Te Pipiwharauroa 45

Te Pipiwharauroa 45

No. 45

1901/11/01

(Maori Version at NZETC)

[1] Te Pipiwharauroa, He Kupu Whakamarama, Number 45, Gisborne, November 1901.

THE GODWIT (KUAKA)

Makoare Taurere.

This bird, the godwit, is unique in its appearance: its legs and its bill are very long. The godwit has three appearances: (1) the karoro [in a certain state of plumage – Williams], (2) a young bird [kura], (3) an old bird [kakao]. But a stranger seeing the godwit and looking at it would not be able to distinguish one from the other. However there are indeed three named stages, as regards appearance, in the life of the godwit. So let me describe them to those who are unfamiliar with this:

First, the karoro. Its breast is covered with white feathers while its wings and back are the same as those of the others. When it is fattest, if you take away the feathers and weigh it, it will perhaps weigh close to 3½to 4 pounds.

Second, the young bird [kura]. The feathers of the breast and belly are red. If weighed its weight will perhaps be nearly 2 to 2½ pounds. Although the karoro appears to be larger than the kura because of its feathers, they are of different weights.

Third, the old bird [kakao]. The feathers of its whole body are like those on the wings and the backs of the young bird and the karoro. This article will not venture to speak of the ‘fat’ old bird because the times of weighing and its time of fatness may not co-incide, it may have been larger or perhaps smaller. Let me clarify matters with respect to this bird: its tribal name is kuaka, the names of its hapu are kura, kakao and karoro.

The places in which the godwit lives:

When the tides are low it spreads over the sands beside the sea looking for food. Its food is worms from the sand. When the tide comes in [they gather together at the last place that disappears under the tide, and when that part disappears under the tide they fly to the beaches they frequent where there is no vegetation, nothing at all and stay there no matter how large the flock is, waiting until the sandbank re-emerges from the sea. – Te Aka]

The godwit is to be seen in June, July, August. September and right up to November, however when the tide is at its highest they no longer flock together but live scattered along the shore. In December they begin to flock together. By January they no longer live along the sea shore. When the sea is at its highest they will have flown to the sandy plains and will have become wary of human beings. Then about the middle of February they have become fat and are ready to be killed. The godwits are fattest about the middle of March. It is thought that they fatten themselves up in order to survive and have strength for the return to Hawaiki. The old birds are not in prime condition and do not return; perhaps these are the warriors and for that reason do not return.

The time of their disappearance is determined by the kind of wind. If the wind is southerly they begin their migration. On 24th March, having all gathered together over three days, should the wind be a northerly they do not migrate, but when the wind changes and is lighter then they migrate.

Where do the godwits go to? According to the elders they fly to Hawaiki to their family, and if they make a loud chirping as they fly, then they will return again. These ideas of the elders are not obvious things, but what is obvious is this, ‘they fly out of sight’.

About their flight. When the flock of godwits is settled on the beach or perhaps on some other place, then the whole flock will rise up and fly far away to the place: then they are like a swarm of bees as they fly, and they ascend very high above, after which they fly on deliberately, one flock in front and one on each side. Then both sides join together whatever the length of each side, though one continues in front. When someone sees the migration of the godwit it is delightful. According to the stories of the elders they are heading for Hawaiki, hence there is great concern [2] for the chicks. I have not yet seen a nest of godwit eggs or of chicks.

Capturing godwits. According to the elders, the godwits were formerly very tame so that one could use a round net on a wooden hoop on a long pole to catch them. At high tide in the middle of the night they can be caught in the net. One waves a light; one person holds the net and one holds the light. When they get close to the flock of godwits they no longer run but they increase the brightness of the flame so that the eyes of the godwits are dazzled and they do not fly away but return to the light of the flame. In some nettings more than 100 godwits may be taken.

In these days this bird is very shy. If they hear a gun they fly even though the gun was not directed at them. The old people used to club the godwit. But if a person tries to approach them they are nowhere near. Hence the proverb, 

He kuaka marangaranga.
‘A godwit that bobs up and down.’ 

But the best time to club the godwit is on very windy wet days. If there is a strong wind and much rain then you will not fail to get a lot of godwits.

The godwit is perhaps the sweetest of birds. Those who eat godwits, should you put godwits and pigeons side by side, will take no notice of the pigeons. When the godwits are finished then they will eat the pigeons. This shows that the godwit is sweeter than the pigeon.

[Next month we will reveal the land to which the godwit migrates; it is not Hawaiki. – Editor.]

READING (By Te Mahara)

A wise Pakeha from England, called Bacon, said: ‘Reading maketh a full man,’ meaning that he would acquire an abundance of ideas. We have really seen the truth of this saying. A boring person, someone to be pitied, is a person who is not able to write or to read books. Another person must read the letters to him. He is dependent on others to read should he want to hear the Bible, the newspapers, or perhaps other books. Why haven’t ministers in these days taught the ignorant people in their parishes to read books and to write?

I want to speak mainly to those people who know how to read books but who do not read. The Pakeha got on, they learned from books. All the great peoples of the world write and read. But choose carefully when you select a book to read; some books are not good to read: most of the content is inconsequential, the thoughts are base, they contain no instruction or elevating thoughts, rather they only confuse the spirit and do not build up a person. Some books provide precious learning for the spirit, the heart and the mind of a person, such as the histories of each country, the stories of the achievements of great people, and some fables carefully written to educate people. Although a wise and good person has died, his ideas are left behind in the books he has written to be read by the generations after him. Indeed, though he is dead, his spirit is alive in his books. William Shakespeare has died, but his words and his thoughts are studied by these generations.

