voice of the tui triumphant now, calling from high above …

“Tuia! Tuia! Tuia! mai tatou—Bind! Bind! Bind us together!”

NATIONAL HISTORIC PLACES
TRUST

The National Historic Places Trust has decided to attempt to remove some of the rocks containing Maori rock paintings which will otherwise be destroyed when the Benmore hydro-electric scheme is completed. The Secretary, Mr John Pascoe, said that the Trust had decided to ask the Ministry of Works to do the job, although archaeological experts will give advice. Mr Pascoe also said that the Trust had approved the fencing of three important sites of Maori rock drawings in the Pareora District, South Canterbury. One of these sites was Frenchman's Gully and the other two were at Craigmore Downs. The landowners had been exceptionally co-operative, Mr Pascoe said, and the South Canterbury Regional Committee of the Trust under the chairmanship of Mrs Arini Woodhouse was very enthusiastic about the proposed protection.

PEN FRIEND

Miss Vivian Hitchings, 149 Broomfield Avenue, Worthing, Sussex, England, would like to correspond with a reader of Te Ao Hou. She is fifteen years old, and would welcome a correspondence with someone of her own age.

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Protect Native Birds

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F. C. Kinsky

GODWIT

The Eastern bar-tailed godwit or kuaka is an annual visitor to our shores. From October to March thousands of godwits rest and feed in coastal inlets and lagoons after the 12,000 mile flight from their breeding grounds in Siberia and Alaska.

The godwit is one of New Zealand's most interesting migratory birds and under modern conditions it needs protection. All wading birds have full legal protection in New Zealand.

*

A fine of £50

*

Another fine of £2 for each godwit killed

*

The loss of a valuable gun

are the penalties to which those who kill godwit or other protected birds are liable.

Protect the kuaka and
all other wading birds

Issued by the Wildlife Branch, Department of Internal Affairs.

– 28 –

NGAROPI

A small portrait of a typical Maori child with all her simplicity yet artfulness, her humour and charm, and the environment from which she springs.

I was at the back door bashing the tops off old apple cases to make some rickety but nevertheless efficient seed boxes, and, considering myself unobserved, was holding a rather silly and mostly one-sided conversation with my very small daughter. There was a bang at the water-tanks and I jumped about two feet in the air.

“What you doing, Mis' Thomas?”

It was Ngaropi, from the most notorious house of the row opposite—(it was whispered that there were seventeen children in the house; but not all of the one family, of course).

“I'm making some boxes to grow seeds in,” I replied. This was met with a non-committal grin.

“That lady says she can get puha,” said Ngaropi.

“Who is it?” I squinted at the bent figure digging at the lawn with a knife.

“That's all right. She knows she can get some when she wants it”.

“Are you having a holiday, Ngaropi?” I asked her sarcastically.

“I've got a sore tummy”, she replied.

“You don't look very sick, shouldn't you be in bed?”

“Oh, I'm not going back to school, I've left”.

“How old are you, then?”

“Fifteen,” replied this small eleven-year-old. I regarded this as wishful thinking and ignored it.

“Can I have a ride on you fellas' bike?” she asked.

“All right, as long as you don't go too far”. And that was the last I saw of her for an hour or so.

I was hanging out a line of my child's innumerable panties when Ngaropi panted up the path wheeling the bicycle.

“Did you go far?” I asked her.

“Way round Taheke”, she answered. She put the bike down right where it was most in the way and sauntered into the wash-house-cum-bathroom that graces our modest home.

“Beauty bathroom”, she sighed. My eye wandered over the thin and patchy paint to the grey smoke smudge on the wall above the kerosene lamp and I sighed also.

“What's that?” she asked, pointing to the wringer.

“A wringer. Haven't you fellas got one over there?” I slipped into the dialect as I usually do after a few minutes' conversation with the local children.

“Oh, we just screw the things in our hands, eh,” said Ngaropi.

I carted the last of the washing out, pegged it up, chased the baby to rescue various soggy bits of clothing which she filched from the basket and went inside to find Ngaropi making a tour of inspection of the house.

“You and Mr Thomas sleep ther, eh?” she said, admiring our bed.

“Yes,” I answered.

– 29 –

“And the baby?”

“No, she sleeps in a cot in her own room”.

“Phoo!” exclaimed Ngaropi, who shares a double bed with three other girls.

We went back to the kitchen.

“For me?” she wheedled.

“What?”

“Those pennies”.

“What pennies?”

“Those four up there”. She pointed to a jar where we keep odd coppers.

“How do you know there's pennies up there?”

“I looked”. I resisted the temptation to lecture about property rights and said,

“They are Mr Thomas', you ask him”.

“Oh, he wouldn't mind, he's my mate. But he shouts at us kids. You don't eh?”

“I suppose he has to shout to make himself heard above the noise”. My husband takes Ngaropi's class for a couple of lessons a week. I have often remonstrated with him about the way he yells at the children, but he always maintains that to get any work out of them he has to drive them along verbally. It certainly doesn't upset them unduly, but shouldn't he try to guide them in a kindly manner?

“I'm having kai here,” Ngaropi broke in on my pondering.

“Are you?” I said with some surprise. But it was the baby's lunchtime, so I fed them together.

“What's that?” Ngaropi asked as I gave the baby her custard.

“A sort of pudding, a custard. Would you like some?”

“Oh yes,” she said, eyes aglow. So I gave her a large helping which she tucked away surprisingly quickly and with remarkable sound effects. Peanut butter was also new to her and she demolished the last of my bread thickly besmeared with it.

“We mostly have jam,” she explained.

I gave her a glass of milk instead of the requested tea, put the baby to bed and tried to think of a tactful way of banishing Ngaropi so that I could have my usual quiet lunch and finish the book I was reading.

“Well, you'd better go home, now, your mother might be wondering where you are”, I said, at last.

“Oh no, I'm staying here”.

“No, off you go, I've got Iots to do”.

“Are you going to do your dishes? I can help”.

“No, I've got some reading and things to do”.

“Have a game of marbles. There's two up there”, She changed the game and indicated the marbles on the mantlepiece.

“I can't play marbles, but you can have those if you like”.

“Can I have that apron?”

“What apron?”

“That one on the line—you've got two”.

“I need more than two, so I'm afraid you can't have it”.

“Why not?” she whined.

“Because I want it. Now off you go home”.

Ngaropi ignored that, and wandered into the baby's room.

“Don't got in there please, Ngaropi, I want the baby to go to sleep”.

“She doesn't want to sleep”.

“Yes she does, now out you go”. I propelled her out and shut the door. I must admit I was getting rankled, and a vague gnawing sensation in the pit of my stomach did not improve my temper. It was getting past my lunch-hour.

“Home, Ngaropi, you can come back another day”. She just grinned.

“I'm going to stay here; I'm going to live with my darling. Do you know who my darling is?”

No answer from me.

“Mr Thomas, of course”. This was news. I smiled and said, “I'll tell him that”. And Ngaropi looked pleased.

There was a few minutes silence until I again asked her to go home; I really was getting tired of the conversation. There was no movement from Ngaropi so I got up, took her by the scruff of the neck and pushed her to the door.

“Now off you go, when I say it is time to go, I mean it. You only spoil things for the others because I won't have you here if you don't behave.” I am afraid I shouted; then blushed as I imagined my husband's grin when he found out.

– 30 –

It had the desired effect, however. Ngaropi looked dubious for a minute then strolled off down the path.

“And shut the gate, too, please”, I called. “Goodbye”. No reply, but the gate was carefully shut.

Next morning Ngaropi popped in again, grinning and chatting as if nothing had happened. We discussed the merits of our mantle lamp and benzine iron; and the bicycle was borrowed for another jaunt to Taheke. More bread and peanut butter was devoured and Ngaropi went cheerfully home when first asked.

But this time, she forgot to shut the gate.

– 31 –

AROHANUI KI TE TANGATA
THE OPENING OF THE MEETING HOUSE OF
GOODWILL TO ALL MEN

Mr and Mrs Manson have been writing together for nearly twenty years, and their historical articles are well-known throughout New Zealand.

It rained and it rained.

All through the night before the Saturday appointed for the opening of the great new Meeting House at Waiwetu the bitter southerly rain poured down.

It swelled the little Waiwhetu stream and sent it racing mud-coloured and reflecting no stars, bank to bank through the sudden fields of Te Whiti Park opposite the Meeting House. It turned the floor of the great marquees into a quagmire, a muddy paddling pool.

The buses kept rolling in through the night, bringing the tribes from farthest east, west and the north.

From four on Friday afternoon, the voluntary helpers, Maori and Pakeha, had been hard at it, feeding the constantly arriving guests. At one in the morning, they were still at it, paddling round in bare feet in steadily rising water. At two some of them had gone to bed for an hour or so to be up again at four to be present at the dawn ceremony of lifting the tapu from the Meeting House.

Between four and five a crowd had been gradually assembling in the rainy darkness in front of the marae. Car lamps and lamps from the buses bringing visitors from their billets shone on the angry Waiwhetu stream emphasising the dark masses of the Eastern Hutt hills beyond.

The carved figure of Maui, high on the twenty-four-foot front pole of the Meeting House, dominated the marae. His paua shell eyes glittered in the light from a bare electric bulb fixed below. Suddenly he seemed to stare beyond the marae into the darkness.

Gradually, as the faint light of dawn began to throw the eastern hills into black relief, the eyes took on a different, bluer hue, still staring, but the glitter had turned to a shine which put the warmth of life into them; they seemed to be looking forward as though waiting for the glory of a sunrise. Nature was working a stage effect with superb efficiency.

But no shafts of sunlight came yet; only a greyness seeping through the black. Everything seemed grey, even the Maori elders who sat on the porch, huddling forward a little under their rugs in the bitterly cold air.

One of these elders was Ihaia Porutu Puketapu, leader of Te Ati-Awa-No-Runga-I-Te-Rangi tribe of Waiwhetu. This was the man whose sixty-year-old dream had now come true. Wrapping his striped blanket closer about him, he got up and walked back and forth, waiting. This was to be his day.

“We are sorry to have to tell you all who have been so kind as to come at this early hour, that owing to the rain, the dawn ceremony will have to be postponed for one hour ….”

(Continued on page 34)

– 32 –

AROHANUI KI TE TANGATA 10 SEPTEMBER 1960

The challenge on the Marae: The Right Hon, the Prime Minister, Mr Walter Nash, and Sir Eruera Tirikatene. Below: A portion of the huge crowd, said to be at one stage, over 10,000 in number. (The photographs on this page were taken for Te Ao Hou by John Ashton: the decorative pieces showing Tukutuku and carving are by National Publicity Studios).

– 33 –

The Rt. Rev. W. N. Panapu, Bishop of Aotearoa, approaching the meeting house, preceded by the Rev. Canon Hohepa Taepa. Below: The Rev. Kingi thaka, addressing the crowd from the porch of the meeting house.

– 34 –

So pleasantly resonant, so courteous, so quiet was the voice from the loudspeakers, that it created at once an atmosphere of dignity. “Would people who have parked their cars opposite the entrance be good enough to ….”

Listening to this voice was a pleasure in spite of the fact that it warned us of another hour's wait in the wet and the piercing cold.

Gradually the rain eased off as the daylight grew less grey.

At last an elderly Maori woman stepped from the porch and walking back and forth on the marae, called in a high wailing monotone, a message of welcome. In the silence an answering call came back from the direction of the great marquees where the Waikato elders had been waiting patiently for the summons.

And soon they came in slow procession towards the marae. No precious Maori cloaks now, the rain would have spoiled them. But solemnly and reverently they came, following behind their leader Tumate Tonga Mahuta. cousin to King Koroki, chosen to lift the tapu, up the path towards the Meeting House, where on the edge of the porch and in the shadow of the watching Maui, Ihaia Puketapu awaited them.

