korero

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


Maori for a conference,a conversation. The verb means «to tell, to say, to address,to speak, to talk.» (`Williams' Maori Dictionary,' 4th. ed.)

1820. `Grammar and Vocabulary of Language of New Zealand'(Church Missionary Society), p. 168:

«Korero, s. a speaking; v. n. speaking.»

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' c. i.p. 78:

«There were about sixty men assembled, and they proceeded tohold a `korero,' or talk on the all-important subject.»

Ibid. p. 81:

«With the exception of an occasional exclamation of `korero,korero,' `speak, speak,' which was used like our `hear, hear,'in either an encouraging or an ironical sense, or an earnestbut low expression of approval or dissent, no interruption ofthe orators ever took place.»

1863. T. Moser, `Mahoe Leaves,' p. 30:

«As he had to pass several pahs on the road, at all of whichthere would be `koreros.'»

(p. 31): «Had been joined by a score or more of theiracquaintances, and what between `koreros' and `ko-mitis,'had not made any further progress on their journey.»

1896. `Otago Witness,' Jan. 23, p. 42, col. 3:

«All this after a very excited `korero' on the empty dray,with the surging and exciting crowd around.»