[155] TE TOA TAKITINI
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
Christmas, 1924, and 1st January, 1925.
Number 42.
[A Photograph of Te Matau-a-Maui – Maui’s Fish-hook – Cape Kidnappers]
[156]
A Greeting from Te Toa Takitini to its esteemed readers.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
TO YOU ALL
[157]
Te Toa Takitini
Registered at the GPO as a Newspaper.
The price of the Paper is 10/- a year.
Address letters to ‘Te Toa Takitini,’ Box 300, Hastings.
Te Toa Takitini.
1st January, 1925.
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, you were born and became man at this time for us; we confess that we have sinned against you, God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, who came down from heaven to save us mortals.
Lord Jesus Christ, you humbled yourself at this time to guide us to become like you – holy, righteous and loving.
Lord Jesus Christ, you were born into the world that we weak people might have eternal life, may we possess this part of your divinity.
Lord Jesus Christ, you were born as at this time as an infant; bless, and show your love to our children, our infants,
Guard their steps as they journey over the rough roads of the world. Protect them in the midst of all afflictions. Guide them to truly know you.
Lord Jesus Christ, bless the members of our families in every place. Unite our thoughts in love one for another, in the Faith, and in the fear of God, that together we may enter your heavenly kingdom.
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the bread of eternal life who came down from heaven that the whole world might have life; may we rightly eat your flesh and drink your blood, that we may have eternal life and be raised to life on the last day. You live with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST.
PEACE ON EARTH AND
GOODWILL TO MEN.
ALLELIUA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA.
[158]
MAUI’S FISH-HOOK
Perhaps some of you are wondering and asking, ‘Why has Te Toa Takitini printed this picture?’ This is the answer to your question: The old story says that the hook with which Maui hauled up his fish was the jawbone of his ancestor, Murirangawhenua. That fish lies here – Aotearoa. The shape of that fish is like that of a sting-ray. The fins of that fish are Wairarapa, Porirua (Muaupoko territory)., Taranaki and Hikurangi; the tail is at Karamaina where Ngati Whatua reaches to the tail; Taupo is the eye; and Maui’s Fish-hook is in Hawkes Bay. This hook was strong enough to catch this sting-ray which was like a malign taniwha. In later days the hearts of those in the houses of learning within Nukutaurua were committed to landing their canoes on the landing-places on the Fish-hook of Maui so that they were close to that house of learning at Mungawharau, that is, at Rangitauira, the dwelling-place of Taewa, the great tohunga of former days.
When Captain Cook came, it was reported: ‘His ship sailed close within Te Mahia where there were canoes afloat. Those people appeared different. He sailed to a place beyond Petane to shelter from the rumbling of a southerly gale. According to the elders this place is called the Fish-hook of Maui. The bay there is Waipaua. The canoes went out to that ship. When they were returning they seized a lad [Taiata], a Tahitian, to be a slave or something. When the canoes were sailing away the lad was seen. A voice, like a Maori voice, was heard calling, [? ‘Maai maai mate koe! Maai maai mate koe!’ ? ,,, you will be killed (? Tahitian)]. But as they did not know the significance of what was being said, those people kept on paddling. There was an discharge of smoke, the canoe was exposed, and a man fell. The canoe listed, there was another discharge of smoke and another man fell. Then those people realised that men were dead. The canoe capsized and the lad swam for the ship. The canoes returned to land. In Captain Cook’s maps one sees that he named this place ‘Kidnappers.’ These two names remain in use, Te Matau-a-Maui recalls the ancient world; Cape Kidnappers relates to the new world. The Maori for that word ‘kidnappers’ is ‘he whanako tangata’ [someone who abducts people].
There is an ancient haka widely performed on marae when we retained our power; this is part of it:
The hook was thrown into the water.
He caught his fish, Aotearoa.
He pulled and it came up, etc, etc,
Our strong belief in the strength of the mana of Maui-Tikitiki-o-Taranga led to this being named in memory of his fish-hook.
[159]
But when the Pakeha arrived it was named ‘Kidnappers,’ recalling the carrying off of the Tahitian lad. Another part of that haka rightly says:
The English loathe us.
The land is consumed.
Taken, taken all away!
The land is consumed.
Taken, taken all away!
