A NEW ZEALAND MONSTER

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21386, 31 January 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

A NEW ZEALAND MONSTER

The Legend of the Taniwha In all times there have been tales of fabulous monsters, and in all countries there have been legends of unnamed and dreadful beasts, who lurk, or who have lurked, in dreadful out-of-the-way places. Maori folk-lore is not lacking in such* myths; and there are many stories of a particular monster feared by the Maoris, known as the taniwha. Once upon a time, in a deep-water swamp near Dannevirke, a young man out duck shooting perceived his dog being chased through the water by a large and unknown animal. He managed to fire one shot at the creature, which had a long grey head, before it disappeared. Subsequently the animal was seen by a party of four Dannevirke men. The Maoris in the district, when told of this, at once said that the strange beast was undoubtedly a taniwha (unknown watery monster) and declared that they would not go near the swamp for love or money. The "monster" was never seen, again, but it was conjectured by local residents at the time—towards the end of last century—that it was a grey seal. It is difficult to explain, however, by what means a seal managed to navigate thie mountainous stretches of- the Manawatu river to such a remote spot as the Dannevirke Swamp.

Another taniwha story is told by the Rev. Richard Taylor, an early writer on New Zealand. A Maori chief came to him one day and enquired whether there were men and women living in the sea. Mr Taylor asked his reason for propounding such a foolish question. The Maori replied, that whilst a crew of his people were rowing in Cloudy Bay a figure suddenly appeared in the water, at a distance of about three yards. The crew left off rowing, and gazed at the figure for a long time. It resembled a black man of the usual size, but was bald on the head, and possessed lengthy moustachios. As the Maoris approached it lay on the water like a log; and one said it was a log; and one said it was a kumete. or large wooden bowl, turned upside down. But, as they drew near, it rose up, and appeared to be a black man. It looked steadfastly at them, and kept puffing with its mouth. It was a perfect man, only bald, and had queer stiffened moustachios. One Maori to throw a rope to it, and pull it into the "boat; another said. No. it is a taniwha (sea god) and will smash the boat. The creature continued looking-at the Maoris and puffing, for about an hour; then it disappeared from sight. The Maori chief told Mr Taylor that his people had never seen such a creature before, and asked if the pakehas ever had. Mr Taylor very sensibly said at once that it wag a seal they had seen; but the Maori went away dissatisfied.