THE VALLEY OF RUSHING WATERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 94, 20 April 1940, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE VALLEY OF RUSHING WATERS

The canoe moved with an ever-gaining swiftness down the broad, swift river. No one plied the paddles that were bound to its sides, but in the bottom of the canoe, bound by fine thongs wound round and round her body, lay an Indian girl, No-kah-wi.

ByGwen Drinnan

Her white deerskin dress was worked exquisitely in coloured beads and a soft fringe edged the bottom of her tunic and her sleeves. In her dark hair was a red feather from the breast of a wild bird. Near her was a symbol of her tribe, a totem.

The soft, dismal wailing of many voices could be heard above the din of the rushing waters as the tiny craft swept on its way down the river. Every year a chosen Indian maiden was sent this treacherous trip down the rapids, and if she came out alive the tribe had

won favour in the sight of the Great Wide One, a god of plenty. For twenty years now no one had returned alive; crops were poor, buffaloes were scarce and the tribe was becoming poor. No longer did they have great feasts or go to war in their splendid war paint. They were too weak for want of food. All eyes watched the canoe being thrown hither and thither as the furies of the deep clutched it and flung it first one side, then the other, narrowly escaping the jutting rocks.

Inside, No-kah-wi closed her eyes and uttered silent prayers to the Watchful One. For several days she had known she was the chosen one and she wanted to help her people to free themselves from the bonds of starvation, to lift their heads proudly once more. Had not she heard that there were great lands to be won by 'daring braves where food and sport was in plenty? Why should not her tribe be the conquerors of this wonderland? She could feel the boat moving swifter and yet more swiftly; the rapids must be very close. Her little hands clenched tightly and

her lips compressed so as to utter no err of fear, she waited for what most inevitably happen. She felt herself being tossed up, then down, down, she went. The sound of water was in her ears and a silvery foam was washing over her. Nothing but the roaring of water and the pain she was enduring as the canoe dashed against rocks enveloped her, and she knew no more.

Four hours later, with a singing in her ears, she opened her eyes slowly, unbelievingly. She could not have come through alive! Voices were speaking softly about her and gentle hands skilfully applied herbs on her many bruises. Oh! it was wonderful. She had come through the Valley of Rushing Waters and now her tribe" would fulfil her dreams and hopes. For many moons great feasts were made and laughter was on everyone's lips. A new heart and life had come into their lives and they were prepared to do their utmost to gain their lost lands and once more be the Head Hunters of their land. The Great "Wide One had spoken.