Ahaha! Etc, etc,
To add some manure to our story, here’s another story: Recently, when the days of the old year were dying away with their good and their bad, those aspects were taken to be compass signs for the days and the works to come. The child meets his grandfather and says, ‘Rota, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!’ The old man doffs his hat and says, ‘Moko, the same to you!’ This exchange takes place in Hastings, and it is very pleasant. But if it were to be [keria] in a different place it would be regarded as very unpleasant and disgusting. It is the same with likening the Fish-hook of Maui to the jawbone of his ancestor, MurirangawhenuaIt is an indication of the depth and the sacredness with which Aotearoa, lying here, was and is still regarded. The newspapers circulated here in Hastings are sacred vessels. Te Waka Maori, the Takitimu paper, asked its readers to set down the stories of our ancestors so that they remain as bibles. Te Wananga urges the learned people who are timid to enter the Houses of Learning of the time when he sneezed – [Tihe mauriora] The sneeze of life! Welcome to the day, to the world of light. Te Huia Tangata Kotahi decorated itself with huia feathers and an albatross top-knot, with the idea of unifying the country, of bringing peace, the albatross feathers serving to improve people.
Our haka ends by saying:
Afterwards comes the sword!
Friends, these are the days of the Christian World when we live in hope. Is it possible that we will back away from our hope? This would indeed be a soft option. How many days would we waste? How many years? Why should we question the Christian hope? That elder said to his grandchildren, ‘Children, give me those sticks.’ They gave them to him. ‘Now watch.’ The elder took one of the sticks, grasped it in his hands and broke it. He called out, ‘Don’t be like that but like this.’ He bundled together the sticks and could not break them. ‘If you are united, you will stand; if you are divided, you will fall. My friends, My strength is not in myself alone but because I have many warriors. With my weapon and your weapon we will defeat the enemy. With your food basket and mine we will feed the visitor. [cf Nga Pepeha 870, 1981]
So it is with the Fish-hook of Maui in these days. The Jawbone of Muri-ranga-whenua serves as a dredge, as a snare, as a voice for things in the deep pools, in the dark green pools,
[160]
so that small and great, and the large tribes even, may hear and see your pet expressing its affection, ‘People, bless me – Te Toa Takitini.’
My friend, ‘Merry Christmas! Happy New Year to you all!’
Perhaps you will say, ‘The same to you!’
A MEMORIAL TO THE WHANGANUI SOLDIERS.
A memorial has been erected to the Maori soldiers of Whanganui qwho died in the Great World War.. The Minister of Maori Affairs came to unveil that stone. These are the names of the young men who died on the battlefield:
Ira Hoani Mete Kingi, Henare Mete Kingi, Rangihiwinui Hiroti, Aohau Kumeroa, Matene Duff, Horomona Kanapu, Herewini Wakarua, Tea Aperahama, Taurua Pehimana, Tame Potongo, Ngore Mangoroa, Wiremu Rangitauira, Te Turi Hoani, Waikohari Tamarapa.
On one side of the stone are these words:
1914 1918
This Memorial
was erected by the Maori People of Whanganui to commemorate the Great War, the first occasion on which a separate Maori Battalion travelled to other lands to fight. In the battles at Gallipoli and in France and Belgium they brought honour to the name of the Maori People. In the many battle lines of the war thy fought alongside the soldiers of England and the Colonies for God, the King and the Empire. Their bodies rest with the dead of the Allied nations. Like them they gave their bodies to death for the Faith, for Peace and for Love for the whole world.
A YOUNG LADY WITH A FINE VOICE.
The Toa Takitini congratulates the daughter of Te Ruihi (T W Lewis, a Hastings lawyer) for her commitment to studying singing. Her idea is go to the schools that teach singing in England. The young lady is presenting a concert in Hastings on 12th January. The money raised will help her to travel to England.
Mr Lewis is very well-known to Maori. Mr Lewis’ wife was heavily involved in projects to help soldiers going and returning during the war. It is right that we should help this young lady and salute her decision to find ways to get to England. Would a Maori child show such perseverance? Perhaps not.
Help our child to make a name for us when she completes her training.
[161]
PARATENE NGATA HAS ENTERED UPON THE LONG SLEEP.