The ceremony was soon ended, the doors of the house were opened and the tapu was lifted.

At last the sun shone. Now the official parties arrived: the Prime Minister, Mr Walter Nash, and his Minister of Forests, Sir Eruera Tirikatene, diplomats, mayors, councillors and all. A traditional challenge, admirably done; hakas and poi dances on the marae, and the distinguished visitors were conducted by Ihaia Puketapu's youngest daughter (deemed suitable for the honour of being the first woman to enter the meeting house) through the door.

Now came the speeches from Maori and Pakeha leaders. The Prime Minister, the Bishop of Aotearoa, Sir Eruera Tirikatene and many others spoke. Ihaia Puketapu, the man whose vision and faith were today realised and justified, spoke to his people and to all those of both races who had helped to make it a reality.

One visiting chief electrified the ten thousand strong audience when, brushing aside the microphone placed ready for him on the porch, he

Picture icon

The marquees at Puketapu Grove. (John Ashton, Photo.)

– 35 –

Picture icon

The haangi at Waiwhetu. (John Ashton, Photo.)

strode down on to the marae so that, he said, he could look the Prime Minister in the face. There, using his walking stick like a taiaha of old, he gestured, postured, strode up and down, and used all the tricks of old-time Maori oratory to cast a spell on his audience. And they cheered and laughed and clapped their appreciation when he had ended.

But behind the scenes? The five thousand had to be fed. “Oh” said Mrs Dingwall afterwards, (she had given her services to take charge of the catering) “really there was nothing to it. You see, I had such a grand band of Maori women helping me as a Committee. There were hundreds of other voluntary helpers too including students and nurses from the Hutt Hospital.”

Yet, to feed several meals to five thousand people must have had “something to it,” however good the team. Add to the enormous size of the gathering—4000 Maori visitors alone—the fact that at two o'clock in the morning food servers reported that nothing more could be served because of the quagmire in the marquees; that meanwhile busloads of new arrivals continued to pour in from all over the country, all expecting food, until four o'clock in the morning—and some idea of the difficulties will be realised.

But even in these formidable circumstances, Maori calmness and cheerfulness prevailed. Willing hands (Pakeha and Maori) set to work to dig drains round the tents, to lay boards over the mud, and soon the tables were again loaded with food.

And what quantities! Mrs Dingwall did the ordering on the principle of multiplying what five people would require by 1,000. Three tons of potatoes—two tons for the Saturday midday meal alone—seven hundred and fifty pounds of curried sausages for breakfast, with nearly two hundred sacks of mussels. Thousands of pauas (kept in deep freeze for three weeks), 2000 fowls, 184 puddings (each enough for 30 people), 75 sheep, 40 pigs, 2 bullocks, 120 of the fowls,—these for Saturday midday dinner to which 5000 sat down in four shifts. Twenty sheep for curried mutton; hundreds of schnapper, dozens of eels, smoked and served in small pieces as befitted such a delicacy …. the list went on and on. Wainuiomata had provided the eels. A week-end eeling party went there when the moon was right for the eels to come to the surface.

Much of this vast quantity of food had been given by large firms, such as the Gear Meat Company and Griffin's the biscuit makers. Local butchers had provided at least two sheep each, one giving six and another ten. The National Dairy Company lent for several weeks the vital deep freeze.

It was an example, in fact, of willing and abundant co-operation such as is rarely seen.

For weeks young Maori divers had been at work collecting sea foods. Kara Puketapu, Maori Welfare Officer and eldest son of Ihaia, was in charge and for half a dozen week-ends he and his launch party might have been seen off Pencarrow, or Titahi Bay or around Somes Island, while divers with underwater breathing apparatus searched for the delicious sea-eggs, mussels, pauas, and other delicacies.

The weather had no mercy on them. Almost unfailingly it was rough and although the boys went down deep,—25 to 30 feet,—it was too dangerous to harvest many sea eggs. The greater part of those consumed at the feast were brought by the Otaki people who could get them at shallower depths.

Besides, Ihaia Puketapu was determined that no needless tragedy should spoil the joy of the great opening day, and often he restrained the young divers from going out.

Many, as they now entered the meeting house to inspect its glories, stopped to look in amazement at the carvings, the work of Hone Te Kauru Taiapa and his expert assistants, for these are carrvings which may well take their place among the noblest that Maori art has ever produced.

To all Maoris these carvings have a peculiar and spiritual significance. To some, as to some Pakehas, they have also a profound artistic significance. The appeal of Maori sculptural art does not always reach easily those of the Western cultural tradition, but when it does, it strikes with tremendous impact. Only recently an Italian art specialist made this same discovery. At first glance he had found little, but when he went home, after studying Maori carving for some months, he was in raptures about it.

– 36 –

The tukutuku panels of woven flax, which hang on the walls, also are traditional. Made by women from many parts of the country, they are perfect examples of this ancient craft. Months of devoted labour, under the guidance of Mrs Roa Wharepouri (step-daughter of Sir Apirana Ngata) went into their making.

But, by comparison, there is something greater about the carving. which lifts it out of the realm of craftsmanship to that of creative art.

Not many of those who had had the smooth running of this great occasion in their hands had had a wink of sleep on that rainy night before the celebrations. The Rev. Ihaka, chief organiser of the gathering and the ceremonies, gave no hint of weariness in his beautiful use of the mecrophone or in his arduous duties during the day. And Mr Ihaia Puketapu? He also showed no signs of the ordeal. But if he slept that night, when the day's celebrations were over, he may have re-dreamt his dream of sixty years ago, when tutored by the prophet Te Whiti, he had longed for “peace on earth and goodwill towards all men” and for a building which would symbolise this wish.

Now, at least, the building was there, a building worthy of his wish.

– 37 –

RESURRECTION
TO ALL THOSE WHO MOURN MAHA

Te Ao Hou is very pleased to print this moving tribute, by the celebrated author of Spinster. It appears with the permission and approval of Mrs Winiata.

A hearse leaves the Tauranga hospital, moves slowly through the gates and out upon the street. At the time the Autumn day is dry enough but as the casket is carried away from the town out into the suburbs the sky darkens for some reason. Rain comes first, then lighthing and in no time follows the thunder. Does he hear all this, the still sleeper in the casket? By the time he has arrived at the Judea Meeting House he must be able to hear it, so loud has the storm become, bursting overhead to drown the lamenting. But no, he cannot hear it. As the casket is lifted out and set down in the shelter Maharaia Winiata still sleeps.

Something wakes me; a stroking, a fingering. I try to open my eyes but I must have been sleeping long. To the sound of weeping I sink back into oblivion.

But something wakes me again; this same stroking, and a fingering with human longing in it. Who is disturbing my slumber? But my eyelids are still heavy and cold and will not open. So am I heavy and cold, oh how heavy. My bed is very hard too, and narrow. Wherever am I sleeping? Somehow I must wake up; somehow I must life the weight of these lids.

What a strange bed I am in. Here I am lying enclosed in narrow walls, the sides padded with satin. These scents too … what are they? They're like the perfume of many flowers. This sound of weeping, this scent of flowers … it makes me think of death. But who could be dead near me?

I look upward. Above me I see the rafter patterns of a distinguished Meeting-house; the ceiling

– 38 –

of some verandah. But don't I recognise these patterns? Is this not my own Judea Meeting-house, Tamateapokaiwhenua? No doubt some departed one is lying here in state below these rafters amid the weeping and flowers. Who can it be, I wonder?

The stroking again and the fingering; conscousness sharpens and I see more clearly. This bed I'm in is a coffin! The rafters, the lamenting and the flowers are for me! My God, it is I lying here … I, Maharaia Winiata!

I sit up at once, no longer heavy. All about me on the entrance-way are the mourning kuias, the garlands of grief on their heads, thousands of people banking out on the marae and, clustered about me, my family. Thousands and thousands of living eyes all turned towards me. Without any weight whatever I stand in my shallow bed. Look at me everyone, I cry. I am alive. Cease this lamentation. Take the flowers away!

But the weeping continues and the flowers remain, and a rough wind sweeps the marae. It lifts the corners of the flax mats spread out before, it stirs the petals and a large belt of dust swings by.

Don't you see me, everyone? Here am I, Maha, alive and speaking to you. Why cannot you see me? I look down and discover the reason, of course they cannot see me; the spirit is not visible to the mortal eye. There lies my earthly body still prostrate in the casket, its eyes still closed, its face pale and its features still and, although I am rising above it, there it remains motionless. Ah, weary body I have worked so hard, sleep on; you have served me as well as you could.

And here is the stroking and fingering that woke me; the fingers of one of my sons. Still stroking the side of the casket I've left and fingering the korowai cloak. But see me, my son; here I am risen beside you. You do lift your face a little it seems as though some thought has moved you, and when I lay my hand on your black head you do turn a little; but I know you do not see me.

Now I hear another Voice. It is like the sound of the thunder-storm when they brought my body here; the thunder-storm that greeted me when they brought me home to the pa. I heard it in my slumber, now I hear it awake. It is some great Voice calling me.

These wreaths flow a long way into the wind and on the casket are three. Stooping to read the cards I find one from the Prime Minister, one from the Government and the third from my family. But is all this honour for me? How can such a thing be? I, humble Maha, the most ordinary among men. My gaze follows the flowers frothing all colours upon the flat mats spread out upon the marae, their petals fluttering in the wind, reaching to the people beyond. All these flowers and all these tears, how can they be for me; for me the most humble of men? Is this really what you all thought of me in the lifetime I have so recently departed? I knew that many of you did love me, I felt it at the time and still do, as I indeed love you, but all this honour … no, no.

Once more in wonder I look down upon my body beneath the cloak, lying amid the wreaths and for the first time I study it. That is not the face I knew in mirrors; that is not what it was in life. It wears a serenity now that I seldom knew then. I see none of those wrinkles deepening over the years, none of the pain of those last days and nights and none of the stress of foreknowledge. But I hear the Voice again, calling above and beyond the marae; greater yet softer than all of these and speaking greater longing. I must move on … soon … and follow. Wait, good Lord, I'm not ready.

I pass over my discarded body in its beautiful casket and sit among my family. How can I tell them I'm well? I stroke each head and soothe their hands but still they do not see me. Maybe they feel me, though. Eyes glance suddenly as of those whose hearts are wide open so I enter there and breathe within them.

Once more I rise and look out upon you, my people. Some of your faces are from very far parts. Look over there, the East Coast, and on this side the Waikato; and here the Bay of Plenty and over there North Auckland. Look there, and there—from all the North Island; all come so far to take leave of me. Good friends I appreciate it. How could I know you thought so well of me? But the Voice is calling me and I have an urgency to move on somewhere. But wait, good Lord, I have things to do.

I must ensure the continuance of my work, of your work I should say. As singing arises from the marae from the choir I began years ago, its faces both young and old, I wonder who will continue with that. There is no time to lose and I pass over and above the flowers, over the flax mats lifting in the wind, unseen, and my hands join the hands conducting. Do I detect an added intensity? Look after my choir, good friend, I say and I breathe in his throat and leave him.

Behind me now is the illustrious Meeting-house; who will supervise the building? Wait good Lord, I'm coming. I seek among the thousands of brown mourning faces for those classes in carving, tukutuku and weaving, many of them from this pa and others. I drift, invisible, intangible among them wherever I find them in the crowd, touching them and breathing into them and saying in their ears, look after our culture, friends.

Who will see to my Welfare work? There's the very man. He's come a long way but I see him. He is speaking at the microphone but I still tell him what I want. As he speaks I stand directly before him looking into his face and although neither he nor anyone else can see me I recognise my own image in his eyes. I hear you Lord: I'm coming.

