Conjugal Relations between Maoris.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume V, Issue 647, 15 August 1891, Page 2

Conjugal Relations between Maoris.

TROUBLES OF A WIFE.

At the Po'ice Court on Wednesday morning, an intelligent-looking and respectably attired Maori named Mokaraka Waihopi (who was represented by Mr Finn) appeared to answer the following complaint:—“ That you, on the Jfith of July, 1891, at Tarere, were drunk, and that you have been guilty of habitual drunkenness for morn than four yeqrs last past, and that in consequence of suob habitual drunkenness you habitually fail to provide a maintenance for your wife, Emere Waihopi, and her infant children, to wit, Wiliam King Waihopi, aged four years, and Maki Waifaopi, aged fourteen months ; and the said Emere Waihopi therefore prays that an order be made protesting her earnings, and property, and also to direct that she ma have the exclusive custody over the sai children, in accordance with the form of the Statute in such case made and provided.” The complainant was a nice looking person, who spoke English well and would not be taken, fey appearance, to be more than 17 years of age. 4 a 8,19 was bein S rxamined the husband sat in the Coqrt with the baby in hie arms—a pretty child, dressed as veil as any European offspring would be. Emere deposed that she was now staying with her cousin, and had no property of her own, so that no order could be made in that respect. His Worship said it was a pity that these people could not make up their quarrel, and that a girl like complainant should have to come to the Court ip this way. Mr Finn said he was sorry to see it—the complainant appeared a very intelligent girl. He then advised Mokaraka to shake hands with Emere, pledge himself to give up his evil habits, and try and live happily with his wife. This Mokaraka said he was willing to do.

His Worship fHen put a declaration to him in Maori, by which be solemnly pledged himself to live a sober life, refrain from abusing his wife, undertake to give part of bis earnings for her support,and try and live happily with her. i'he defendant, io a sincere way, repeated the declaration, hut Emere refused to go back home, or make it up with her husband. Mr Booth: Then I oan do qqthipg for you. Emere looked crestfallen for the moment, and was casting Isnging eyes towards the baby, which never gave a murmur during the whole time. Mr Booth said it was a pity the couple would not make up their quarrel—as it was he was powerless to do anything. He told Mokaraka to give the baby to the mother, and if defendant again illused her she should apply to have him bound over to keep the peace. Directly Emerp got the baby she became as joyful as if life was ell summer to her, going to the corner farthest from thg husband, whoso look of sorrow was enough to touch anyone's heart to see what domestic troubles drink will create in aboriginal circles where it might be supposed nothing btfi harmony would exist.