The great problem for Maori is that they have not many of their own books. However the main book for Maori is the Bible – the greatest of all books – the book of which it was said by that wise man that ‘it is good for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.’ [1 Timothy 3.16] Do not let the sneering heart of man despise the Bible. Sir, while you are ill the Bible is alive still, and will be read after you have been buried!

We Maori have newspapers, ‘Te Puke ki Hikurangi’ and ‘Te Pipiwharauroa’. It is thought that these papers are taken by not even 2000 people, while 38,000 remain without them. If this were a Pakeha situation these 2000 would be the residents of just one small town and they would set up a newspaper for themselves and support it strongly. Maori are a people without commitment when it comes to setting up their own newspapers and they are also latecomers. Their language will not flourish unless it is blessed by the people. The newspaper will convey your ideas to every place, so that you aren't still confused in your small marae and your cultivations and you remain bothered. The person who does not read appears heavy, ill-at-ease, and indifferent, while the person who seeks learning has an astute mind and finds much pleasure in the world.

My final word is to those children who know how to read English. Friends, do not neglect to read English books, and do not despise the Maori newspapers which will [3] remind you of your first language. Many children returning from Te Aute and Hukarere give up reading. This is a very mistaken practice. For me, my learning to read Pakeha books is one of the greatest fruits of my going to school. By this, that is, by my pleasure in my book I do not experience loneliness, nor can I be complacent about wrong Maori customs. Read during the times when you don’t have to work, and eventually you will become absorbed in the book. If you abandon the book you will forget the English language and Pakeha ideas and practices.

If there are many people in one district who know the English language, let them get together and set up a hall where they can read books and play together in the evenings. Buy books and newspapers and the best New Zealand newspapers as well as the illustrated English papers. Befriend the Pakeha and ask the Government to help. This is something for the school committees to consider. I heard that at Tuparoa there is a reading library. A heartfelt commitment will ensure its continuation. Young people, you were taught by the schools when you were little and it is for you to continue your education in these days through books.

ODD STORIES

Te Whiti was almost burned by a fire. While he was lying by the fire his clothes caught alight.

On 2nd of this month the Duke of York and his wife arrived in England after eight months of travelling. They received a warm welcome. The King and Queen, their grandchildren, and Prince Edward, were all on board the yacht to officially welcome the wanderers.

At the execution of Czolgosz for the murder of President Mackinley he showed no remorse. The anarchists held a dance in England to celebrate Czolgosz.

Colonel [Arthur] Pole Penton] the commander of the New Zealand soldiers, has returned and the Government has appointed General Babington in his place. Babington is one of the soldiers currently fighting the Boers.

The stipends of the Lower House of the New Zealand Parliament have been increased to £300 a year, and those of the Upper House to £200.

In Doctor Pomare’s report to Parliament he said that the illness which most afflicts Maori is tuberculosis.

We have heard that Ti Reihana, the youngest child of Peni Te Uamairangi, has died. Ti was one of my school friends at Te Aute. He was a gentle man. He was one of the soldiers who went to the opening of the Federal Parliament of Australia.

On 8th of this month Parliament ended, and the Act Amending the Land Council Act was completed.

SOME GENTLEMANLY PRACTICES

We pointed out that it is not a gentlemanly practice for a man to spit. Here are some more things that mark out a Pakeha gentleman.

1. Do not blow or pick your nose; blow your nose into a handkerchief [hei – neckerchief].

2. Do not pick at your ears or your nostrils or cut your nails in a place where there are people.

3. Do not sit or stand idly in front of pubs.

4. Do not raise your voice when speaking in town; do not sing or whistle or play instruments, unless it be in bands or groups arranged for that purpose.

5. At home do not put your knife into your mouth.

6. Do not take the cup outside of the saucer; do not drink tea from inside the saucer.

7. If you are passing the plate, do not take the knife and fork out of the plate.

8. Do not thrust your knife or fork into the dish of potatoes or vegetables, or into the butter. Do not put your spoon into the sugar.

9. Do not attack food aggressively; remember that there are others who should have it before you.

10. Women, visitors, elders and chiefs come first and others after.

11. Do not stretch out your hand to get something but ask that it be passed to you, and also ask if your companion wants that thing.

12. If a woman sits beside you at a meal, look after her, and ask what she requires; do not wait for her to ask for it.

[4] TO SEE THE KING

The hand of the Duke or the King is sacred and is not offered indiscriminately to people. Although a hundred people wished to take hold of the sacred hand of the Duke, very few actually held it, only the chosen people, only the people who were well-known to an appropriate person who knew the Duke. This is a custom of kings: no-one can stand in the presence of the King if he does not have permission to go from above, from a person who knows the King. It is an honour to stand in the presence of the King, a great honour to clasp his hand – and this is something that is practised by most people – Maori and Pakeha.

Now, my friends, do you appreciate that all of us will stand in the presence of the most marvellous King, ‘the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the true ruler of princes’? ‘We shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.’ ‘Certainly each one of us shall give an account of his works to God.’ (Romans 14.10,12) The coming of that day is as certain as it is certain that the sun will rise tomorrow. It is better to think about that day now while we live; do not let yourself be surprised on the day of the resurrection of the dead.