There was great sadness and lamenting at the unexpected news that Paratene Ngata, one of the remaining elders of the country, had entered upon the long sleep. On the morning of Monday 15th he died at Waiomatatini, Waiapu. He had been ill for a long time. But, even so, he had the strength to send articles to Te Toa Takitini. The elders are assembling in the afterlife. Those remaining are left alone. It is heart-breaking. He was one of the few elders committed to establishing a Pakeha education in all parts of the country. When he was a child he began to investigate Pakeha practices – sailing ships, running stores, managing hotels, brick-laying, and farming, along with the working of the Maori Land Court, so that he became one of the most knowledgeable of people. He was also one of the keen supporters of the principles which brought about the growth of the Association of the Maori People Under the Treaty of Waitangi [Te Kotahitanga o Te Iwi Maori i raro i Te Tiriti o Waitangi] from 1890 to 1900. He also sought to enter the colonial Parliament in the days when Wi Pere was the Member. His programme was that Maori should devote themselves to farming and to seeking Pakeha education. It was being said in those days that Pakeha education was bad. His main theme at hui was that it will be by looking at Pakeha books and reading what the Pakeha knows that we will get the means, the medicine, which will heal those areas where things are seen to be going wrong. At the time when the elders were seen to be holding on to the parliamentary seats, he agreed that young people should be sent there, and that they should be free to take up positions in parliament, but that they should be educated young people who went into parliament. So this was the time when the elders had to take a back seat and A T Ngata became the parliamentary spokesman for the East Coast from that day up until the day [?ka he]. He still holds that position and urges young people to get an education. He also strongly urges people to welcome and support Te Toa Takitini, which serves as eyes, hands and feet for the people, and to take in hand the ideas and the projects which will benefit individuals and groups and the people as a whole. He wants it to continue as a paper which warns people not to undertake things that will damage them. Koro, journey to the many, the myriads. Leave us to fulfil the days measured out to these of your people. If you were close lying on your stage there would be a great outpouring of tears. But this token of regard will be paid at your home. Koro, you were of the days when a person’s mana was undisturbed. ‘By your weapon and mine the enemy will be destroyed; by your food basket and mine the guests will be satisfied.’ [cf Nga Pepeha 1981] The day you died the country rumbled and shook. My Toa Takitini,
[162]
my exalted ones, ‘Who thinks? Who knows?’ [cf Nga Pepeha 1654] I would just support your exhortation to welcome and support your treasure, baptised by you Te Toa Takitini – the Toa Takitini to all the hapu of the country to which it goes. Sadly, I am left behind. This is the great lament for you, Koro. ‘Farewell! Farewell! Farewell!’
A Lament for you, my Forebears.
My mind goes back to our speeches
In past great days.
Now I am left behind,
To all appearances, in deep gloom.
Lost, too,
Are the orators, the commanders of the canoe
Which was paddled across the ocean,
Securely sealed
Against treacherous and stormy seas
Which appear from beyond.
Let us sing together
To the lovely star of the morning, Marewa,
Which brought
The taniwha from its lair.
[The following translation is from Nga Moteatea Part 2, page 149. There it is titled ‘A Lament for Chiefs.’]
Ah me, the speeches we made
In those memorable days of yore.
Now comes it I am all alone,
Looking about me in vain.
Gone for ever are the
Orators and the fuglemen of the canoe,
Who voyaged across the ocean;
Ye who did plug securely against
The flood tides of stormy weather,
When they threatened from without,
Let us now all foregather (and)
Chant the lay of Marewa-i-te-ata.
Which was the accompaniment of the exit
Of the dreaded dragon from its lair.
From your child, ‘Te Toa Takitini.’
NGATI POROU’S CARVED CHURCH.
Ngati Porou are working hard to complete their church so that it can be opened by the Bishop in March.
A Bazaar was held in recent days to make money for that building. The total amount raised was £560. It seems easy for Ngati Porou to find money. A sports day they arranged only just failed to match this £560. Where is the Maori hapu to equal this! Best wishes to the ‘Wiwi of Nati’ and to your parents. Te Toa Takitini writes this article to salute you.
SUPPORT FOR THE PAPER.
We thank the Board of Trustees of Te Arawa for the help they have given to Te Toa Takitini. We have received their donation of twelve pounds ten shillings for a page in the paper each month to carry their information. If others of our hapu were similarly generously disposed to our paper then the paper would be produced
[163]
without us being anxious about the expense of printing it.
Best wishes to the members of the Board of Trustees of Te Arawa. Perhaps some of you other hapu will take a separate page for yourselves so that your child can easily carry your news and spread it to each marae.
MAORI PURPOSES FUND CONTROL BOARD.
A NEW BOARD.
The English language Gazette for 11th December contains information about the Board for Maori matters. This is a short explanation. These are the members of the Board: The Minister of Maori Affairs (Chairman), the Secretary of the Department for Maori Affairs (Deputy Chairman), the Administrator of the Education Department, the Maori Members of Parliament, Mr K S Williams MP of Tokomaru
Bay, the Rev F A Bennett of Hastings.
The matters that the Board is to oversee are:
(a) Pathways for the education of Maori children.
