CHILDREN OF TANE

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 267, 10 November 1934, Page 6 (Supplement)

CHILDREN OF TANE

it was safe to burn it, every three years or so, to whiten it and keep the ground clear" of the old, bent canes. No trespassing was allowed on these areas, some of which became famous for their yields. In the cold bush-clad Urewera, where clearings were few, fighting for this "warrior's food" centred around a portion of the shores of Lake Waikaremoana. From this you will have, some idea of its value, especially in

parts where the kumara did not thrive. Digging was part, of the day's work of ' a man . during spring and early summer/ when aruhe was at its best. The warrior, armed with a "ko," an implement which could be used "for digging, or for fighting in case of attack, worked gladly, often carrying the selected pieces for miles to the kaianga, where it .would be loosely stacked in the shade to dry, then soaked, roasted, and pounded ready for use. In the first sorting the starchiest, driest parts were put aside "for warriors only," and stored in the hill-forts ready for sieges and fighting. Poorer stuff was kept for feasting, and the poorest of all for daily use.

No wonder the skilled worker was popular, as this portion of a.women's game shows. "What is thy husband to be?" says the questioner, waiting for the inevitable reply, "A man who is good at digging fern-root!" So there you are, lovers of tinkers and tailors!