Do you know the way by which you will not be afraid of God on that day? Make peace with God; you are an enemy of God because you have sinned. Do you ask the way? Your question is like that of Thomas, ‘Lord, how can we know the way?’ (John 14.5)

Before I point out the way to you, let me warn you lest you wander into wrong ways. You will not find life by churchgoing, by good works, by your efforts to fulfil the laws of God – you cannot fulfil all these things. (James 2.10) And do not boast of your own goodness: in God’s sight your good doings are as discarded clothes, they are not sacred but rags. (Isaiah 64.6)

But which is the way? What was the response of Christ to Thomas’ foolish question? ‘Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no-one comes to the Father but by me.’ (John 6.6.) No statement could be clearer than this. Christ is the way by which we travel to the Father, he will guide us, he will make us known to his Father and will bring us under his shadow. If this does not happen, although we are in the church, we shall not enter the church of the spirit but will dwell in the darkness outside. To know God, and also Christ, is eternal life. [John 17.3] Friend, do not let your laziness lead you to travel by the narrow road that will bring you to eternal death. Rise up and come to the Saviour. Enter into the spiritual kingdom which will not pass away.

Wolsey devoted all his energy to gratifying his king, Henry VIII, but one day the king was angry with him and he was expelled from his lofty position. While he was going to his home he fell ill, he entered a house, and there he was at the point of death. His words were, ‘I leave to you all my bones.’ And when his spirit was about to depart, he once again spoke, ‘Alas, had I but served God as diligently as I have served the King, he would not have given me over in my grey hairs.’ At the conclusion of these words he slept the long sleep.

You who are reading these words, whose honour are you seeking, that of men or that of God? ‘Kiss the Son lest he be angry and you perish in the way, for part of his wrath will blaze out. Happy are all those who trust in him.’ (Psalm 2.12)

FROM THE EDITOR

We are grateful to the Government for the book sent by the Prime Minister’s Office, namely ‘Accounts of the Maori Gatherings Attended by the Governor, the Prime Minister and Some Others in the year 1898 – 99.’

Haimona Patete has written to me saying that it was wrong of me to say that I went to Okoha. What he says is startling. I went to Okoha, I saw Haimona Patete, and I listened to his talks. I know that he was afraid that his authority would be lost should a school be built there. My friend demanded that Haimona tell us about his religion. Haimona replied that it would take too long to explain.

Rewi Penetiki has written asking that we do not stop sending his paper and saying that he will point out when it is to be stopped. We do not want to stop your paper but perhaps it has not arrived because it has gone rather to Te Arai, to one of your homes. However, friend, there are perhaps some people who do not want their paper to stop but they do not want to pay for it.

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THE MAORI GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Lady Ranfurly’s Meeting

On Saturday, 26th October, a gathering was held by the wife of the Governor at the Governor’s Residence bringing together the leading Maori people who live in Wellington along with some leading Wellington Pakeha. The object of the meeting was to hear the Rev Perere Peneti speak about the Maori Girls’ School being set up in Auckland. Forty Maori leaders attended and perhaps more than 200 Pakeha.

Lord Ranfurly spoke first. He said that it was very important to educate the Maori girls for they were also wives and mothers for the coming generation of Maori; the girls of these days will bring them up. Do not let envy be a thing which prevents people from supporting this school.

After this Timi Kara led a Maori song. It was taken up by the elders and the Pakeha ears listened to the Maori song. Perere Peneti praised the Governor and his wife for their love for the Maori. He said that one Maori problem was havinging appropriate clothing and cooking food. In the summer when the Maori had plenty of money they also had plenty of of good clothing to keep them warm; but then in the winter there was no money and inadequate clothing. They wore light clothing but this was a different season – winter, when it was right to wear very warm clothes.

After Peneti’s speech a song, a haka, was begun, ‘He dies, he dies.’ [Ka mate, ka mate] The Minister of Maori Affairs had a taiaha in his hands; he was very supple and performed excellently. When Timi Kara was close up he stared wildly. It was said that it was only the mouth, but, besides that, the feet and the hands quivered like the movement of the tongues. Apirana Ngata also joined in the haka with a whalebone patu in his hand. The Pakeha were full of praise.

When the speeches and entertainment ended Lady Ranfurly provided refreshments and Maori and Pakeha mixed. It was good! It was good! Blessings on the Governor and his wife!

Some people in Wellington oppose this object, but the contribution from the leaders amounted to £20. We have also been given 10/- by Rev Teri Paerata and 10/- by Ruruhira Paerata for this school. There is a pile of kits made here by the women of Te Raukahikatea to be sold for the school; we have also received kits by Ani Kanara and her children of Gisborne. The kits are very good and will not fail to be devoured by the Pakeha women. Some Maori women are saying that they will sell their own kits. No! Let the Pakeha sell them; the money is for the benefit of Maori children. If the kits are sold, where is the money for the school? Doing things for payment is one thing; doing things for charity is another.

NEWS

General Buller

General Buller attended a banquet in England. In his speech he revealed that he had written to General White at the time Ladysmith was besieged, saying that if he could not relieve the fort then he was to surrender it to the Boers. People were shocked at this revelation. Perhaps the War Office knew of this but had suppressed it. So, because General Buller had spoken of it he was demoted from his position in England, his salary was reduced, and General Bridge was appointed in his place.