(b) Setting the qualifications for some scholarships.
(c) Helping Maori Colleges.
(d) Assisting the work of the History Board.
(e) Helping the Polynesian Society and similar bodies.
(f) Other matters approved by the Minister relating to Maori issues as requested by the Board.
TUHOE.
When the Bishop of Waiapu came to the Whakatane area last June, he urged educated young me to consider the work of ministry. If there are no ministers the Maori Church will die. On the same occasion he said: ‘Would you be agreeable were I to bring Chinese to minister to you, the Maori Church?’ When he arrived at Ruatoki the Bishop’s question was answered. ‘I don’t want a Chinese person to come and minister to the Maori Church yet, since I am bringing my young men to be trained as ministers.’
He kotahi na Tuhoe, e kata te Po.
A single one of Tuhoe and the underworld will laugh. [cf Nga Pepeha 509, 425]
In March this year Wharetini Rangi entered Theological College. In June this year Ramahaki Rangiaho entered Theological College. There were exams in the month of September. Wharetini Rangi sat both these exams and climbed both of these fences in one go. Ramaki Rangiaho sat the Grade I exam. The results were published at the end of November.Wharetini Rangi has passed Grades I and II. Ramahaki has passed Grade I, the main exam for the whole country. Well done, lads.
E M Eruini
Whakatane, 17th December, 1924.
[164]
ST JOHN’S COLLEGE, AUCKLAND.
J Makewiremu BA [?MacWilliams]
The College students have returned home for the summer holidays. It is appropriate that I explain to the Maori section of the Church what is being done at St John’s College, particularly that relating to the Maori. When Te Raukahikatea College closed it was left to St John’s College to cater for young Pakeha and Maori wishing to become ministers. There are nine Maori students at the College this year, 1924, five from the Diocese of Auckland and four from the Diocese of Waiapu. It is difficult for these young people to pass the exams because they do not have a good grasp of English.
The men from the Diocese of Waiapu are: Wharetini Rangi and Ramahaki Rangiaho. They are from Ruatoki. Kingita Anaru is from Tangoio and Mutu Rikihana is from Rotorua.
Wharetini Rangi passed two stages this year, Grades I and II. Ramahiki Rangiaho passed Grade I.
The men from the Diocese of Auckland are: Rikihana Te Hau, Horomona Kapa, and Kiro Pou, all from Kaikohe and of Ngapuhi. Ikanui Kapa and Takimoana Harawira are from Te Kao and belong to Te Aupouri.
Te Rikihana Te Hau passed Grade I this year.
This year, Canon Tisdall, has been appointed Principal of the College, as Canon P Williams has resigned because of ill health.
Greetings to Makewiremu, the Teacher of the Maori Pupils. Greetings also to the young men mentioned above. We especially congratulate Wharetini Rangi on his efforts and his determination. He is the husband of Rotu Kereru of Ruatoki. Wharetini has left his wife and children at home and gone to the school. He has passed two grades in a single year. We are very grateful to Rotu for her magnanimity in sending the father of her children to Theological College while staying at home to care for their children.
Those of you who did not pass this year, take heart! Return to your College. I think you’ll find it a fresh experience and your studies will be easier in the coming year. Don’t be sad. Rather make every effort. Best wishes to you all. – The Editor.
[165]
HUKARERE GIRLS’ SCHOOL.
At 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 10th December, prizes were presented to successful pupils. This is an important day for the school and friends and parents of the pupils are invited to come to see the children’s work. The pupils’ performance of Maori waiata and poi, along with Pakeha songs, was excellent. They had the co-ordination of the movements of hands and feet just right. These are wonderful treasures that are being preserved by such schools, because such Maori customs are being lost. Many people gathered for that day. The Ministers of the Hahi Mihingare [The Missionary Church – the Church of England] who attended were the Bishop of Waiapu (Sedgwick), the Archdeacon (Simkin), and the Reverends Peneti, Karaka, and Mayne, along with the men and women friends of the pupils. Also present was Miss Kate, the younger sister of Miss Williams who set up the school. This elderly lady was very well and hearty. The first speech was by the Bishop who congratulated the school on its strength and on the fact that everywhere one sees the fruits of the seeds planted by those who have run the school from the beginning of the school to the present day. He was very happy with the good report from the Inspector. The good work done by the school was based on two things. The first is the obvious example set by the head teacher, Miss Bulstrode, and those under her. The second is the affability of the children and the teachers. He also urged the pupils to consider nursing as a good career to undertake. He also praised Nurse Riri Potaka who had attended Hukarere and was now one of the most highly educated nurses. He has seen and heard from people within the Diocese how the practices taught at the school have grown and are steadily spreading throughout the districts. He has also seen some of the women who were taught at Hukarere and are now mothers in the villages. The most frequent questions are about the school and Miss Williams and Miss Kate. He is very happy and rejoices at seeing the fruits of the work of the school was growing among the people. One name he mentioned was that of Rotu Kereru of Ruatoki. This woman was raised at Hukarere and was taught mission work because she was convinced that this was the work for her. According to her it was no good her attending the school if she did not take back the Gospel of Christ to her own people and elders. This has resulted in the growth of enlightenment amongst Tuhoe. Through Rotu’s efforts the Mission House has been built in Ruatoki and the teachings of the Faith are practised mong those people. Because of Rotu’s efforts we can say that her husband, Te Wharetini Rangi, is now at the school for ministers, St John’s College, Auckland.