Now the Maori schooling, and the Maori Adult Education. I seek among thousands though time is short. Here, here he is. And the racial equality. Who will that be? Who will fight as I fought for the principle of equality? Many, many, both

– 39 –

brown and white, I go and touch and talk to and breathe myself into. And the religion. There's my Church in a solid body, right up near and the Head of it at this moment speaking. “With the death of Dr Winiata,” he is saying into the microphone, “one of God's good men, a prince has fallen; the loss is indescribable, Dr Winiata has made a great contribution to New Zealand and has seen his influence grow and his ideas begin to spread. A man of many qualities,” he continues, “he was fearless in acknowledging what he believed to be right and because of this his stature will grow with the years. He found his religion and his works a release for his great energies and abilities, both of which were given without stint. His gifts of humanity and sincerity have helped him break down many barriers. He had love in his heart and compassion in his soul. He died bravely and well and we say farewell with gratitude for the long days we were privileged to spend with him. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Oh these words and this singing, this weeping and these flowers, the hair blowing in the wind, this honour: cease it all. I am well and my work will be well. We bring nothing into this life and we take nothing away; not even our breath do we take away and I leave mine in the ones I have chosen. All you speakers tracing the history of the Maori people back to the canoes, you representatives of tribes springing from all these canoes, paying your respects to me, you representatives of municipal government and you Cabinet Ministers, listen! I take nothing away.

The pall-bearers, all of them the young people of my people, are moving across the marae and on goes the lid of that coffin over there. Poor tired body, you served me and the Lord well. Even I pay you my respects. Bear that unlikely serenity on your face to the tomb. ‘At the coming, with high and decorated prow, your last canoe. Take then thy paddle named Kautu-ki-te-rangi, and paddle to thy far home Hawaiki….’

‘Upon thee, thy fine flaxen cloak….’ But the honour of this cloak cannot be for me, for me so humble a human. Such honour is for an Idea; the Idea of Maori progress. From deep in the hushed crowds, unseen, I watch them lift high upon their young shoulders the casket bearing the cast-off body of Maharaia Winiata, but not the freed Idea, the everlasting Idea of the Maori moving forward; that remains here in my Chosen. I am almost coming, Lord.

The casket circles the marae and as it returns and approaches the tomb my life flashes behind me. My babyhood without books, the love of my family, my schooling with the difficulties of language, the faith in me of others, the flash of the sense of purpose, the Universities, the Theological College, the pastorate on the West Coast, the Teachers' Training College, the years of study in Edinburgh and the pain of exile there, periods of nine hours at a stretch of study behind a locked door, the arduous Philosophy Doctorate, my wife, my children and our hopes and plans for them, the visit to China, my Church, many and many the maraes, many converses into the night, arguments, voices raised in debate and exhortation into the dawns; all those cities, those far-flung Maori villages, and that travelling, roads, roads and roads. I'm coming Lord, I'm coming.

Here they are lowering the casket into the tomb padded in velvet, think of it. My family at the head and the Minister reading the glorious words of the burial service; dust to dust, ashes to ashes, Maha, for your defeated cold body; but not for my spirit, the dust. I'm coming. The singing around and above me, the thousands filing past, I'll remember all this. Into eternity I'll remember. I'll remember the hand of my son that woke me stroking the casket and fingering the strands of the korowai cloak, and the fluttering of flowers in the wind, and the corners of the mats lifting, and the dust blowing and the hair, and the garlanded kuias lamenting. Into eternity I will.

Good-bye my Maori people, and my white friends good-bye. I am well and my work will be well. I have left my breath within you and I take nothing away. Now I'm coming Lord. I'm here.

– 40 –

HURIA HIHA

In 1942, the well-known Maori scholar and writer, Mr Pei te Hurinui Jones, translated Shakespeare's Julius Caesar into Maori. The sonority and splendour of Shakespearean verse proved very adaptable to Maori rhythms and idioms, and we print here Mark Anthony's celebrated speech in the forium, beginning ‘Friends, Romans, countrymen … Those who want to follow it with the English text will find the speech in Act III, scene 2 of Julius Caesar.

Maka Anatoni:

E nga hoa pono, o nga iwi o Roma, e aku iwi tukua
mai koa o koutou taringa ki ahau.
I haere mai ahau he nehu i a Hiha, kaore ki te whakanui i a ia
Ko ma mahi kino a te tangata ka ora tonu ahakoa mate atu a ia
Ko nga mahi pai i etehi wa e tanumia tahitia ana me ona ana me ona wheua:
No reira me pera mo Hiha. Ko te ariki nei ko Purutuhi
Kua korero kia koutou i whakakake a Hiha
Mehemea i pera, he tino he hohonu
A i hohonu hoki te whakaeanga a Hiha
I konei, i raro i te whakaaetanga a Purutuhi ma—
Ko Purutuhi hoki he tangata whai honore;
Otira ratou katoa he tangata whai honore,—
Ka haeremai nei ahau ki te whai-korero i te tangihanga mo Hiha.
Ko ia he tino hoa piri-pono noku he u he tika hoki ana mea i mea ai ki ahau:
Engari kua kiia e Purutuhi he tangata whakakake a ia;
A ko Purutuhi he tangata whai honore.
He maha nga mauherehere i hairiamai ai e ia ki Roma,
Na nga taonga utu mo ratou i whakaki nga putea moni a te iwi:
He whakakake ranei enei no Hiha?
I te wa i aue ai nga rawakore, i tangi a Hiha:
Ko tenei mea ko te whakakake me rea maro ake i tenei:
Engari ra, e ki ana a Purutuhi i whakakake a ia,
A ko Purutuhi he tangata whai honore.
I kite katoa koutou i te ra o te Rupekara
E toru rawa aku hoatutanga ki a ia i te karauna kiingi
A e toru hoki ana korenga i whakaae: He whakakake ranei tera?
Otira a ki ana a Purutuhi i whakakake a ia;
A, he tika, ko Purutuhi he tangata whai honore.
Ko aku korero ehara i te mea he whakahe i a Purutuhi i korero ai,
Engari tenei au te korero nei i aku i mohio ai,
I aroha koutou ki a Hiha i mua, ehara i te mea kaore he take i pera ai koutou:
He aha ai te mea kei te pupuri i ta koutou tangi mona inaianei?
Katahi ra keia koe e te whakaaro tika! Kua rere ki roto i nga karerehe mohoao,
A ko te tangata kua kore whakaaro. Whakamanawa mai koe ki ahau—
Ko taku manawa kei roto i te kawhena o Hiha
No reira, ka nohopuku ake ahau kia hoki mai rano ki ahau.

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Recently, Chief Walking Buffalo of the Rocky Mountain Sioux Tribe in Canada arrived in New Zealand with a force of eight Indian leaders including Chief David Crowchild of the Sarcee Tribe. In this picture they stand with Sir Eruera Tirikatene, Associate Minister of Maori Affairs on the steps of New Zealand Parliament House.

In welcoming the chief and his party, Sir Eruera said, “Through Moral Re-Armament you have found a greater way, a better way that the world would emulate. You will leave in your wake a message of humbleness and reverence which will win the hearts of many people in the world.”

Chief Walking Buffalo and his party were greeted by many tribes throughout the country. They were also welcomed by King Koroki's tribe on his pa at Turangawaewae, Ngaruawahia.

Speaking on several Maraes the chief emphasised that he was overjoyed to be welcomed by people of his own colour who could also be his own relations. He went on to say that the purpose of their visit was to bring Moral Re-Armament to the peoples of every land, because it is creating unity between men and nations. He went on to say, “We need to remember what God has put us in this world for. We must go back and see where we have straved from living the absolute standards of absolute honesty, absolute purity, absolute unselfishness and absolute love. If we decide to do the will of God, then people of every race, creed or colour will live together in peace and harmony.

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THE ART OF ADZING

As taught by Eramiha Kapua, of Ngati Tarawhai, Te Arawa, to students of the Maori Arts and Crafts School, Rotorua. Part 1.

The text in Maori, readers will note is not an exact translation, word by word. The photographs in sequence of operations were taken earlier this year at the Waiwhetu Meeting House, Lower Hutt while work was proceeding there, by John Ashton, for Te Ao Hou. The carvers are Mr Pine Taiapa, the author of this article, his brother, Mr Hone Taiapa, M.B.E., Mr Rangi Hetet, Mr Ngata Ruru, and Mr James Ruru.

Picture icon

Pine Taiapa.

KORERO ME TE TOKI KAPUKAPU

Te Rapunga i te mau o te toki Kapukapu He tino tohunga te arahi o te toki kapukapu ki runga whakairo. “Haere ki nga hapu maha o Te Tairawhiti, rapua nga morehu kaumatua mohio ki te mau toki kapukapu, ma ratau koe e ako, e tohutohu ki te tarai, katahi ka hoki mai ki te whakairo.”

Ko te whakahau tenei a Apirana Ngata ki au i te tau 1929 i Rotorua, i au e ako ana i roto i te Kura Whakairo. Kua pau ke te rua tau i au i reira e ako ana, a, ki taku mohio tonu iho, kua riro mai i au te matauranga o te whakairo, ka whai kuou mai nei a ia i nga kupu i runga ake nei. I korero ano ia, “Ko te whakatu o te whakairo kaore ano kia taea e koutou, no te mea ma te toki kapukapu tenei ahua ka taea, kei te ora tonu nga tangata mohio, haere ki a Ngatiporou.” Katahi a Apirana ka wananga i te ahua o nga whakairo kua oti i a matau. Ko nga whakairo nei he poupou mo te whare whakairo o Wiremu Potae, Tokomaru, takiwa o te Tairawhiti.

Tuatahi:

Ko te tarauma o te whakairo, kaore i atanga, no te mea na te whao anake i karo i tapahi i manihi, ko te hua tumaro te whakairo i te whaiti o te whao.

Tuarua:

Ko nga whakatara me nga haehae kaore i pai te huri haere i runga i ia wahi o

 
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The practical use of adzing, so common among the Maori, before and after the arrival of the Pakeha, firstly in the stone and greenstone period, then in the iron adze introduced by the Pakeha, was believed to have been lost about the year 1930. What little was known and practised by them was of a very low order, for the adzing was only confined to odd and infrequent jobs at rare intervals. This was brought about by the milling industry, the erection by Pakeha builders of homes, halls and even meeting houses. The old Maori craftsman's mana had so deteriorated in this direction, that his tools of trade, of which the adze is the most dominant, soon became obsolete and added to the decline in the erection and carving of meeting houses, and the art of adzing was soon neglected and finally ceased to have a place in community centres or pas. Thus, what little was known and practised was of very small value as there was no scope for an expert, but when the School of Maori Arts and Crafts was established in Rotorua in 1929 for the teaching and reintroduction of Arts and Crafts among the tribes of New Zealand, under the personal drive vision and enthusiasm of the late Sir Apirana Ngata, and after two carved meeting houses were launched by the students, the results achieved did not have the full desired effect of the rounded and flowing lines of the old masters and experts, especially when greater relief was to be desired.

This was brought about because the use of the paring chisel only shaped out in relief the different portions of the form of the figure desired, and this was found to be laborious and tedious. For instance, with chisel only it took eight weeks to carve a panel ten feet long by two feet wide by eight inches thick, whereas with the knowledge of adzing, the same panel only took eight days; the width of a chisel for this work would be an inch and a half, while that of an adze five inches. By the end of 1929 it became apparent to Sir Apirana that an expert on adzing should be found and his

 
 

te whakairo i te kaha rawa o te tapuku mai ki waho.

Tuatoru:

Te whakatu o te kape, kia wehi ai te manana o nga whatu; mutu atu ki te paka o te arero.