General MacDonald

People perhaps still remember the defeat of the English by the Boers at Magersfontein at the start of the war. The Scottish brigade and their commander, General Wauchope, were destroyed. After that battle General Hector MacDonald was appointed General of the Scots. This man began as a simple private, but because of his bravery and his wisdom, he bcame one of the best English generals. He is in New Zealand at present, having come to travel about. People are showing him great hospitality and honour. His people, the Scots, are very proud of their brave warrior. General MacDonald has said that every Scot is related to him.

The Churches of New Zealand

Church of England, 314,024; Presbyterian, 176,503; Roman Catholic, 108,960; Wesleyan, 81,177; Salvation Army, 7,999; Plymouth Brethren, 7,484; Congregational, 6,699. There are 272 Pakeha Mormons in New Zealand and perhaps 50 are ministers. In 1896 there were 289 Pakeha Mormons, however they are decreasing in number while all the other churches are increasing. It is said that there are 4000 Maori Mormons.

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ABOUT THE MORMON CHURCH

Although Ephraim Maccabee [?objects] to the name ‘Mormon’, since this is the name the ear is familiar with let us leave it at that. He will say I am of the ‘world’. That’s OK. Shakespeare asked:

‘What is in a name?

Though a rose is called a sowthistle it still smells sweet.’

It is not by calling a Church holy that its works are made holy; rather it is by its works that the Church is made holy.

I want to clarify some of the words of Ephraim Maccabee. His procedure was to place his sayings in the Pakeha newspapers, so that the Pakeha can hear his complaints. He says that the ill-treatment of missionaries in China was by ‘larrikins’. I read very carefully the accounts of the war in China, and it is clear to me that trouble was incited by the Government of China, and indeed some of the leaders of the ‘Boxers’ were princes. There was no persecution of the Mormons in Christchurch; it was not like the murder of the missionaries in China. The ill-treatment of the Mormons was just a game on the part of some Pakeha children. Friend, I have a question for you: how many Mormon churches are preaching in China? I think that when pagan peoples get settled in some churches, then afterwards the Mormons come to snatch them away to become part of their church. Where was your church at the time our ancestors were eating people? You allow other churches to lay the foundation on which to build your house. You are a person familiar with the Scriptures, so perhaps you have seen what Paul says about your practice. ‘Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else’s foundation.’ (Romans 15.20-24) These words perhaps apply to you. Paul was not a Mormon inasmuch as he said that, nor did he say that one man should have ten wives.

The Pakeha newspapers say that the Mormons of Mexico still take many wives. This year one of the Mormon leaders, George Cannon, died leaving four wives, 33 children and who knows how many grandchildren.

You all say that a man does not do wrong to marry many wives since it was a practice of the ancestors of the Jews. Is it right then that we should follow all their practices? Abraham had slaves: is it right then that we should make slaves of some of us? Jacob deceived his father: is it alright then for us to deceive our fathers, and not to honour them as Jacob did not honour Isaac?

If it was God’s wish that a man should have many wives, for what reason did he make only one wife for Adam and not give him many so that the earth would be populated sooner? In the sayings of Christ and Paul about a man and a woman, they spoke of ‘the two’ and not of ‘the many’. Friend, if your church believes that God approves of this custom, I accuse your church of attending to the rules of men and not holding to what God requires. You are not like Peter and John who said, ‘Do you think that it is right in the eyes of God to listen to you and not to God?’ It is as if the Mormons know that his purposes are wrong. Perhaps if there had been no law in this land saying that a man should only have one wife you would have taught the Maori to have ten wives. The Mormon does not secretly practise having many wives only because of your fear of the Government, not of God. It is the fear of God which keeps some people from doing wrong. Friend, if you know that God approves of a man having many wives, do not listen to all the governments of the world; better to die than to trample on God’s purposes.

As to your words when you say that Maori are wiser than Pakeha – these words are just sweet talk on your part. As a child I went to the big Pakeha schools, and I‘ve seen that the Maori are not able to come near the Pakeha, although the Maori are a wise people.

I believe that you all do not know the error of your church. You parents are at fault, for it was for you to believe what they fashioned and passed on to you. However the Scripture says that some people will believe what is false (2 Thessalonians 2.11). Friend, greetings!

By the Editor of Te Pipiwharauroa.

SUPPORT FOR MINISTERS

An answer to our question in Number 43: Why are people eager to contribute for church buildings but are sluggish when it comes to contributing to the stipends of the ministers?

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Friend, this is a good question. People still think lightly of contributing to the support of the ministers, while they give quickly for the buildings. In the times of our parents and grandparents, people thought it right to contribute for stipends for the ministers and for buildings too. In these days the contributions for the buildings take precedence and ministers lose out.

Tamati Peiwhairangi, Tokomaru

Contributing to the maintenance of the church buildings does not contribute to the salvation of bodies or souls; it is the whole Church which brings a person salvation. The reason why people do not contribute to the stipends for the clergy is that they focus on the personality; but if a person is spiritually alive then his body will also live. People see many good ministers and they see many bad. Many people believe and many do not. The heart has to choose between these two alternatives, and these are the reasons reasons why people were eager or reluctant. Our Lord lives, and he will save us.

H Paraone, Hauraki.

THE CAST ASHORE RED FEATHER OF MAHIA [TE KURA-PAE-A-MAHIA]

To Te Pipiwharauroa

Bird who sings so well, greetings. Take these words to the marae to which you fly, this that follows.