[166]
One remarkable thing that occurred in the Tuhoe area was that a boy was lost when he went with other children to eat kiekie shoots. (This story was told in the last edition of the paper.) For three nights and days that child was lost in the bush but was found alive. But during the time he was lost his parents and the people prayed for him. When he was found the parents and the people gathered in the church to give thanks to God. The child was the son of Rotu and Wharetini Rangi. Such are the fruits of the labours of the teachers, and of the parents who have sent their children to Te Aute College and Hukarere. Such are some of the many fruits of the teaching, which we see and hear of, resulting in the advancement of the people through the work of the schools and the faith. Therefore, said the Bishop, be faithful to what the teachers teach you and to the blessings brought by the founders of the schools. There are many temptations in the world, and during the holidays too. However, no matter what your weak hearts may propose, remember to pray to your Lord that you may be lights to your parents and to all the people as well. If you are faithful then all that you do will enhance the honour of your school and your teachers who will soon be sending you on your way and saying, ‘Go to your parents. Be men. Be strong.’
The Reverend F Bennett also stood to speak in Maori to the pupils. He pointed out that from the beginning it has been the school’s custom on such occasions to have one of the teachers or a minister say farewell to the pupils in Maori. So while he was standing here he would renew the custom of Samuel Williams and Miss Williams and Miss Kate the old elders of the school who spoke to your parents and your ancestors telling them to hold on to the practices they were taught at the school, to hold to the faith, and to share them with the marae and the people. You are the children and grandchildren of those people and you are now going home to your parents, your friends and your tribe. All the good principles arising from the Christian faith of those who run the school have been passed on to you each day of the year and taught to you by your teachers. Go and return. Stick close together. Let those teachings be the basis of all you do. Listen for the sound of the bell. Go to worship. Remember to take Communion. These things serve to remind each and every pupil of your Saviour, Jesus Christ. In this way you will become mature to fight against the world, the flesh and the devil. One example for your to look at is that of our Governor, Lord Jellicoe, who wherever he is on the Sabbath will find a place where the Lord’s Supper is being celebrated. You have been taught by your teachers about physical and spiritual well-being. Farewell, go to your parents, your grandparents, your friends and your tribe.
[167]
After this the prizes were presented to the pupils by the Bishop and Miss Hall.
This is the honours list:
Class Three – Tangi Hokianga 1, Maisie Boyd 2.
Class Four - Heni Rangi 1, Hana Ngata 2.
Class Five - Mahua Turei 1, Daisy Marumaru 2.
Class Six (Upper) – Hineawa Rogers 1, Rangipaia Bristo 2.
Class Six (Lower) – Paara Enoka 1, Louisa Crummer 2.
Class Seven – Mary Kingi 1, Annie Palmer 2.
Class Eight – Ngarangi Kohere 1, Nellie Nepia 2.
Public Service – Amy Finlay 1, Piki Tamihana 2.
Divinity – Ngarangi Kohere 1, Mary Kingi 2, Katherine Collier 3, Hineawa Rogers 4, Rea Awarua 5.
Household Work – Kuini Enoka, Oraiti Raihania.
Neatness – Jenny Teihi, Tangi Hokianga.
Book-keeping – Seniors: Amy Finlay, Pidki Tamihana. Lower: Jenny Teihi, Mary Kingi.
Keeping Chapel Tidy – Polly Enoka.
Music – Weno Tahiwi 1, Kewa Kainga 2.
Composition – Amy Finlay.
Drawing – Polly Enoka, Matekino.
Spelling (Special for Standard Six) – Hineawe Rogers.