Matakitaki atu ana ki nga tohutohu a Apirana, me te ui o te ngakau, i takea mia nga tirohanga a tenei tangata i a wai? Ka haere atu i a matau, kotahi tonu te whakatau a nga kaiako o te kura, maku e rapu te matauranga o te mau toki kapu a, i te mea ka tata tonu te Kirihimete, haere tonu atu au ki te kimi i tenei taonga.

Kimihanga i te tohunga mau toki Kapukapu i te Tairawhiti

Ina te wahi o tetahi waiata pirangi naku i mua tata atu o tenei wa, e whakahua ana au i au e arahi haere ana i taku whao i runga o te whakairo,”

“To Toki e hika ko Nui te rangiora,
To toki e hika ko Te Atua Hemata.
To toki e hika ko Te Rokuroku-a-Tawhaki”

Ka tae au ki taku kainga ki Tikitiki ka korero au ki aku matua, ki aku tipuna hoki, ki te whakahau a Apirana ki au, ka ui au me timata au ki whea kainga, ki a wai tangata renei. Ko te whakautu kaore ratau e mohio kei a wai e pupuri ana te mau o tenei momo toki i te riu o Waiapu nei, tena pea kei nga tangata o Te Aowera, kei a te Whanau-a-Iri ranei, kei a Te Whanau-a-Rua ranei, kei a Te Aitanga a Hauiti ranei, kei roto ranei o Turanga, kei raro ranei kei te Whanau-a-Apanui; no te mea i te mutunga atu o te mahi whare perana, tarai atamira hoki, ka mutu atu te kite i nga tangata mau toki kapukapu.

Tirotiro noa ana te whakaaro me haere ki whea, me kite i a wai; ko te rohe whanui tenei o Ngatiporou ka homai nei hei haerenga maku. Parihi i roto o Turanga, ki Tarakeha, ki Torere, a ko te nuingao tenei rohe ma runga hoiho haere ai.

 
– 44 –
 

knowledge and technique adapted to suit the carving similar to those experts of old he saw adzing and carving the Porourangi Meeting House of Ngatiporou when he was a boy. So he instructed me to find such a person or persons in my own Ngatiporou people, learn all I could and apply it to the carving in the School.

My intensive search for such a person has already been written by me in Maori, not only of locating him but also of finding him, though 60 years of age, but active physically and mentally, an expert adzeman and carver and the carver of the Arawa people. He was Eramiha Kapua, a student under his uncles Neke and Anaha, famous Arawa carvers, noted for their work during 1890 to 1920, displayed in and outside Government buildings, carved meeting houses of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district, and were prominent in Exhibition displays in New Zealand associated with the late Augustus Hamilton, author of Maori Art published in 1896. When I interviewed him at Te Teko in January 1930, he was dairying and hand milking thirty cows. He was robust for his age and after a night session with his friends and neighbours he agreed to teach adzing and carving to the pupils of the school of Maori Arts at Rotorua. I soon found out that he was a craftsman and expert on culture and tradition, a leader of his faith, the Ringatu Church, and his acceptance and later appointment to the school gave great satisfaction to Sir Apirana and his Board and the pupils of the School. For here was the very last expert of the old Maori School of Arts and Crafts. He gave rhythmic motion and action to the adzing of the carving, interspersed by song and patere,

 
 

Kaore au i porua ki te kainga ka ki atu au ki aku matua kei te haere au ki roto o Turanga, tena pea te uri a Raharuhi Rukupo kei te ora i roto o Manutuke hei awhina i au. Ki whakaae ratau, ka tukua au i runga i te rangimarie, i te tumanako o aku tipuna o te Ringatu, a ka manakitia taku haerenga me taku hokinga mai.

Po rawa ake ka tae au ki Manutuke, a, ko te kupu mai o konei me haere au ki a te Wirihana, kei te Muriwai tona kainga, no te mea ko ia anake kei te mau ki te pito whakairo i roto o Turanga. Ka tae mai te manako ki au ka waiata, “To Toki e hika Hui-te-rangi-ora tae noa ki te mutunga, kei te tawata hoki a roto kia whiwhi i taku e kimi nei.”

I te ata-tu ka tae au ki Te Muriwai ma raro tonu haere ai, a, ohomauri ana nga tangata o tenei pa i te kitenga mai i au, ka ki atu au i haramai au ki a Te Wirihana, a ko te Wirihana hoki e karanga ana mai, haere tonu atu au. Ka mutu a maua mihimihi, ka korero atu au i te take o taku haramai, ka whakautu mai a ia kaore a ia e tino mohio ki te mau kapukapu, engari me haere au ki Whangara ki a Ruku Hinaki ma, me kore he korero a Ngati-Konohi. Ka hoki mai au ki Manutuke, a haere tonu atu ki Whangara. Ka tae atu ki reira ka peka au kia kite i a Riki Riiti, a korero tonu atu i te kaupapa o taku haere. Nana i ki mai kaore ratau e mohio ki te whangai i te toki kapu engari pea nga kaumatua o Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti i roto o Uawa, no te mea kei reira te whare wananga o Hingangaro, a Te Ra Wheora, a tena pea ma Timoti Maitai, Te Whainga Taumaunu, Te Wiriwiri Karakia, e korero, e waiata, e whakatu te mau toki ki au.

Ka ahu taku tira ki Uawa, ka tae mai te maharahara ki au mo te taonga e rapu nei au, no te mea kaore au i kite, i rongo ranei ki tetahi tangata mohio i au e tamariki ana, engari kua kite i nga toki kapukapu i tena kainga i tena kainga. Akuanei pea kua ngaro te momo tangata mau i tenei toki, mahue iho ko nga maramara, a ko wai hei kohikohi, hei whakatinana kia rere ano ai nga potapota me nga maramara a nga tau e tu mai nei. Tae rawa atu au ki Uawa, kua tae ke aku mahara ki nga waapu kani rakau, ki nga takiwa e tarai rakau ana mo nga huarahi rere o nga tereina (trains) ki nga waapu mahi kaipuke, a, tarai i nga rewa (masts), ki nga takiwa hanga piriti (bridges), no te mea koia nei nga wahi e whakamahia ana, tenei toki.

Ka peka au ki te marae ki a Timoti raua ko Te Whainga ka korero i taku haere. Ka mihi raua, a ka waiata i taku waiata kaingakau o nga toki onamata, mutu rawa, ka ki raua kaore he tangata i roto o Uawa hei ako i au, me haere au ki Tokomaru ki a Wiremu. Potae mana e tohu ki au taua tangata. Moe rawa au ki a raua i taua po, a ka korero raua i nga toki tapu a te Maori; a Te Awhiorangi ma, ki nga toki pou tangata tohu o te rangatira ki nga toki titaha, a mutu atu ki nga toki kapukapu i kite raua e

 
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where monotony and hacking was the chisel's way; he introduced new words, thoughts, enthusiasm and an awareness of the rapidly revealing shape of the different parts of the carved figure, he gave romance to the great adzemen of the Great Migration period and we seeped ourselves thoroughly in his approach to the great task set before us by Sir Apirana. The School had reawakened from amateurism to proficiency.

Eramiha Kapua taught adzing under the following progressive headings:

(1) Correct fitting of the handle. (2) Correct shape of the cutting edge. (3) Sharpening and daily maintenance. (4) Holding and swinging motion. (5) Use of feet and eyes. (6) The cutting and chipping. (7) The different types and methods of adzing—(a) the “Ara Haratu”; (b) the Ngaotu and Ngaopae; (c) the Poke, Poka and Ta. (8) Preliminary adzing prior to the actual carving—(a) squaring of the timber, sides and back direct from the bush; (b) rounding off of the sides and preparation of back of milled timber. (9) The art of shaping of a figure in sections by the adze—(a) the head, eyes, nose and tongue; (b) shoulders, hands, arms and body; (c) the legs, knees and feet. (10) Adzing a ridge pole or taahu, poutokomanawa, and poutaahu.

1. Fitting of handle on to adze

Eramiha Kapua repeatedly instructed that the adze and the timber should not force one to any unnecessary stooping or unnatural positions, thereby developing rounded shoulders, slow progress, and a limited view of the whole work in hand, but to use the adze freely in a natural standing position by having the work positioned in

 
 

tarai ana nga tangata mohio o roto o Uawa, engari kaore raua e mohio ki te tarai, ki nga korero tarai ranei.

I te ata ka mihi atu au ki a raua, ka ahu taku tira ki Mangatuna ki a Tutekohi Rangi, a, taku taenga atu ko tana korero me ahu au ki Waiapu, ki tatara e maru ana, ahakoa taku ki atu i hara mai au i reira, kotahi tonu tana whakahau, ara ko tenei, “Kei Tikapa, kei a Te Whanau a Pokai te hui nui a te Ringatu, a te tahi o Hanuere, ka mene katoa ki reira nga kaumatua o Tokomaru tae atu ki Waiapu, haere ki reira, kia rongo ai koe i te korero. Kaore matau o Mangatuna nei e mohio ki te mau toki kapukapu.” Kei runga au i taku hoiho ka maro taku tira ki Hiraharama, ki a Te Aowera.

I rongo korero au mo tenei hapu o Ngati Porou, ko ratau nga iwi noho i raro i te maru o Hikurangi, ko ratau hoki nana i ngaki nga ngahere o te take o Hikurangi, a he iwi tohunga ki te mahi kainga ki rongahere mo nga tangata tope rakau, te ataahua o te tupunitanga i o ratau wharau, te mahorahora me te mahana hoki, ano te rite ko nga wharepuni tonu o ratau marae, ina hoki, ka tae ki nga ra i manakohia e ratau, ka pohiritia tona tini o nga ropu tope kanataraki hei manuhiri ma ratau, a, he manu, he hinu, he poaka puihi te kai, apititia ki te pikopiko ki te nikau hei peehi. No reira ahakoa te tawhiti o Hiruharama i Mangatuna, koemi ana te haere a taku hoiho, tae atu hoki ki aku tumanako, no te mea, mehemea ko ia nei nga mahi a te Aowera, ki taku whakaaro nui atu nga tamariki tane i reira kei

 
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a practical manner, and this can only be achieved by the correct fitting of the handle, whereby the expert becomes master of the adze and timber. When correctly fitted it will be found to be perpendicular to the blade and head. If it is found to be too much or not enough, then a leather wedge is to be inserted to correct this. This fitting ensures sure and easy cutting, whereas if the handle is more to the blade, stooping develops, while the opposite cant makes the adze cut into the timber too much, resulting in the adze sticking in. These two results are often caused by a faulty and loose wedge.

2. Correct shape of the cutting edge of an adze.

Most adzes when newly bought have a slight arc along the cutting edge, so to obtain a good cut, this arc should be more pronounced and this is obtained by grinding more at the corners than the centre.

3.Sharpening, daily maintenance and care.

Section 1. The common practice is to take the handle out by slight taps at the rear of handle and grind the adze on a grindstone. The adze is first laid on at an angle so that the grinding process is from the centre of the blade to the edge, making sure during the grinding that the outside edge is ground more than the centre, and when this has become pronounced, slightly cant the adze to the other side of the grindstone with the angle of holding also vertically opposite. While holding the blade against the grindstone the fingers of one hand should be spread over the back of the blade and the other hand holding the head of the adze, both hands with a firm grip to ensure no wobbling or sliding from side to side of the grindstone by the adze. The hand spread over the back of the blade controls the amount of grinding required. Water in a steady trickle should fall on the grindstone throughout the operation. When both sides appear to be evenly ground, after taking out any, gaps, the blade is then held squarely on to the grindstone and a light token sharpening is all that is necessary. It is imperative that the grinding of the edges is effectively done; if this is not adhered to then the cutting and slicing on timber is impeded by the corners or edges. When the grinding is finished a distinctive pattern of bevelled cutting angles is displayed; this pattern distinguishes the expert's sharpening from the learner's. A slight touch with an emery stone then follows by having the blade in one hand and the stone in the other, and while the stone is drawn in a circular motion along the cutting edge, it is closely followed by the eyes.