There is a dispute about the Kura-pae-a-Mahia. Arawa say that that feather belongs to them and was on board their canoe, the Arawa. Other tribes say that it was on board Tainui or other canoes which sailed from Hawaiki. Enough! I also say that these feathers are mine, from aboard my canoe, Tauira-mai-tawhiti. This argument goes on. No-one from these tribes is able to describe what those feathers were like. And so I will first describe them.

Pou fetched these feathers from Ruakapanga’s great bird, Whaitiripapa – from the left armpit came Mokonuiarangi and from the right armpit came Tauninihi. Only one side was put in but with the capsizing of Tainui at Tamurenui the people swam ashore with some of the treasures, while those feathers swiftly passed by, eventually being cast up at Ratanui, on the side to the south of Tikirau. They were found by Mahia, hence it is right that they are called The Cast Ashore Red Feather of Mahia. Friends, I have the proof of these feathers. But let me finish my explanation here lest the printer become bored.

Send your explanations to this paper so that I can see them.

Enough,

From your friend,

Manihera Waititi, Whangaparaoa, Cape Runaway.

[Keep your articles short like that of Manihera Waititi. Don’t drag it out so that it is long. This is a good subject for clarification by the well-informed. To some tribes the name of this feather is the Kura-pae-a-Mahina. – Editor]

A CHINESE DEATH

Li Hongzhang (aka Li Hung-chang)

On 7th of this month the parent totara of the forest of Chinese leaders, Li Hongzhang, fell. This man was one of the greatest men in the world; this person was also one of the richest men in the world. He got his millions by his activity selling soft animal pelts. He had shops in every large town in China. He was born in 1823, so he was 78 [when he died]. He achieved the status of supreme leader in the Government of his country. He began as a secretary; after wards he became a judge, a governor and a leading governor. He fought many times against the rebel factions in his country. In 1863, with General Gordon, he suppressed the rebels. It is said that the Chinese soldiers fought more fiercely when the saw the walking stick, that is, the baton of Genral Gordon when they were fighting. In the war with Japan in 1894, Li Hongzhang commanded all the Chinese soldiers, and it was he who crossed to Japan to arrange the cessation of hospitalities. In 1896 he visited Russia, Germany, Holland, France, England, the United States and Canada. He was greatly acclaimed by all these peoples. He was demoted by his king but afterwards was elevated again. Li Hongzhang was a very knowledgeable man. Although his land was weak, by his shrewdness he survived many trials. He knew how to involve the powers in conflict with each other and so leave his land alone. Today he would make friends with Russia and tomorrow with England. He had the great mana to settle the troubles that have afflicted China in recent years.

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GHOSTS

The people of this village have been greatly troubled by ghosts. Some people of this village went to net mullet at the seaside. At night they slept in a certain place. Then began the activities of the horses, who knows how many hundred of them. Whereupon these people went to drive the horses into a certain spot on a headland. There were rivers on all sides which could not be crossed. All the horses entered that place and the people went to sleep at one end of that headland having lit a fire to stop the horses escaping. They thought that in the morning they would capture those horses. Then those people wove ropes with which to capture their horses come the morning. They worked rapidly at their plaiting until they had produced ten ropes. When they woke in the morning they looked and could see not even one horse. Also there were no hoof marks in that place. Their great work of the evening, their weaving the ropes, was for nothing.

I believe that if the Maori people were given a vote on these two happenings, then I bet that the side of the ghosts would win.

I bring to an end my account of the ghosts. I truly believe in this thing, the ghost. I have been struck with a large stick by a ghost. His club hit my back, and there remains the lump caused by his club on my back in this place. This could not have been done deceitfully by a man; if a man had come deceitfully I would have seen him.

Friend, truly set down in writing these stories, even though I have not taken the paper. If I see my stories that I have sent to you to go into the paper then I shall take Te Pipi.

From your friend,

Eru Piko.

[From Eru Piko’s stories it is clear that he is inclined to believe in these things, ghosts. I have seen horses escaping from well-built fences even though there were no broken places and all the gates were shut. Eru Piko would say that this was ghosts. This is also because no hoof marks were visible. If a person looks carefully he can find hoof marks in grassy places and on level ground.

As to the ghost striking Eru Piko on the back, I really laughed. I certainly agree that there is something wrong with Eru Poka’s back, but how do I know he was struck by a ghost. There are many reasons for a man’s back being sore but it is not caused by a ghost. Friend, you believe that Maori would support your stories of ghosts. That’s up to them. But as for me, on the basis of your stories I certainly do not believe in ghosts, ghosts who strike backs, tie knots in flax, dig roads, or any kind of ghost. – Editor]

THE FATE OF THE MONOWAI

Those people of New Zealand who crossed to Australia were very anxious at the long- delayed arrival of the Monowai in Tasmania, after the day set for her arrival. The heart feared that it had perhaps been wrecked at sea and that most of the passengers were lost. On board that ship was a theatre group and the black Jubilee Singers.

On 15th October she sailed from Invercargill. On 17th, 442 miles from Invercargill, the screw broke. Sails were raised to little effect and it was buffeted by the sea. But people were all very brave, there was no crying or sadness. After five days on the Pacific it was spotted by the Mokoia at 7 o’clock in the evening. As the Mokoia drew near a hymn of praise to God was sung. People rejoiced and wept. After being towed 472 miles in total she arrived in Dunedin. Soon a battleship had been sent to look for the Monowai. The captain of the Mokoia was greatly praised for his finding of the Monowai. This was Captain Spinks who found the Pahia in 1899. The screw was broken, and after it had been floating in the ocean for two months it was found by Captain Spinks. He got the £500 [reward]. This has provided the Pakeha with a saying, ‘When lost at sea, send for Spinks.’