Gardening – Ellen Goldsmith, Kohimate, M Hokianga.
Cooking - (Upper) Kupere Potae. (Lower) Hannah Bennett, Hineawe Rogers.
Needlework – Dressmaking: Lucy Tuiri. First Year Work: Ellen Goldsmith. Second Year Work: Miria Tihore.
Plain Sewing - Class One: Annie Wong Soon. Class Two: Louisa Crummer. Class Three: Mahue Turei. Class Four: Emma Mohi. Class Five: Maggie Hokianga.
Fancywork – Takau Tinirau, Tere Tinirau.
Good Conduct – Seniors: Lillian Brown. Juniors: Tiwau Awarangi.
TE AUTE COLLEGE.
This is the Report of the Headteacher of Te Aute College presented on 11th December, 1924.
Because of the serious illness of his wife, Mr Loten was unable to be present on this day, so it was arranged that I present the School Report for the past year.
Three pupils have passed the Matriculation Examination; two have passed some of the subjects. Two are at University in Christchurch studying Law and two are at Otago University studying Dentistry. There are a total of 89 students at Te Aute this year. Of these, 9 are in Form VI, 8 in Form V, 13 in Form IVa, 22 in Form IVb, and 37 in Form III.
[168]
The number of pupils who entered examinations this year were: Matriculation 9, Public Service Entrance 9, Intermediate 15, McLean Scholarship 14, Buller Scholarship 9, Proficiency 12.
The teachers are: Headteacher, Mr E G Loten; Chaplain, Rev A Neild MA; Teachers, Mr I S Gardiner, Mr D T Okey; Farming, Mr Campbell. Teachers came from outside to teach singing and carpentry.
During June, Barracks Week was held at Te Aute under the direction of the Defence Department.
The health of the pupils has been excellent this year. There was one outbreak of ‘flu’ and 30 pupils went down with it. However, the impact was mild and competently dealt with by Nurse Barrow and Dr Jarvis.
Te Aute played rugby against Whanganui Collegiate at Whanganui and all the Te Aute Teams won. We are very grateful to the Headteacher of Whanganui Collegiate and the Maori of Whanganui for the wonderful hospitality they showed the Te Aute pupils. This year (1925) Whanganui Collegiate will come to play at Te Aute.
This is an opportunity to affirm the affection and the loyalty of all the teachers to their Head, Mr Loten.
Alfred Neild.
Pupil Successes in 1924.
Form VI – Whaipooti, Dux Medal, First Prize, Science Prize; Ihaia Kereopa, Medal, Second Prize; Taimuri Rapana, Third Prize, Second Prize Divinity; Edward Nepia, Latin Prize; Matauranga Wycliffe, Bishop’s Prize for Divinity.
Form V – William Ngata, 1st Prize ‘Essays of Emerson,’ extra prize for Divinity, ‘Robert Louis Stevenson’; Kepa Nuku, 1st Prize, ‘The Life of Sir Ernest Shackleton’ by Hugh Robert Mill; Dan Kaa, 3rd Prize ‘An Inland Voyage’ by Robert Louis Stevenson; Erueti Wiremu, Special Prize for Literature and Divinity, ‘George Washington’ by Ada Russell; Peter Ihaia, Special Prize ‘Tennyson’s Poetical Works.’
Form IV (Remove) – Sam Smith, 1st Prize, ‘Into the South’ by Scott Marr; Len Mackey, 2nd Prize, ‘The Day’s Work’ (Rudyard Kipling); Wallace Atkins, 3rd Prize, ‘Oliver Cromwell’ (Estelle Ross), 1st Prize for Divinity, Bible.
Form IV – Ray Chapman Taylor, 1st Prize, ‘Scott’s Last Voyage’; John Grace, 2nd Prize, ‘Across the Plains’ (Robert Louis Sgtevenson), Special Prize for Drawing and Writing, ‘Oliver Cromwell’ (Thomas Carlyle); Tane Seymour, 3rd Prize, ‘New Arabian Nights’ (R L Stevenson); Tom Tibble, Special Prize, (Goldsmith’s Poetical Works); Chesley Moses,
[169]
1st Prize for Divinity, ‘The Romance of the Bible’ (Gertrude Hollis); James Leach, Special Prize for Woodwork, (R L Stevenson).
