Sport and Religion

The Maoris take their sport very seriously, almost as though it were the most important thing in life. One season when the Hicks Bay Football Club won the cup in the Matakaoa Sub-Union Competitions, the whole sub-tribe celebrated the occasion. I happened to be present at the celebration. In the centre of the long table the coveted trophy was placed. After congratulatory speeches had been made, the cup was handed over to the blind chief who was sitting in a corner. Holding it between his hands, he recited:

"Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."