THE HEAD OF THE MORMON CHURCH

This article appeared in a leading American newspaper, ‘The World’.

A wise man was George Q Cannon, the leader of the Mormon Church, who died during the past weeks. He was an elder, a celebrated man, who leaves four widows, 33 children, and countless grandchildren. He provided a home for each of his widows and one acre of ground and £466 for each of his 33 children upon reaching their majority.

[9] 

‘THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST’

To the Editor of Te Pipiwharuaroa.

Friend, greetings to you who write the pages of the bird called Te Pipiwharauroa. Good wishes to you.

[I would be happy] if you like it, if you would send these few words to be printed as a comment on a brief article about the Church of Jesus Christ, wrongly called ‘Mormons’; this is rather a name for a book but the world thinks that this is the name of the Church, ‘Mormons’.

That article was in your edition Number 40 and I would like the readers of your bird to look at it a second time:

‘The Pakeha have sought to find out what Houkamau was about when he imprisoned the Mormons; he ill-treated the Mormons.’

The bird makes clear how Maori and Pakeha ill-treated their fellow-men who were travelling about preaching. But there was not a single word pointing out what was wrong with that activity. It was the same as in the days of Christ and the Apostles who were ill-treated without cause. Now this is what was said, ‘The Mormons persisted and the Pakeha behaved worse, and a nearby Mormon was pushed into the river, and other things were done.’

If our Mormon was breaking the law, why didn’t the policeman summons him to be punished by the law of the Government? No, it was rather said that it was the young people who were doing wrong.

If the Mormon was giving wrong teaching why didn’t the wise and caring clergy take that misguided man and teach him the basics of Christianity?

Did Christ not say, ‘It is not the people who are well who are treated by the doctor but those who are ill. So go and learn the truth of this. “What I require is mercy.”’

‘I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ But this is what was said, ‘Other churches are not involved in maltreating the Mormons but only young people, “larrikins.”’ All you friends, in the same way the Chinese ill-treated the ministers who went there. It was not by their churches but by the ‘larrikins’. Although the English Government had misgivings, it sent some soldiers to subdue those ‘larrikins’, and now the Government is demanding large compensation from the Chinese for the actions of their ‘larrikins’. But why does it not look at the doings of its own ‘larrikins’. The whole world should know that most of the Mormons who travel about preaching are young people from the United States of America, and that Government is not lazy about caring for its own wherever in the world they happen to be travelling when they conform to the laws of the governments where they are travelling.

‘The reason the Mormons were ill-treated was their teaching concerning polygamy. This practice is still strongly observed by the Mormons in some parts of America where there is no law forbidding it.’

Man, if you would like to point out to me the Mormon who is calling attention to the idea that a man should marry many wives we will send that man (elder) home. I would point out to the whole world that in 1888 the Government of America passed the law forbidding a man from being married to two wives at the same time, that is, a man may not have two wives.

Here there was a judgement about the Mormon Church, and some of its men were put in prison for marrying two wives.

Now because of the ruling of the Church that they conform to all the laws of whatever government they live under, the Mormons, that is, the Church, made this ruling in the year 1890, 6th April, that no man should marry two wives whatever part of the world the people of that Church might be in.

It is not right to say that that practice is observed anywhere in the world. But we do not condemn that practice lest we condemn our own lineage, since we came from the twelve tribes of Israel, and that family came into being through the four women of the one man.

The Mormon Church holds to the truth of the Scriptures, but does not wish to conform [to that practice]. In accordance with the will of God and men that thing no longer happens.

This is a question. Where in all these islands is there a Mormon man who has married two women? Friends, do not go on talking about that baseless thing as something with which to taunt the Mormons, but let us take the Bible as a gun to fire at and to kill that Church but with a loving heart. Let us not say that it is foolishness on the part of Maori to enter the Mormon Church in large numbers. I think that the Maori people are more knowledgeable that the Pakeha about the foundation teachings of the Scriptures and of true religion. Blessings on us all.

Eparaima Makapii.

[10] 

‘HAWAIKI’

Reweti Kohere spoke to the Pakeha of Gisborne about ‘The Origin and the Coming of the Maori.’ He said that the knowledgeable Pakeha had discovered that the first ancestors of the Maori came from India, they travelled to Java, and settled in Fiji. From Fiji they spread to Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Tahiti, Hawaii, to Aotearoa and to other Pacific islands. The Maori of Hawaii are the people very like the Maori of New Zealand. The language of Rarotonga is very close to the Maori language, but the same [basic] language is used in all the islands where the one Maori family live. The location of Hawaiki, whence the Maori say their ancestors migrated, is Rai’atea, Tahiti. In that language it became Rai’atea. According to the Maori it is Rangiatea. Its ancient name was Hawaiki. Smith, the Chief Surveyor, says authoritatively that Rai’atea is the location of Hawaiki.