Form III - Henry Aatatu, 1st Prize, ‘Poems of R L Stevenson,’ 1st Prize for Divinity, ‘Bible.’; William Corbwett, 2nd Prize, ‘Boys Who Became Famous’ (F J Snell), Science Prize, ‘Pioneers in Tropical America’ (Sir Harry Johnston); Robert Reremai, 3rd Prize, ‘The Works of R L Stevenson,’ Prize for Mathematics, ‘A Kipling Anthology’; Christian Lima, 1st Prize for Reading, ‘Our Wonderful Cathedrals’ (Gertrude Hollis 2 volumes);Stephen Forsyth, 2nd Prize for Reading, ‘Abraham Lincoln’ (E L Elias)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
A Game with Sticks.
Greetings. Some time ago I saw a Maori game involving a bundle of small sticks about three inches long. There were about 15 to 20 sticks in the one bundle. The bundle was held upright on a table (or on the ground) and allowed to fall. The object of the player was to pick up his sticks without disturbing any of the other sticks lying there. He was not to touch those, only pick out one by one the sticks. If he disturbed another stick, then he was out and another person could try. If he did not disturb any of the other sticks while he was picking out those on top then he continued with his turn. The person who wins is the one who picks out the most sticks. Some of the sticks have notches cut into them and these are of greater value that the others. I asked if this was an established Maori game before the time of the Pakeha. If it is a Maori game, what is it called?
Johannes C Andersen
Curator of the Library, Turnbull Library.
12th December, 1924,
THE GOOD NEWS OF WORK.
Te Hepara (Mr J P Shepherd) of the Department of Maori Affairs has written a good and serious article about The Good News of Work. We have not been able to include it in this edition of the paper but it will be printed in the February edition.
A WEDDING.
On Thursday, 18th December, Te Mare (Molly), daughter of Rangi Riripotaka, married HiraTapihana, the grandchild of the Tapsell who was one of the first to be married in Paihia in June, 1823. The wedding of these young people took place at Te Kohupatiki.
[170]
THE GOVERNMENT LIENS.
[A lien – a right to retain possession of another’s property until the owner pays a debt or fulfils a contract. – Barry Olsen]
At the end of the meeting about Puketitiri at Napier on 12th December, the members of the Tamatea Council asked Mr Pfafer, the Government official, about the nature of liens over Maori lands.
Here are parts of his answer. ‘It is right that you should investigate the nature of the liens over Maori lands. This problem is not a local one only but affects all parts of New Zealand.
At the beginning the liens were very small, but with 5% being added each year that small amount grew, fed by that 5%. And you should be aware that the size of those liens on Heretaunga lands has now reached £35,000. It is a very heavy burden you have and it is right that you engage quickly in a discussion of the matter let your lands be taken to meet the debt and there is no land left for you to leave to your descendants. These liens are debts for the surveying of your lands. Reflect on how large these debts are. Were the Government to take your lands as payment for this debt then they would need to take 9,000 acres to repay the debt. You know that this is a heavy burden on your lands and the debt is rising each year by 5%. It will not get less but will continue to grow. It is for you to find some way to set things right, then it will reduce.’
KING GEORGE HOSPITAL.
Pukeroa, Rotorua
The allaying of the many illnesses of the body suffered by the Maori People and the Pakeha People of this country and other parts of the world.
In 1920 the above-mentioned hospital was opened. From then until now more than 600 children, girls and boys, have been healed of their various bodily afflictions. Those children included infants and others up to the age of eleven. Most of those children were Pakeha and there were very few Maori children. These 600 children were healed and went home very happy to their mothers and fathers to their great joy.
The illnesses suffered by those children were these: Humped backs, crooked legs, lameness, paralysis of the legs, paralysis of the hands, dislocated necks, slipped discs, twisting of the loins, misalignment of the eyes, twisted jaws, and a common illness amongst children was a feebleness throughout the body, including the feet. Some of these children were born ill; some were struck by an affliction after birth which continued to trouble the child.
[171]
There are many people, women and men, alive today, who were struck down with such afflictions when they were children and babies and who still have the problem overshadowing their lives now that they are old men and women. There are many who have crooked legs, who are crippled, who have closed-up hands or bent hands, whose necks are twisted, whose hips are twisted, who have goitres, whose heads are swollen – we Maori have these problems. Yet we are an unfeeling people in that we criticize and tease when we see the deformities of another. I still remember my close friends from childhood, one with deformed legs, another with a deformed back. Such people are to pitied, but children would tease them for their deformities. Who wants to be teased?
He tangi to te tamaiti; he whakama to te pakeke.
