OLD MAORI CUSTOMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 211, 7 September 1933, Page 11

OLD MAORI CUSTOMS.

FORTS ON THE WEST COAST. REMAINS AT MURIWAI. ______ Two lectures were given last evening at the Auckland University under the auspices of the anthropology and Maori race section of the Auckland Institute and Museum. The first, entitled "Some Maori Customs," was given by Mrs. 11. Bennett, who referred to the superstition of "makiitu," which still survives. "In fact," admitted Mrs. Bennett, "I am myself influenced by makutu and even at times I am afraid of it." In order to preserve purity of lineage it was the custom to betroth a male child on birth to a female child. These betrothals, or "puhi," were seldom annulled, but if they were a recompense had to be made in the form of goods and presents. If this was not done a blood feud would result. When the young man was ready _ to marry his fiancee he did not ask her himself—an envoy was sent bearing a garment for the girl. An elaborate cei'emony was then arranged, which would last until all the food was consumed. The couple would then be married. Following Mrs. Bennett's lecture, Mr. W. Williams jravc an address, illustrated by lantern slides, on "Maori Associations of the West Coast." Some of the slides showed fortifications built as far back as 1200. The Korekore pa at Muriwai was probably occupied about that date. Kitchen middens and food storage pits were clearly visible frpm the photographs. Mr. Williams said that the Kaipara warrior chief, KawTiaru, captured the Korekore pa about 1750, after which it was abandoned. Tho well-known Lion Rock at Piha had once been a fort. A pit at the summit had probably been used a storage tank for water, and levelling had been carried out to allow of the cultivation of crops. Kawharu's ability as a maste.r of military strategy was proved by the fact that he captured this natural fortress. It was announced that an expedition had been arranged for October 24 to visit the Korekore pa and make investigations there.