In the year 350, 551 years ago, the canoes of the migration arrived – Aotea, Te Arawa, Kurahaupo, Matatatua [sic], Takitimu, Tainui, Tokomaru – but they stayed at Rarotonga before crossing to Aotearoa. Only Aotea kept on sailing from Hawaiki to New Zealand. Before the landing of these canoes, some other canoes had arrived and had returned to the islands from which they came. Kohere said that our ancestors’ canoes which travelled from far away had an outrigger [ama] and so they were strong enough to withstand the storms, but the Maori story is that it was their gods that guided their canoes. Tahiti is 630 miles from Rarotonga while it is 1,638 miles from Rarotonga to Aotearoa, a total of 2,268 miles. After a month of sailing they arrived, however, according to the Arawa, their canoe arrived after seven days and nights.

Soon Te Pipiwharauroa will print the rest of these accounts. It is right that the children should know the stories of their ancestors and their canoes in which they travelled here. A Pakeha said that some Maori children arrogantly wanted nothing to do with the stories of their ancestors.

A DRUNKEN PEOPLE

Parliament was told of the very heavy drinking of alcohol by the tribes of Taranaki. A petition from the Pakeha people was laid before the House. It contained a prayer to the Government to find a means of bringing to an end the consumption of alcohol by the Taranaki tribes. It is said that there is no greater evil afflicting those tribes than drinking and drunkenness. The Minister of Maori Affairs said he would investigate this matter.

An American man called Giel, who travels to inspect the condition of the native peoples of the world, said that of all the native peoples he has seen in the world the Maori people of New Zealand come outon top when it comes to drunkenness! Drunken parents, drunken children, drunken chiefs, drunken tribes.

ROTORUA-NUI-A-KAHU

By Tipi-Whenua

Pooh! What a smell, what a stink! This was the complaint of people getting off the train and travelling to the camp on the expedition to Rotorua when the smell of the hot springs hit their nostrils. ‘This is the town of Rotorua which is so famous.’ Arriving at Rotorua at night we did not know what the place looked like, but in the morning then we could see well. We also saw the steam rising in various places.

The Town of Rotorua

Rotorua was set up as a new town built by the Government. The old town was Ohinemutu on the shore of Lake Rotorua. The Government spent much money on making Rotorua attractive to draw tourists from all over the world to New Zealand. Although Rotorua is a very small town it has been provided with electric power generated at the waterfall at Okere, on a river which flows into Roto-iti. Rotorua has one of the largest hotels in New Zealand. The most remarkable thing is the hospital and the hot springs for swimming, inside the building. One of these swimming pools was open to Maori free of charge. Outside the buildings is a Government park with flowers and trees. There are also some hot springs bubbling up which have been decorated by the Pakeha. It is said that one Pakeha woman who had come to Rotorua saw these waters bubbling at night and did not sleep sweetly that night. She was so afraid that first thing next morning she got on the train and returned to Auckland.

Ohinemutu

The Maori village is Ohinemutu. It is a large fort with the houses close together. The [11] meeting house is Tama-te-Kapua right in the middle of the village. This is the house of learning for Te Arawa. The very name of ‘Tama-te-Kapua’ is great. On the marae of Tama-te-Kapua stands the statue of Queen Victoria, a gift from the Queen, but the Maori carved the base for that statue. It is right that Te Arawa should boast about that statue. The cooking oven of Te Arawa is a spring, right inside the village and very hot. It is said that many people have died in this spring. Shortly before the hui at Rotorua a child died. I think the marae council at Rotorua has much work to do.

Te Whakarewarewa

This is the village most visited by people. It is the fort of Tuhourangi and is one of the most remarkable villages in the world. On the bridge by which one crosses into Te Whakarewarewa are some small children These children live in the water. They are like young grey ducks. What they do is they call out to people to throw a penny. At the same moment the penny hits the water they dive in to search for the money. When the individual emerges from the water he has the money, he looks at it and then stuffs it into his mouth. Then he begins again to call out, ‘Throw penny here’, ‘Whiua mai ano he pene.’ When they are cold they go and sit in a warm spring. This they do every day.

One thing the children do is they ask for a penny to perform a haka for you. The haka consists of sticking out the tongue and rolling the eyes. After the haka for the Duke and his wife I went to Te whakarewarewa. When I got there a child stood at my side and said, ‘I give you haka for penny’, ‘Ka haka au ki a koe mo te pene.’ Whereupon I said, ‘My lad, I have just seen the greatest haka in the world and I did not have to pay.’

It is called Te Whakarewarewa because of the appearance of the place – the continual spurting of the springs from the ground. The houses are above the springs. The steam comes out in various places. Two women acted as guides to our party and showed us the scary places. The first place was a spring where a girl committed suicide. Afterwards there was a mud hole which was boiling; the mud was just like bubbles. Leaving the Maori section we arrived at the Government part. It was very different from the Maori part; paths had been completed and trees planted. The first geyser we saw was Te Wairoa. If one listened from above one heard the rumbling below. One wanted to see what it was like below – God’s machinery making his creations work. Te Wairoa played for the Duke – the water goes up more than 100 feet. Below and close by Te Wairoa is the old fellow Te Pohutu. He does his own thing. There is one large opening and one small. When they spout together it is frightening. The small opening is spouting continually. It is said of this, ‘It is the Crest of the Prince of Wales.’ [The Prince of Wales’ Feathers.] It is like the crest on the Prince’s crown. I chanced upon the playing of Te Pohutu. It bubbles away and presently it spouts up. When it spouts up one of the smaller orifices also erupts. The height is perhaps 100 feet. It is a wonderful thing to see, though some of us were scared.

