Pomare’s Farewell
(Dictated by Sir Maui Pomare shortly before leaving New Zealand for
California, May, 1930.)

“I have rubbed noses with the lip- and chin-tattooed women of my race, I have kissed the painted face of the modern flapper. I have seen the flickering stone oil lamp of the Maori superseded by the tallow candle of the pakeha, and that, too, in its turn flashed out of existence by the harnessed powers of the mighty rivers—the electric light. I have heard the rhythmic paddling of the Maori war-canoe drowned by the throbbing and the “phutting” of the modern speed boat. I have seen the wings of the ancient pakau (kite) droop in salutation to the “Byrd-men” of the twentieth century. I have spoken and listened to voices through the air. So when I wend my way to that mythical realm of Irihia I can say that I have seen and heard wondrous things, and close my eyes in deep content.”