Section 2. In an emergency a nine inch file can do the sharpening or the taking out of a gap on the cutting edge, but later the adze must be sharpened as in Sec. 1.

N.B. After grinding when not required for immediate use, the adze should be oiled, otherwise rust will develop. Ensure that the grindstone's surface retains its flat surface. The adze is severe on it.

 
 

te kite i o ratau matua e hanga ana i o ratau wharau i ro ngahere, i te tarai perana mo nga taha me era atu mahi e taea ana e te toki kapukapu, a tona ritenga penei ano i au nei to ratau pakeke. No reira ka ngahau taku haere, ka poto te huarahi, a po rawa ake kua tae au, a peka tonu atu ki te kainga ao Heneriata Makarini, wahine tohunga o Ngatiporou ki te takitaki haka taparahi, haka pohiri a nga wahine; wahine hoki nui ana tamariki tane toa ki nga mahi tope puihi, mahi taiapa, kuti hipi. Te tino take i kowhiria ai a ia e au, he wahine kaingakau naku, mo tona pono, mo tona ngakaunui ki nga taonga a te Maori.

Ka mutu tana mihi me tana whangai i au, ka ui mai, “Ina to tira e tama?” Ka korero au ki a ia i te whakahau a Apirana i Rotorua; taku haere ki roto o Turanga, a peka mai nei kia korero ia mo tona iwi tope kanataraki mai i te take o Hikurangi tae noa atu ki Hore Hore, kainga e tata tonu atu ana ki Raukumara, ara tauhanga i o ratau wharau, mehemea he toki kapukapu nana i tarai nga pakitara, nga poupau, nga heke. Ka tangi a Heneriata mo aku korero, ka ki mai, “E tama kaore i te ora he tangata inaianei hei ako i a koe, o matua, o tipuna o Te Aowera he tohunga ki te tarai rakau ma te toki kapukapu, kua riro ratau me te mohiotanga, kaore i akona e nga tai-tamariki he wetiweti koi pahika ka motu.” I taua po katoa he korero ia mo nga tarai waka, wharenui, whare karakia, whare perana, a tenei hapu a Te Aowera i hanga ai, ko au kei te whakarongo kei te miharo, kei te haku hoki, i te moumou o tenei taonga ki te ngaro i tenei iwi. I te ata ka hoki au ki Waiapu

 
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4. Holding and swinging motion

Holding an adze by the handle and swinging it looks simple, and it is simple once you are shown, and it is simply done by being pointed out that all cutting implements held by two hands achieve certain results by applying them in their correct method and use. As the adze is only meant to cut while it is brought downwards by two hands, then holding it calls for two muscular reflexes by the arms, an upward and downward holding control. This calls for the swinging motion as well. The control therefore of holding and swinging is governed by the grip on the handle by the hands. If you are right-handed, the right hand should be in front of the left and midway of the handle. The grip should not be taut, but there should be a tightening and loosening of the grip while lifting and swinging, the grip firm as the adze strikes the timber.

5. How to use the feet and eyes

Good balance when adzing is paramount and accidents are due to the bad placing of the feet prior to lifting the adze. The feet placed in line and a few inches apart is the common practice and when relief from arms and body weight is necessary, work should cease and the feet and arms should rest. When adzing a ridge pole relief from fatigue is obtained by placing one foot on the ridgepole, and then the other, but to make this a habit is not recommended. One must stand firmly on both feet. At first this tires the arms and feet, but after a week's tuition, this is not so severe.

 
 

ki taku kainga, me te whakamau atu tena pea kei te hui a te Whanau-a-Pokai te korere hei whakamaaha i taku ngakau.

No te ata o te 31 o Tihema 1929 ka tae au ki Tikapa, marae o Te Whanau a Pokai, he kainga kei te taha tonga o te ngutuawa o Waiapu, ki te hui a te Ringatu. I reira nga kaumatua o tenei hahi o te Tairawhiti, mai i Tokomaru tae atu ki te Whanau-a-Apanui, a, i taku whakamohiotanga atu ki te tangata whenua kei te hiahia au ki te whai kupu ki nga iwi whakaeke, ka whakawateatia he wa hei korerotanga moku. Ka tae ki taua wa ka tu au ka mihi ki te tangata whenua ki nga manuhiri hoki, a, ka korero hoki i te kaupapa o taku haere i te rohe o te Tairawhiti. Ko taku kupu whakamutanga ko tenei, “Ki te kore i a taua i te Tairawhiti, i te Whanau Apanui tenei matauranga, ka haere au ma te Pakeha au e ako ki taua whiu toki, a, ka matau ra au, ka huri ai ki runga whakairo tarai ai.” Katahi au ka waiata: “E hika to toki ko Huiterangi ora.”

Ko Wiremu Potae te kaumatua i korero tuatahi. “E tama rereke ta te Pakeha i ta te Maori, ma te Maori tonu koe e ako, kaua e mutu mai to rapu i o iwi anake, tomokia nga rohe o ia iwi, o ia iwi, a whiwhi noa koe i tena taonga. Na to matua na Apirana koe i whakahau, a, ki te kore i a ia taua taonga, mana e para he huarahi mou ki nga iwi. Whaia tenei taonga ma te iwi Maori, ina hoki, kei te korero a Apirana he whare whakairo ki nga marae nunui o te iwi Maori. Hara mai haere ki te Whanau-a-Tuwhakairiora i roto o te Kawakawa, ki te kore i kona e ahu ki te ra to ki te Whanau-a-Apanui, ki a Ngaitai, ki te Whakatohea, waiho te Pakeha mo muri rawa.” Ara atu ana korero mo nga tangata rawe ki te mau toki kapu, mania ana te haere a te toki, o tena hapu o tena hapu o te Tairawhiti, mohio katoa ia ki a ratau, ki a Tamati Ngakaho, ki a Te Kihirini, nga tohunga arahi i te taraitanga i te whakairotanga o nga rakau mo Porourangi, wehi ana nga tangata matakitaki, no te mea ko te mata o te toki kapu takamiri ana I raro o te tokonui o te waewae o te tohunga. He hanga parekareka ki te ngahoro mai te taitea kia tu ko taikaka. Ka mutu ana mihi, ka whaikupu hoki etahi o nga kaumatua o te Whanau-Apanui, pera ano te wai o a ratau korero i te mea kei te korerotia he whare whakairo mo ratau ki te Kaha tu ai.

Ka hoki mai au i Tikapa me te koa ki nga kupu i rangona ra e au ki a Wiremu Potae, taitea, taikaka; no te mea he kupu hou enei ki au, a, e pa ana ki te tarai a te toki kapu. Naku matua i whakamarama, ko te Taitea ko te wahi kiko ma o te rakau tere ki te popo, a, kainga ai e te huhu, tena ko Taikaka ko te taiho, ko te wahi pakari o te rakau.

Ka huii te tau tawhito ka haere au ki te Kawakawa, a ka peka au ki a Te Aramakutu, he kaumatua tarai rakau, engari ehara i te tohunga rawa; a nana i ki mai kaore he tangata i tua atu i a ia o Te Kawakawa hei ako i au, engari me

 
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The eyes control the cutting depth and the correct angle of adzing. The eyes do not follow the upward and downward swing of the adze, but are glued on the immediate area for adzing; further, it controls the bite and force of the adze into the timber and pattern of cut desired.

6. The cutting and chipping of the adze

Prior to the cutting, it is necessary for the beginner to feel the adze, its weight when in motion upwards or downwards, to stand firmly on his feet, and to acquire the gripping and slight relaxing of the handle. A firm and bulky totara log is the best timber to practice on as it cuts easily because of its close or short grain. First lift and bring the adze on to the log trying not to cut it, but to strike it with that part of the blade at the back of the cutting edge maintaining a firm grip by both hands on the handle. Don't attempt to cut until you have practiced in this manner for some time, at the same time watching the spot you are striking, and when your feet tire, rest, then on again. By and large, you will constantly strike your adze into the log, and this is a progressive sign for it indicates that the adze can cut, and with constant practice cut precisely and accurately. Then by degrees you will experience a thrill to see a fine shaving appear now and again; this is the real purpose of the exercise, this fine shaving and chipping. To see the expert doing this at every blow is the incentive to greater effort on your part, for it is the key to accurate adzing. Take note also of the polished back of the adze caused by the constant striking on to thhe log. After a period of swinging and striking, the next step is the cutting and chipping of the timber.

With totara, a knowledge of its grain cutting technique is necessary, for the grain of all timbers governs the method of adzing. The totara has a very close grain, easy to cut, and the chips break off easily (an exception being mountain totara), and must be well seasoned before it too will cut easily. There is no other timber to equal it for clean and easy adzing, and the best method generally is to cut against the grain. This may appear difficult but by cutting it diagonally with the adze and at the same time proceeding at each cut straight across the timber, the chips come off easily.

Now let us have a look at the cutting edge of the adze now that it has made a cut into the timber with the chip lifted but not cut off. Note the thickness of the chip at the centre of the cutting edge of the adze and the thinness of the outer edges of the chip; note too, that the width of the chip is greater than the width of the adze. The lesson learnt is that the centre of the adze cuts first because of its forward projection, and furthermore, if the sides were in line with the centre they would invariably stick into the timber and retard depth and progress of cutting.

In learning how to cut with the adze it is preferable to start by trying to obtain a flat surface on an uneven piece of totara. First begin by only

 
 

haere au ki Potaka ki a Wiremu te Whare kei a ia pea e mau ana, haere tonu atu au, a moe rawa atu ki Wharekahika. Pera ano to reira korero me haere ki Potaka, no reira ko ana nga kopara ka haere au, a ka tata atu ki te marae ka waiata au, “To toki e hika ko Huiterangiora. Ka puta mai hoki a Te Whare, me te karanga mai i au, me te ki mai i a maua e hongi ana, kua tae ke atu nga rongo kei te haere atu au, no Tikapa mai te korero. Ka mutu ta maua parakuihi, ka mea mai a ia kaore he korero i a ia mo taku take, mutu tonu ko tenei, “Ko te whare e tu nei a Te Pae o te Pakanga, no Te Arawa te tangata nana i whakahaere te taraitanga me te whakaaratanga, ko te Whare Moana o Raukokore tetahi o nga tangata awhina i te taraitanga tena pea kei a ia te mohiotanga e kimi nei koe. Haere ki to papa mana koe e arataki. Ko au tena ki runga ki taku hoiho haere tonu atu ki Raukokore, me te koa kei te tata haere atu au ki taku i tumanako ai. Ehara po rawa ake kua tae au, a ko te whare e karanga ana mai, “E tama kaore i po tahi te korero, ko koe e tu ana”. Ka hotu te mauiri i roto i au mo ana kupu, a i taua po ka korero ia ki au.

“E tama kaore koe e taea e au te ako, aha koa i te taha au o te tino tohunga mo te mau kapukapu, i te hanganga o te wharenui o Te Whaaka i Potaka i te tau 1912, i te aha, i toku kuare tonu, i te wehi hoki ki taua momo toki, engari ko taua tangata arahi i te mahi, a Eramihia Kapua, no Te Arawa, parekareka ana i a ia te haere a te kapukapu, apitia ki te patere, ki te nguha ki te waiata, ki te whakairo, e tama, hara mai haere ki a ia, kei te ora tonu ia kei te Te Teko tona kainga. To ahua, me o korero, ki tonu i te rapu i tenei matauranga, ka taea e koe, ko to papa hoki ko Apirana kei te tena mai i a koe. E hoki ki to kainga, hei to haerenga atu ki te kura whakairo i Rotorua, ka peka atu ki a ia. Ko taku tenei ki a korua ko to matua ko Apirana, tikina tenei kaumatua hei ako i nga tamariki tane o te iwi Maori i roto o te kura whakairo, manaakitia tenei tangata, kei a ia hoki te matauranga o te mau o te whiu, nga korero, me te arahi i te toki kapukapu.