Beside the river there is another spring called Kereru. In the river is ‘Torpedo’ which explodes continually in different places like a torpedo. The reason it explodes is because the hot water bubbles up into the cold water. We were also guided to the cave where Tukutuku hid when people were searching for him in order to kill him. Beside the river hot water boils; this is known as Te Papakura.

When we went up above we saw Wai-kite, a large old geyser from former days. Today it has stopped erupting. It is said that it was interfered with by people. We also saw Wai-puapua with its beautiful water.

Soap is the medicine which stirs up the geysers of Te Whakarewarewa and makes them fly into the sky. This is because covering over the geyser with flakes of soap hastens the build-up of the temperature of the water until it bubbles and spouts. We also saw the dish of Tukutuku’s brains (The Brain Pot); this is the place where he was killed. Te Whakarewarewa is an amazing place.

At the village we and all the people were welcomed; we were welcomed by Tuhourangi. There was no limit on the food provided for us. The food was cooked in the boiling spring. We mistakenly though at first that the food would perhaps be tainted, but once in the mouth it was tasty. There is no gathering of firewood in these villages because their fires are always burning. When the meal was finished the women of Tuhourangi did a dance, but I was not very enamoured of the dance because of the vigour with which the young women bent their bodies. This kind of haka should not be done on the marae lest the Pakeha say of us that we are a crude people and they belittle us, saying, ‘This is not right. These Maori are common…’

(To be continued)

[12] CALENDAR : DECEMBER

Day 11 New Moon 2h 23m p.m.

Day 25 Full Moon 11h 46m p.m.

1 S First Sunday of Advent*

Morning Evening

Isaiah 1 Isaiah 2

1 Peter 3.8 – 4.7 John 11.47 – 12.20

2 M

3 T

4 W

5 Th

6 F Fast

7 S

8 S Second Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 5 Isaiah 11.1-11

9 M

10 T

11 W

12 Th

13 F Fast

14 S

15 S Third Sunday of Advent†

Isaiah 25 Isaiah 26

3 John John 20.1-19

16 M

17 T

18 W Ember Day Fast

19 Th

20 F Ember Day Vigil, Fast

21 S Thomas, Apostle Ember Day Fast

Job 42.1-7 Isaiah 35

John 20.19-24 John 14.1-8

22 S Fourth Sunday in Advent

Isaiah 30.1-27 Isaiah 32

Revelation 8 Revelation 10

23 M

24 T Vigil, Fast

25 W The Birthday [of Christ]

Isaiah 9.1-8 Isaiah 7.10-17

Luke 2.1-15 Titus 3.4-9

Psalms: 19, 45, 85 89, 110, 132

26 Th Stephen, Martyr

Genesis 4.1-11 2 Chronicles 24.15-23

Acts 6 Acts 8.1-9

27 F John, Apostle and Evangelist Fast

Exodus 33.1-9 Isaiah 6

John 13.23-36 Revelation 1

28 S The Holy Innocents

Jeremiah 31.1-18 Baruch 4.21-31

Revelation 16 Revelation 18

29 S Sunday after Christmas

Isaiah 35 Isaiah 38

Revelation 19.1-11 Revelation 19.11-[end]

30 M

31 T

* The collect for this day is to be used after the collect for the day until the Eve of Christmas Day.

† Say the Ember Week Collect every day this week.

RULES OF TE PIPIWHARAUROA

1. Te Pipiwharauroa is published monthly.

2. The cost of the paper is 5/- a year, payable by Postal Note or stamps.

3. When the shillings sent in by someone are used up then his paper will be wrapped in red; after two such postings of the paper it will cease to be sent.

4. It is acceptable to contribute articles from anywhere in the land, but it is for the Editor to decide whether to print them or not. Write clearly.

5. Address your letter like this: TO TE PIPIWHARAUROA, TE RAU, GISBORNE.

A NOTICE

To those wanting a Prayer Book or Hymn Book. I now have plenty of books The prices are:

Large, soft cover 2/6

Large, red cover 3/-

Large, hard cover 4/-

Large, superior cover 5/6

Small, soft cover 1/-

Small, red cover 1/6

Small, hard cover 2/6

Small, superior cover 3/6

Hymns -/6

Clergy requiring Hymn Books can contact J Upton, Auckland, and the price will be less.

I will pay the postage to send the books to you

H W Williams,

Te Rau, Gisborne

People wanting a Bible or a New Testament should apply to the Bible Depository Sunday School Union, Auckland.

Bible, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6. Enclose a postage stamp for 1/-.

New Testament with explanatory headings 2/6, 3/-, 4/6. Enclose a postage stamp for 3d.

Small New Testament with Psalms 2/-, 2/6, 3/-, 3/6, 4/-. Enclose a postage stamp for 3d.

SUPPLEJACK SEEDS FOR OUR BIRD

10/- Rev Eruera te Ngara, Rewi Penetiki.

5/- Hemi Waiaua, Ripeka Hamanu, Hakere Paraone, Maaka Paweherua, Manihera Waititi, John Hardiman, S F Logan, Taimona Tahu, David Jones, Tomairangi Kingi, Watikena Takina, Makerangi Henea, F T Rawhiti, Karaitiana Poi, Heteraka Rahurahi, Naha Kanara, Renata Pukututu.

2/5 T K Royal, Hamahona Pohatu, Waaka te Huia, Te Hekenui.

H W Williams, Te Rau Press, Gisborne.