A Maori English Lexicon

Abstract

MR. COLENSO'S Maori English Lexicon, being, as stated on the title-page, a comprehensive dictionary of the New Zealand tongue, including mythical, mythological, “taboo” or sacred, genealogical, proverbial, poetical, tropological, sacerdotal, incantatory, natural history, idiomatic, abbreviated, tribal and other names and terms of and allusions to persons, things, acts, and places in ancient times, also showing their affinities with cognate Polynesian dialects and foreign languages, with copious pure Maori examples, has a sad history to tell. To begin with, it is only a first instalment, going no further than Anguta in the Maori English part, and to come in the English Maori part; nor does it seem settled even now that Mr. Colenso will be able to finish the publication of it. That such a lexicon ought to have been published by the New Zealand Government long ago, admits of no gainsaying. It is a work practically useful to the whole Colony, and who is to publish such a work if the Government declines to do so? As far back as 1861 the Rev. W. Colenso made his first proposal to the House of Representatives. His motion, he tells us, was favourably received, and the resolution was passed, “That the House considers it highly desirable that a sum of money be devoted for the purpose of commencing a Standard Library Dictionary of the Maori Language.” But there followed the ominous sentence, “as soon as the finances of the Colony will permit.” A new application was made in 1862, when the finances seemed to be in a flourishing state, but without results. Then came the war in 1863, and nothing was done.

A Maori English Lexicon.

By the Rev. W. Colenso. (Wellington, 1898.)