Ka tutaki au ki a Eramiha Kapua, tohunga ki te mau toki kapukapu.

E toru enei wiki i rapu ai au i tenei taonga i te mau toki kapukapu i waenganui o nga hapu maha o Ngatiporou, a ko nga kupu o ia marae, hara mai haere, tena pea, kua ngaro ke, kua mate nga tohunga, ka waiho enei mea hei hoa hoki mai moku mai i Raukokore tae noa mai ki Tikitiki i te ra kotahi, na wai i koemi te haere a taku hoiho, kua toitoi kua tarutu haere, ka pera ano hoki aku whakaaro mo te taonga e whaia nei e au. Ka kimi taku hinengaro i te ahua o tenei tangata o Eramiha Kapu, te tangata i tohia nei e Te Whare hei ako i au. Me pewhea taku tono ki a ia mo tenei taonga; a, ka eke mai taku tira ki Toka ka titiro atu au ki te akau o te Kawakawa, a ka whakamau atu aku kanohi ki te pa o Tuwha-

 
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allowing the centre of the cutting edge to cut and try this along the surface of the log working to the right or to the left; I prefer to work along to my right, others like it better to the left, and some either way. When greater confidence comes to you, try cutting a little deeper, at the same time giving your swing and downward movement of the adze a slight angle of cut. You will immediately note that instead of chipping as in the first tryout, quite a large piece of wood has been cut and broken off. Now, and forever afterwards, remember that if a chip is broken off and still lies on the timber, brush it off with your hand or adze, and when a chip does not break off smack it off with the side edge of the adze; for a chip lying on the timber causes severe and painful cuts, for it will get in line with your next cut, catch the centre of the cutting edge, thus preventing it from cutting, and cause the blade to glide without control to your feet. More experience will always find one looking for greater uneven surfaces than the previous ones. The greatest incentive to learn and acquire adzing can only be brought about in a group of learners under the tuition of an expert. The expert's example is readily seen and copied and corrections of holding, swinging, placement of feet, angle of cut, periodically made, corrected and adjusted by him, tends to make light of the strangeness of the adze, posture and at first attempts arm weariness; then too, the expert will break into a chant, and with rhythmic blows, the passages of his waiata are severed realistically, like the severed chips falling from the log after each descending blow of his toki kapukapu or adze.

(to be continued)

 

kairiora, ki Okauwharetoa, kite tonu atu au i te whakautu mo taku patai. Ma Apirana e para he huarahi moku. No tuaki po rawa atu ka tae au ki Tikitiki, te kau ma ono haora ki te huarahi waea tonu atu au ki a Apirana i Poneke, a ka eke mai a ia ka korero maua. Ka whakaatu atu au i te hua o taku kimi i roto o Te Tairawhiti o te Whanau-a-Apanui, mai i te Muriwai tae noatu ki Raukokore, i te kore kaumatua, tangata ranei mohio ki te mau toki kapukapu, a na te Whare Moana te korero me te wawata mo Eramiha Kapua o Te Teko hei whiriwhiri mana, ka mutu, ko tana whakahau tenei.

Tikina e koe a Eramiha, e mohio ana au ki a ia. Mauria ki Rotorua hei ako i a koutou katoa o te Kura Whakairo. Ma taua a ia e manaaki e atawhai, ki atu ki a ia, kei te karanga te rangatahi o te iwi Maori ki a ia hei kai-ako hei matua hei kai-arahi i a ratau ki nga whare whakairo maha o nga marae nunui o te iwi Maori e taria mai nei e nga iwi ma te kura e whakairo. Ka mutu a maua korero ka maringi mai ki runga ki au te koa, te hau-ora me te manawa-reka, ka makere atu ki raro te awangawanga mo te taonga e kimihia nei e au, ka makere atu hoki te mauiui o te haere i runga hoiho o nga ra tata nei. Ka pupu ake i roto i au te tumanako, tena te wa kei te haere mai maku e whakahoki mai ki te Tairawhiti te matauranga me te mohio ki te mau toki kapukapu.

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THE MAORI STUDENT
FEDERATION

Alan Armstrong is a Vice-President of this newly formed organisation, and played a considerable part in its foundation. Lionel Stewart represents the Federation in the University of Canterbury Maori Club, of which he is also Secretary.

As organisations within a movement multiply, sooner or later the need is felt for co-ordination on a national scale. Groups working independently of one another, even though it be for a common purpose, often reach a stage where ineffective communication and differences of policy become a handicap. When this happens some sort of unifying body is imperative.

By the time the third Conference of Maori Students was held in 1957, an increasing need for better communications between the various University and Teachers' College Maori Clubs was becoming evident. Once in a year we would get some idea of what others were doing, but not really enough to be beneficial. All of us, and particularly the smaller and more isolated Clubs, needed more interchange of ideas and information. The organisation of Conference could profit from a pooling of resources. Too often in the past, when everything had been left to the host Club for the year, visitors would bring along useful ideas only to find no room for them on the agenda. Furthermore, a Federation could give us authoritative spokesmanship on matters of national concern, with the benefits of a unified policy on everything affecting Maori students.

The 1957 Conference did not treat the idea kindly, regarding our hasty last-minute proposal put before it as premature. During the months that followed, a handful of students in Wellington privately chewed over the idea, and slowly a convincing case for such a body grew into a remit for the next Conference. After lively discussion it was approved in principle, and a committee was set up to plan the structure of Federation and bring it into existence. One of the authors of this article sat on that committee, which being scattered all over the country had to do most of its work by correspondence–and often informal correspondence at that.

It took two years to find a scheme acceptable to everyone. Many details had to be ironed out to make the scheme workable. We finally decided to have an Executive resident in Wellington, consisiting of eight elected officers and one person representing each Club. The elected officers were to have the job of managing the affairs of Federation, but had no say in policy. The Club representatives were given one vote per 25 members of their Club, which made sure that policy would in fact be determined by the Clubs and really would represent the majority opinion of members, while the implementation of that policy would still be in the hands of those most capable of handling it. At Club level, Federation is represented in each Club by one member on the Committee specially assigned to the job of maintaining active communication.

The formation committee submitted a constitution to the 1960 Conference, which ratified it and established the New Zealand Federation of Maori Students by electing its officers for the first year. The dream of three years ago had become a reality.

A word or two about the inaugural Executive. Miss Whetu Tirikatene, the President, needs no introduction to readers. Of the three Vice-presidents, Whatarangi Winiata will also be known to many. Whatarangi is a past-president of the Victoria University of Wellington Maori Club, and is at present doing post-graduate study at the University of Michigan. Pat Hohepa, also a Vice-President, is an Anthropology graduate and a lecturer at the University of Auckland, and has long been prominent in Maori student activities. The other Vice-President, Alan Armstrong, is co-author of this article and is a research chemist with the Health Department in Christchurch. The Secretary, Pamela Ormsby, is on the Ministerial staff of private secretaries. Ari Paul, the Treasurer, is

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an accountancy student. Janet Winter, the Records Officer, is a teacher, and has been active in the Victoria University Maori Club since its inception (as the Wellington Maori Students' Association) in 1955. Steve O'Regan is Public Relations Officer, and is a law student, active also in the Students' Association of Victoria University.

Federation will function to co-ordinate the activities of the ten existing University and Teachers' College Maori Clubs, and promote the formation of others. A quarterly Newsletter will keep members in touch with new developments, and eventually we intend to distribute this more widely to other interested organisations.

But it will also consolidate the basic aims of the Clubs incorporated in it, which are broadly to make Maori students into better Maoris, better students, and better citizens in later life. The Maori student often has real difficulty finding his feet at University, and his own community may make matters worse by taking a negative attitude. This often induces him to give up study and take on a job well below his capabilities, or if he does remain he may abandon his Maoritanga in the mistaken belief that it is incompatible with his professional career. Either consequence leaves him a mediocre person for the rest of his life, disgruntled, and never putting his inborn talents to much effective use. We can ill afford to waste talent in this way.

This is where the University Maori Clubs come in. They give the new student a group to belong to. They help him settle into University life and work, and assist with accommodation and information on financial aid. If he has problems, he is always assured of sympathetic counsel, and if he finds study difficult, some Club member can usually give additional tuition. The social and cultural functions of the Club are more obvious to the rest of the world, providing a wholesome environment for social needs, and keeping Maori language and culture alive through regular Club evenings, and occasional fund-raising concerts. In this mileu we have noticed a sharp reduction in the students who leave before completing their degrees, as compared with pre-Club days.

There is a very real need today for more Maoris in the professions. The Maori Clubs in our Universities and Teachers' Colleges have an important function in attracting students who might otherwise drift into employment where their best capabilities are never developed. By helping to make these facts more widely appreciated amongst the Maori people generally, Federation will be able to contribute its share to the recruitment and training of the young leaders of tomorrow.

Picture icon

The Maori Students' Federation Executive. L. to R. Mr Patrick Hohepa, B.A., vicepresident, Auckland; Mr Whatarangi Winiata, B.Com., Vice-President, Wellington: Miss Janet Winter, records officer, Wellington; Mr Steve O'Regan, P.R.O., Wellington; Mr Alan Armstrong, B.Sc., Vice-President, Christchurch.

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BOOKS

THE FERN AND THE TIKI

Reviewed by G. Kemble Welch.

The publication earlier this year of The Fern and the Tiki, by Professor David P. Ausubel, of the University of Illinois, has stimulated much comment. The closing chapters of the book are a detailed study of race relations in New Zealand, and Te Ao Hou invited Dr G. Kemble Welch, now a senior pathologist at Whangarei Hospital, to comment on these chapters. Dr Kemble Welch has worked for many years in Maori communities in Northland.

In The Fern and the Tiki Professor Ausubel claims to have found that New Zealand has a colour bar so big and baneful that he is pessimistic about our future. This conclusion cannot be tested by the ordinary scientific method of experiment, so it is by its consistency and the reliability of his data that his argument stands or falls.

Two of his claims—that Maoris are discriminated against in hotels and barred from work in banks—would meet fairly general agreement. When the controlling companies deny that it is their policy, they may be examples of the hypocritical ostrich which he seems to think should be our national bird. But this is a minute fragment of our way of life and is not evidence of a general colour bar.

Most of his other arguments are not “proof” because they have equally likely alternative explanations, as these three examples show:

Firstly, he claims that Pakehas have a stereotype of Maoris which is “an utter calumny” and evidence of colour bar—but his own picture of Maori village life fits the stereotype so closely that it is a justified generalisation. Further, he states that a Pakeha ignores the stereotype when he meets a Maori who doesn't conform—so where's the bar?

Secondly, in social relations Prof. Ausubel's dice are so heavily loaded that the Pakeha can't win. In his view exclusiveness in Maoris is the justified act of a cultural minority, but if Pakehas are exclusive it is colour bar; when a middle class Pakeha is not friendly with a working-class Pakeha it is because they have different interests, but if he is not friendly with a Maori worker it is colour bar; and when Maoris and Pakehas mix freely he states that the Pakehas don't regard these friends as Maoris, and far from conceding this as evidence against a colour bar, he implies that it takes them out of the argument.

Thirdly, he says that it is statistically indisputable that Maoris are more likely to be lazy and unreliable than Pakehas, but in spite of that if, of two unknown candidates for a job, the Pakeha is preferred, he calls it a colour bar. Surely it's just betting on the better bet.