A child cries and the adult is ashamed. [cf Nga Pepeha 2228]
No mother or father likes their children to be teased. But how do we prevent the teasing by a mischievous child when they see crooked legs or a humped back, or other deformities? It is in the nature of a mischievous child to tease people like that for his own gratification. All the diseases listed above when they are not in a malignant state can be cured by the doctor of the hospital I have spoken about. It is easier to work with those who are diseased when they are children; when a child is small his body is malleable as are all his bones so this is not a major undertaking unlike with an adult whose bones have hardened. When a child is small the cost of the hospital and the doctor are also small and it is not a great problem for parents. The child or children should be taken to hospital as sson as they are being bottle-fed.
The Remarkable Work of the Doctor.
A Pakeha from Kaipara was struck down by a tree. He was hit on the back and taken to Auckland where he was treated by a doctor and survived. After he returned home, it was not long before he became increasingly weak, His legs were weak; he had to lie down; and he could not get up. Then he was taken to Auckland and after a long time there he was taken to Hamilton, After a time there instructions were given that he be taken to Pukeroa, Rotorua. The cause of that man’s illness had not been found. When he arrived at Pukeroa the doctor there investigated him for a long time before eventually finding the cause. The source of his problem was in his back in the place where he had been struck by the tree.
The backbone had been dislocated. At the place where the dislocation was, the spinal cord had been crushed. Consequently, the pathway which provided strength for the nerves of the legs was blocked, hence the weakness of the man’s legs. The place where he had been struck had been overlooked by the Auckland doctor during his treatment. Since the caused of the problem was at that point, there was surgery on that place. It was opened up over the backbone. The dislocation was discovered and reset. When it was well done the skin was sewn up. It took a long time to deal with that man’s problem but now he is up and about. Previously he had spent a whole year in bed. But this month
[172]
he has come out of hospital, healed of his affliction.
There was a Maori woman with a goitre on her neck. The goitre had been growing on her neck for almost 30 years. According to the doctor this was one of the largest goitres he had seen. In less than half an hour the doctor had cut out that goitre and sewn up the place. The doctor said that she was like a 20 year-old.
There was a Maori child, a girl, whose growth had been restricted since birth. She also did not look well. Eventually she was taken by her father to the hospital at Pukeroa. She was seen by the doctor who diagnosed that her illness was caused by a restricted blood circulation in her body – she was almost dried up inside because of a lack of blood. Then the doctor took blood from the father. Nearly a pint of blood was extracted from his left arm. Then the blood was transferred to the child into her left arm. Now that child is very well.
A Maori boy had crooked legs. He came from the East Coast. Pukeroa worked on his legs and they healed well. He returned home. He is now wearing boots on those crooked legs.
There is a youth, a half-caste, from Nati [Ngati Porou], a fine-looking young man. At last, he is no longer troubled by his legs. Both legs were crooked and he had to stay for long time in Pukeroa Hospital. His legs have been worked on and the work is almost finished. Soon he will return home very happy.
There is a French girl, the child of a Hawkes Bay doctor, a French doctor. The child has a weakness in her legs. Since she was small her father has treated his child but without success, The child is now 13 years old. It is now almost a year since the child arrived at the hospital at Pukeroa, Her legs which were weak are now strong and she will soon return home, There are many afflictions that have been cured and one can find in the country’s Pakeha newspapers the reports of those afflictions.
Now I understand for myself having had the stomach illness called appendicitis – not a pleasant thing. The doctor at Pukeroa operated on me and before long I was well.
A Doctor with a Love for Maori.
There are three doctors at the hospital at Pukeroa. Dr W S Wallis is the Superintendant. A fine gentleman. As one of the leading doctors in New Zealand he was given that post. He was a Colonel in the recent war. He is one of the doctors in the country who acknowledges the healing power of Christ. He is a lay reader in the Church of England. The writer of this article lay sick in this hospital for [indistinct] months. I saw these things for myself and the doctor told me about those I didn’t see.
E M Eruini
Whakatane, 17th December, 1924.
TO THE MAORI PEOPLE
Greetings to you all.
I, the printer of your paper, Te Toa Takitini,
thank you for the kindness you have shown to our Printing House
over the past years.
Best wishes to you all.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely
E S Cliff.
Cliff Press, Hastings,
A SUPPLEMENT TO TE TOA TAKITINI
Pages 51 - 58 (Supplement)
The waiata that follow appear as numbers 36 to 40, with amendments and English translation, in Nga Moteatea Part I.
Pages 59 & 60 of the Supplement contain an Annual Calendar and photographs including one of Donald McLean’s first home in New Zealand, There is also a tribute to him for the McLean Scholarships.
No comments:
Post a Comment