Where the white man treads / by W.B., Te Kuiti.

  • Baucke, William, 1848-1931.
Date:
1905
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Where the white man treads / by W.B., Te Kuiti. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    “ No,” said Kaha, in one of his retrospective moods ; “ we lived as our conditions suited us.” And laying his prized hatchet in front of him for occasional inspiration continued: “ It took a family two months to build a small eel weir. The posts were cut, and the ends laid in the fire. As they burned they were turned, pushed in further, or drawn out as the length of the point required; then they were plunged into water, and when the charred wood was chipped away with our stone axe, the point was shapely and good. But, oh! the labour and time! With this ” (taking up his hatchet), “ I could do the work of five men in one day. Yet we are no happier!” For after the surprise of the Maori at the white man’s wonders had abated, it pleased him to compare and philosophise in the dawning con- viction that novelties aiv evanescent, and will with familiarity presently become stale. He is simply an intelligent child which covets greedily, toys lovingly, but when the sawdust begins to trickle out of his doll’s legs, and the colouring is soiled on the face, he is frantically eager to cast it away and reach out for that other novelty—yonder, just within grasp. The only toys which never palled were his musket and hatchet, and, still more secretly adored, his large steel axe! According to our grading the surroundings of the Maori wei'e wretched and uncomfortable. Yet we dare not boast too vastly ; are not our standards uncertain and variable? Even in one city: a marble palace and hovel! What a span to bridge over! Yet who shall rail at the slum dweller who cries: “ Keep out the wind and rain and I am content ?” There are thousands who prefer a tent to a mansion ; who delight in the freedom and companion- ship of Nature. Who find the wisdom of books in brooks, sermons and litanies in stones ; and the glory of health and contentment in all things where the push and the crush doth not worry. A tattooed old chief once visited his pakeha friend, who, out of esteem and regard, invited him to stay over night. That he might realise that his distinction of chief was held in proper es- timation, he was placed in the spare guest chamber, containing all the necessaries to civilised comfort, including, of course, white sheets to the bed. Having wonderingly inspected and admired the voluminous details which the pakeha finds requisite to his l’cst, he retired. During the night his host heard an unusual