The oddest thing in these chapters is the inconsistency, that although Prof. Ausubel found colour bar everywhere, the Maoris he met did not. He writes on page 189 “I can't recall meeting a single Maori who attributed his academic or vocational difficulties to racial prejudice.” Who is more likely to be right?

How reliable is his data? He does not refer to any other reports or statistics, so relies entirely on his own conversations with people. His claim to have made an objective study of New Zealand race relations rests on whether these people are a representative sample of the population. It is his greatest inconsistency, having made that claim, to write “it is perfectly obvious that no claim can be made that these data reflect a definitive, adequately controlled or representative cross-section of New Zealand opinion on race relations.”

So although Prof. Ausubel may give food for thought, beware of the cooking.

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HAKA NIGHT

Above me the stars twinkled, like tiny jewelled lanterns, set in an everlasting pattern of velvety deep blue sky. Already the bush-clad mountains of the nearby Hauhangaroa Ranges are shrouded in their gowns of white mist. Above the chapel a single light shines, through a carpet of fog, making it look like a floating halo. Outside the cold wintry wind blows, sending spasms of chills to those who venture outside the warmth and cosiness of their huts. Around me the night is filled with the sounds of activity, while across the bay the compound speaker blares forth a rowdy honky-tonk tune. Somewhere a guitar is being strummed, while in the hut next to mine, a news commentator with his acquired accent speaks of the news of the world.

From the common room a burst of happy laughter echoes out into the night, followed by the rowdy gaiety of a group of contented males, matching their skill at shuffling cards or throwing darts. In some of the huts, the magic splendour of tales and happenings in distant lands, that bring happiness and enjoyment to the heart of the tourist and traveller alike, are eagerly read through the good services of the Country Library Service and magazines from home. I open the door of the chapel, where this morning the padre brought to those of us who needed it, spiritual refreshment and Christian fellowship. Now it is filled by a group of native sons, from every corner of this land of Maui, for tonight is our Maori groups' practice period.

“Shut the door, you Ngapuhi”, comes a chorus of voices, and as the latch clicks behind me, I take a vacant chair beside one of my cobbers.

Smoky wisps curl lazily upwards to the ceiling, giving a hazy atmosphere to the room, while men sit in various positions, a few rock backwards and forwards on their seats as if they were rocking chairs. Gazing around the room, I picture the different ones in their own homes. How many of these are fathers?

That one in the corner by the piano, gazing fondly at a picture of a youngster in a magazine. I almost feel as if I can read his mind. He closes his eyes for a second. Is it the smoky effect, or is it a glimmer of memory, or is it an awakening of reality? The entrance of the leader is announced by a boisterous shout of ribaldry, for being a few minutes late. Almost immediately the group is formed into three lines, each in its own positions. And very soon, the rousing hakas, chants and action songs are being sung as only Maoris can sing them, the voices of many blended as one, harmony sweet, sad and pure, unfolding the deeds, legends and songs of past glories and history of a race. The rhythmical beating of feet, the swaying unison of bodies, all help to keep perfect timing. Did our ancestors sing these songs and chants, as they sometimes paddled large canoes, on quest to the distant land of Kupe, amongst the relentless waters of the vast Pacific ocean?

“Of course they did”, says the Maori spirit of my mother. “Not damn likely, these songs are far too modern”, replied the European blood of my Pakeha father. All too soon, our two hours' time is up, for tomorrow's new dawn is another work day. Chattering and joking, we step out into the foggy crisp night, bidding each other goodnight, thankful for the urn of scalding hot cocoa, from which we each take a mug. How good it tastes, and it makes one's body tingle with warmth, after the near freezing conditions outside. Inside my hut I prepare for bed, taking long gulps of cocoa to keep myself warm. Soon I am comfortably snuggled up deeply in my blankets, rather like a cocoon, or thinking this is how a snail lies, with just its head protruding, and that is how I feel with just part of my head out, and one hand holding Sir Peter Buck's Vikings of the Sunrise.

Reading, I think, keeps us from being lonely, for how can we be friendless where there is always the companionship of a novel? Later the

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crunch of footsteps on the gravel, and the click of light switches tell me it is time for lights out. I take a last look around my hut. Cobwebs in one corner, the many nail holes that were used to tack pin-ups and pictures, the many hundred holes caused by the far too healthy appetite of the wood-happy eating borers, spread over the timber like tiny ants, acting a ballet scene, from some Disney natural life film. Magazines and novels together with my writing papers, ink and water paints. All in a mad topsy-turvey jumble, clothes hanging from nails, at all angles, while at the top of my bed, my abstract painting of a famous American film actor looks down at me, its brilliant colours clashing with the dull green of the interior of my hut. The footsteps are much nearer now, and the sound louder. Then a click and all there is is darkness, and the long hours of night. Now is the time to travel the winding pathways of memories paved with thoughts pleasant and sad, and as my head nods with drowsiness, I am filled with a heart-warming conviction that sleep, and the ability to do so, is truly one of Our Creator's kindest gifts to mankind. For when we are asleep we forget the little daily incidents, things big and small that clutter our lives, bringing to us treasured dreams and golden visions of hope. By the way I forgot to tell you, I'm a Maori prisoner doing time.

MUTTON BIRD? OR JUST TITI?

Call it what you will, it is one of Maoridom's most favoured foods. The pakeha too is rapidly finding out that the Titi is a most palatable meal.

How many of us, however, know anything of the fascinating habits of the Titi? How many of us know anything of the methods of catching and curing which have come down through generations of Stewart Island Maoris?

Sometimes I even wonder whether many of us know how best to cook the Titi, especially when one hears of elaborate methods which involve several changes of water followed by baking in the oven with a clove of garlic in each bird?

The Titi belongs to the Petrel family and the correct name for the Stewart Island species is Sooty Shearwater. It is migratory in its habits and spends from late spring to mid-winter in South Pacific waters, where it breeds and rears its young. The main colonies seem to be Tasmania, Cape Horn, the Snares Island south of New Zealand and the small islets which lie close to the east and south west of Stewart Island. It is from these small scrub-covered islets that the main supply for the New Zealand table is taken.

The Titi may also be found on some of the islands in the north, especially White Island, the Three Kings and the Poor Knights but birds taken from these are usually for personal use and not the open market.

At the time we imported Titi from Tasmania but these were mainly for the northern markets where the Stewart Island birds rarely reach owing

(Continued on page 63)

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PRODUCING THE MAORI
IN RADIO DRAMA

Chief Producer, New Zealand Broadcasting Service.

The voice of the Maori has been sadly silent in our theatre. But then, the New Zealand professional theatre is only now finding its feet. A close relative of the living theatre, Radio Drama has grown up in England and elsewhere in the comparatively short period of forty years, and a properly organised Productions Section in the N.Z.B.S. has been in existence for a little over half that time. On the other hand, Maori culture and lore echo over centuries of time; and, indeed, much has been heard from the Maori on the air, in his natural climate of oratory, ceremony and music. But why … and I have been asked the question many times … why has he not been represented more often in Pakeha radio drama?

Picture icon

Elizabeth Rehu. (Photo Franz, Dunedin).

Putting aside the obvious limited casting opportunities provided in the drama of other countries through colour of voice and skin, I suggest that the whole conception of our dramatic craft, with its blending of emotion and technique, is foreign to the Maori. What he does in ceremony, he does naturally and spontaneously, as night follows day—largely through instinct and emotion. He possibly finds the process whereby a performance is forged through a technique calculated to produce the illusion of spontaneity—confusing and outside his thinking. I wonder if I'm right when I say that it is only by helping him to adapt himself to these methods that we can present him side by side with the Pakeha in our live theatre, and radio drama? I think so.

You see, a vicious circle arises too, because writers, knowing these difficulties, have, I suspect, been diffident about placing the Maori in Pakeha drama. If dramatic writing is to mirror the nature of our New Zealand social structure, then the Maori should be represented in it. It is all so very complex. The mysteries and subtleties of the non-visual medium merely add to the complexity.

I was more than conscious of these difficulties when I began casting for my production of Bruce Mason's “The Pohutukawa Tree.” In this I had sympathetic and willing assistance and advice from many people—the Rev. Kingi Ihaka of the Church of England, and Mr William Ngata of Maori Affairs—to name only two. Later on, the question of the interpretation of the waiata, Sir Eruera Tirikatene willingly and most graciously gave us the benefit of his wide experience and scholarship. Most of the applicants for parts were people who had never appeared on the stage—let alone before a microphone. Auditions were also taken by tape-recording in other centres. It is significant that the successful principals had actually acquired some stage experience. Elizabeth Rehu is President of the Palmerston (North Otago) Drama Club and Hiria Moffatt was with the New Zealand Players. I am convinced that these roles could not have been handled by Maoris who did not possess basic dramatic experience.

However, I entered on the production knowing that a great deal of responsibility rested on my

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shoulders to compensate for their unfamiliarity with the technique of radio. I was mindful, too, that many, many, good Pakeha stage actors never really settle down to Radio technique—even after years at it.

I was lucky! How magnificently these two people “took their coats off” and worked as long and as hard as I wanted! The part of Aroha, particularly, calls for consummate acting skill and sheer hard work. Elizabeth was outstanding in this. There is a point in the play when the staggering truth dawns on Aroha that her daughter is pregnant. This demands—in the non-visual medium—the most delicate timing and shades of vocal intonation. We worked and worked at it to get it right. Elizabeth Rehu felt she couldn't “take any more.” She said—“Just a minute,” and walked quietly out to the little kitchen behind the studio. She was obviously quite suddenly—exhausted. In a few minutes she was facing the microphone—shoulders back, head erect, ready to start again. We laughed about it afterwards, but it was a moment during our work together that I felt the greatest admiration for her.

I have told this story because it shows that it can be done. It may be a slow development, but the more Elizabeth Rehus and Hiria Moffatts we can find, the more, I feel sure, our writers will gradually feel confident in writing for them, as Mr Mason has done, and the more the Maori will be able to take his rightful place in New Zealand radio drama.

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RECORDS

LANDFALL IN UNKNOWN
SEAS

Kiwi Records have added to their growing reputation by issuing a long-playing record, one side of which consists of perhaps the most distinguished artistic collaboration in our short European history: the marriage of music and language of Landfall in Unknown Seas. The poem by Allen Curnow, was commissioned in 1942 for the tercentenary of the discovery of New Zealand by Abel Tasman, and before the year was out, Douglas Lilburn composed three passages for string orchestra to accompany the public recital of the poem. The joint work has been performed many times since, always to enthusiastic audiences.

Simply by sailling in a new direction, You could enlarge the world.

So the first of the poem's three section sbegins, describing the moral and physical climate of voyages of exploration. an older country, Lodged in the searching mind, that would not tolerate So huge a hegemony of ignorance.

Section II is crisp and active; the voyage is done, the new world found, exhilaration went off like a gun and so did the hostility of the resident tribes: Always to islanders danger in what comes over the sea.

In the last section, the poet thinks of a world now totally discovered physically and he asks for more discoveries, in a different realm. Who reaches A future for us down from the high shelf Of spiritual daring?

Mr Curnow reads his poem in a voice measured and confident, authentic and appropriate both to the poem and to his country. Mr Lilburn's music is played by the Alex Lindsay String Orchestra and conducted by Alex Lindsay. The orchestra knows the work well and plays it with a fine understanding and affection. Landfall in Unknown Seas would make an excellent Christmas gift, and is ideal for sending overseas as something characteristic of and personal to ‘our island story.’

B.M.

