Nicknames

The following are the nicknames bestowed on different places or their inhabitants along the East Coast.

These dubbed names or added titles have not all been given by the people concerned, but generally by outside tribes or neighbours. Not all have been given as compliments of admiration, but more as critical remarks, made on the peculiarity and extraordinary behaviour of the people concerned. The Maori of old did not appreciate nor value any word of praise, or crown of honour from outside people. They preferred deeds rather than words. "Kei runga te korero, kei raro te rahurahu." (Lofty talk is like honey, but beneath it lies the mischief.) Therefore in relating the cause of these dubbed names, we do not do it for the purpose of ridicule nor as a matter of praise, but merely to state the real cause and its application. The young Maori of to-day seems to look down on the tricky and daring activities of his sires in the past, but it must be remembered that it was due to these qualities that the Maori prospered and flourished in New Zealand, It is also being shown that the same kind of spirit is playing a very important part in the present war.