Wellington Philosophical Society. 445 
been inflicted on a large portion of the human race, including not only the 
population of the British Isles, but the swarming multitudes which have 
thence spread over the world, to conquer nations and to found colonies. 
Mr. Crawford then gave a list of words in various languages in proof of 
what he had said; and concluded by remarking that it was therefore very 
commendable in those who first reduced the Maori tongue to a written 
language, that a system had been adopted by them of definite vowel sounds, 
which thus gave to the language a much more civilized aspect than it would 
have presented under the usual painful attempts which are vainly made to 
reduce aboriginal sounds to the rule, or no rule, of English orthography. 
3. Tareha, Native Member in the House of Representatives for the 
Eastern District, then gave a description of the Maori house in which the 
meeting was assembled. His Honor the Superintendent of Hawke Bay 
acted as interpreter. Tareha spoke as follows :— 
“In accordance with the request made to me, I shall now give the 
meeting an account of this house, its history and origin. 
“Such a building as this is only erected by men holding a high position 
among the tribes; it is a sign of chieftainship, and the proprietor becomes a 
noted man. The whole tribe assist in building it when called together by 
the chief for that purpose. 
“This house was built at Tauranga, in Poverty Bay, by Rahurahi (or 
Lazarus) in 1845, during Governor Fitzroy’s administration. When finished, 
all the tribes that had an interest in it were called together to discuss their 
affairs. It was about the time when you Europeans introduced Christianity 
amongst us, consequently many important subjects were talked over. The 
name of the house is ‘Tehaukituranga.’ All these carved posts represent 
certain individuals, ancestors of mine ; the lower and larger figures represent 
the fathers, the upper ones their sons. Most of them have their names 
attached, as you may observe, but the oldest names have become obliterated. 
“This is considered an important and valuable property among the 
Maori; but misfortunes visited the land, troubles were cast upon us, the 
tribes were scattered, and the result is that the house now stands here. 
When the King movement commenced, dissension and jealousy arose 
amongst the natives; it was found to be wrong, and you all know how the 
evil has been atoned for. Then other natives created a new god, and called 
him ‘ Hauhau;’ this movement commenced on the east side of the country 
and crossed over to the west, and led to the death of Mr. Volkner. In 
consequence of all this, and through other troubles and dissensions, the 
house has become your property.” 
Kiekie, one of the ex-prisoners from the Chatham Islands, and a relative 
~ . of Tareha, on being requested by the meeting, gave some further particulars. 