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THE HOME GARDEN

CONSERVATION OF MOISTURE IS
ESSENTIAL:

During the present summer months, the need to conserve all available mosture is most essential if the home garden is to be a success. In rural areas most gardeners are reluctant to use the home supply of water for fear of dry conditions prevailing over prolonged periods. However, if deep and efficient cultivation has been practised before the garden has been established, there is little fear of failure with crops provided that the hoe has been continuously used when ground conditions have permitted. The discriminate and judicious use of the common garden hoe is the means of creating a dust mulch which permits capillary attraction to eventuate. Thus the winter rains which have penetrated the sub-soils are returned to the surface during the hot summer months.

In urban and city areas when town water supply is available and it is found necessary to water the garden, it is most essential that watering be permitted in extreme emergency only. One watering of the plants should be given–this to be a thorough wetting of the area concerned–and when the soil is in condition it should be push-hoed with the object of creating a dust mulch. No further watering should be contemplated within a week. Again artificial watering should take place in the evening and not during the day when hot sunshine prevails.

VEGETABLE GARDEN

Most spring planted crops will now be coming available for domestic consumption. Immediately land becomes vacant it is desirable to replant for late Autumn and early winter use. Immediately early planted potatoes have been harvested, rake over level and sow down with carrots. If the previous crop has been well fertilized no further manure is required for this crop. In fact it is admirably suited to follow the potat family. If the weather is not too dry a further sowing of peas can be made. However, it is usually preferable to wait until early March before sowing a late crop. A further sowing of beans can now be made, Fardenlosa being a variety which has proved to be very successful at this time of the year.

KUMARA AREAS

At the time of writing–early October–it has once again been noted this season that kumara plants have been offered for sale having been infected with Black Rot. As it is essential that this disease should be controlled it is most desirable, if plantations or even areas in home gardens are suspected, that an officer of the Department of Agriculture stationed in your particular area should be notified. Fairly reliable means of control are available today and if we are to even partially eleminate this trouble full use of the services available should be taken.

THE HOME ORCHARD

At this time of the year plum and peach trees are usually ripening prolific crops of fresh and health-giving fruit. It is often considered that full advantage is not taken at the appropriate time to capitalise on Mother Nature's gift to mankind, and therefore, the home gardener should take full advantage of preserving and jam making of any excess fruits available. This is a great saving to the average householder.

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Old established daffodil beds should at this time of the year be dug with the object of lifting the bulbs for the purpose of separating and replanting. Planting should take place during February at a depth of from 10 to 12 inches after having applied a liberal dressing of bone dust to the trench.

Violets previously planted from runners during last November should receive regular cultivation and attention during the hot dry summer months.

Ranunculus and anemones should now be procured from reliable nurserymen in preparation for early Autumn planting.

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FARMING NEWSLETTER

ON THE DAIRY FARM

In my letter of the last issue of this journal I covered the selection of paddocks suitable for closing up for hay and sileage. So I will now set down a few useful hints for the harvesting of these crops.

The grass in the early closed paddocks will be the first ready for harvesting, though as the weather will not yet be settled and rain can be expected at any time it will be wise to turn this grass into sileage.

Sileage is easy to make but to be sure of having good silage and to avoid undue waste, care must be taken in the preserving of this grass.

The first point to decide on is whether or not to put the saved grass into a stack or a pit. If the former, be careful not to start your stack too large at the base as the green grass is very apt to spread and if great care is not taken you will end up with just a big heap of grass.

The buckrake built stack seems to save time and feeds out well but it is never a very pleasant sight.

If a pit is available the grass can be swept straight into it and providing this is reasonably evenly spread, no further care need be taken. One good hint is don't cut too much of the grass at one time. Just cut sufficient to fill your pit or to build your stack up to head height for the first day. Leave this to settle or consolidate for 24 hours and build onto again after being allowed to settle. If a stack or pit is used the grass must be covered and weighted down. Earth can be used for this purpose but where granulated lime is plentiful this can be used. First place the bags on the outside then cover the remainder of the stack with loose lime taking care that the centre is built to a crown to turn the water.

The making of hay in these modern times is a simple matter. If it is proposed to have the hay baled, a contractor should be employed to do this work. The arrangements to employ this contractor should have been made well before the grass is ready to cut. The main point in making ing good hay is to be fairly sure of having fine weather and sure that the grass is ripe. By ripe I mean the rye and clover should be just in flower and the flowers not too old or the stalks will be tough and hard.

On all farms where hay is to be baled it is essential to have a hay barn in which to store the bales. Many thousands of pounds worth of good hay is ruined each year through being left uncovered and allowed to get wet. There is nothing more harmful to the health of animals than to be forced to eat mouldy or rotten hay.

ON THE SHEEP FARM

Shearing will be the main subject in the sheep-farmers mind at this time of the year. So in this letter I will try and cover most essential points in the preparation for this most important operation. If you have your own woolshed always be sure to have a good supply of all machine parts and other materials so necessary at shearing time. A list of some of these essential items are:—

Wool packs (one for each 50 sheep), sack needles, sewing twine, Blacking and brush for branding bales, Stockholm tar, bottle of kerosene, shed broom, and First Aid Kit re-fill. Also be sure to have petrol and oil (engine, machine and handpiece), grease, emery papers (coarse and fine), spare cutters and combs, a long gut and a short gut, vice, screwdrivers and oil cans are only some of the items so necessary at shearing time.

Be sure to have a copy of the Shearers Award displayed in a prominent place in the woolshed. This is most important as the law states that this must be done.

Now with everything ready it is desirable to make a start with the dry sheep and your hoggets are usually the first to be shorn followed by the dry ewes and the rams.

If your flock is all Romneys then the lambs should be shorn at the same time as their mothers; but if you are using the Southdown Ram, it is advisable to just lightly crutch the lambs to keep them free of dags. It is always advisable to yard the ewes and lambs in small mobs so that the lambs are not separated from their mothers for too long a period. Draft each mob and start shearing the ewes then their lambs, and to keep them free of dags. It is always advisable to yard the ewes and lambs in small mobs so that the lambs are not separated from their mothers for too long a period. Draft each mob and start shearing the ewes then their lambs, and to keep the wool together follow with the next mob of lambs and so on.

In the next letter I will endeavour to cover the handling of the wool in the woolshed.

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE NO. 31

All answers are Maori words.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Dance.
4. Laugh.
8. Courtyard.
9. Man.
12. Slave; seek.
13. For, since.
14. Full; to say.
15. To burn.
17. To dash.
19. Where?
20. Vine.
21. Oyster.
22. Over the other side; beyond.
24. Belonging to; from.
25. Divide; separate.
27. He, she.
28. Screech.
29. Spear with detachable point.
30. Small.
33. Allow; let go; send.
34. Man who climbed the vine to heaven.
37. Soon; presently.
39. Day.
40. Insects; mumurat; Mohi fish.
41. To be able
44. Close with a lid; turn a canoe bottom up.

Picture icon

Solution to Crossword puzzle No. 30.

CLUES DOWN

1. Shear; cut.
2 Crafty; reckless; better than expected.
3 Gunwale of a canoe.
4 Kauri gum.
5 Rise; awake.
6 Possessive particle.
7 Yes.
8 Drop; let fall.
10 Still; yet.
11 Mount Cook.
16 To-morrow.
18 Fish.
21 Which?
23 The Rainbow man.
25 Mouth.
26 Breath.
28 Girl.
31 My (Pl.)
32 Fruit.
33 Son; boy.
35 Friend.
36 Man who stole the pet whale.
38 —- Tireni.
42 Put out lips, pout; buzz.
43 Supreme Being.

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(Continued from page 54)

to demand in the South. The Tasmanian bird is smaller however and as it is cured in saltpetre instead of salt it is not as palatable as the New Zealand variety.

Each year the Stewart Island Maoris catch about 300,000 birds but less than one-third of these reach North Island markets. Because of this there have been suggestions from time to time that Tasmanian birds again be imported, especially to Auckland and the north. The present high price (3/9 in Wellington) has had an effect of evening distribution through the country, however, and unless there is a shortage of local birds it seems unlikely that any serious effort will be made to reintroduce Tasmanian birds.

Now let us take a look at the Titi himself. All migratory birds have an inate sense of timing which prompts them at certain seasons to move to other places and because we are familiar with this we accept it as normal. The mutton bird has several unique characteristics however, which to laymen are completely inexplicable and which make them a fascinating study for the ornithologist.

For instance incredible though it may sound experienced birders insist that on the 12th September every year one will see no sign of the Titi but that on the 13th September the islands are seething with them.

Their arrival has been explained to me thus:

“We were fishing the South Cape (of Stewart Island). It was a grey overcast morning but the sea was calm, easy and silent. All of a sudden we became aware of a gathering noise—a humming sound like thousands of violas, ‘cellos and bass strings. As it grew in intensity we felt as though an almost supernatural force was building into the storm to end all storms.

The adjacent calm served only to intensify the majesty—and ominousness of the moment.

We searched the clouds seeking the direction from which the storm would descend. Then from out of the indeterminate gloom an horizon wide cloud of ineffable blackness arose—a cloud both ominous and awe-inspiring. As it grew nearer, and as the humming intensified it became evident that this was no phenomenon of nature—no storm—but simply the first flight of the Titi migration coming to breed in New Zealand waters.”

The man who described this sight to me saw it again several times and on the 13th September each time.

They nest in burrows and holes under the rocks and occasionally at North Island breeding places even share the burrow, in a state of armed truce, with the Tuatara. Parent birds return to the same burrow or hole each year about mid-October and spend about a month cleaning and repairing the nest. This work is done at night and is accompanied, I believe, by a tremendous uproar of screeching and groaning. This period of renovation and nest building is also occupied in courtship and I am told that the young birds who are not yet ready for breeding spend this period in make believe housekeeping and courtship without achieving family. They seem not unlike human children who “play house” when they are young.

Muttonbirders—not supported by modern scientists—say that on the 25th November, all adult females with only a very few exceptions lay an egg. Only one egg is laid by each bird and both the male and female incubate it. A few eggs are laid on the 26th November and an even smaller number are laid on the 27th November, but after the 27th egg laying ceases entirely. This sounds incredible but experienced birders assure me that it is a fact and I have seen it confirmed by the late Judge Jackson Palmer on the official Maori Land Court title file for the Titi Islands.

The eggs laid on the 25th November are said to hatch on Christmas Day and those laid on the 26th and 27th November are hatched on the 26th and 27th December.

Once the chicks are hatched both parents stuff it with food at least until the middle of March. During this time the chicks literally become little balls of fat covered with a soft silken down.

I am told that the chicks are fed from partially digested and regurgitated—food from the adults. It seems that the parents go foraging and then on return to the nest fly into the ground with a heavy bump, rather like a plane crash landing. This bump causes them to bring the food up whereupon it is eaten by the every-hungry chicks.

The Titi needs about its own weight in food each day, the food consisting to a large extent of sardines, but shrimps and other seafood is also eaten.

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FORESTRY
-and land utilisation

Today, New Zealand's exploitable forest areas amount to three million acres. Of this the State owns some two million. These large stands of trees ensure an investment for future generations of New Zealanders in the form of a great and growing source of revenue. ‘Farm Forestry’, too, is a vital aspect of New Zealand's farming and forestry extension programming. Its objective is to make better use of poorer soil by turning it over to woodlots, as well as to improve the productivity of good soils by enhancing and extending existing shelter systems. While, today the area of all tenures on which farm forestry is in evidence is scarcely one million acres, more and more farmers are becoming conscious of the practical value of their own trees in providing fuel, fencing and home-grown timber for their properties as well as improving the production of their land. New Zealand's forest establishment currently stands at the increasing rate of 10–12,000 acres per annum. Recently, however, the proposal was made to step up this planting to some 20–30,000 acres annually. This expansion will not only guarantee supplies for New Zealand's own expanding future needs, but further our contribution to a growing world market for the produce of our carefully planned and expertly executed forest policy.

Issued in the interests of forest protection by The New Zealand Forest Service.