To Shake Seismologists

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30635, 29 December 1964, Page 12

To Shake Seismologists

"The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, Dec. 28. Seismic experts attending a world conference on earthquake engineering will be welcomed to the opening ceremony in the Auckland Town Hall on January 22 by a Maori concert party performing the earthquake haka, “Ruaumoko.” The legendary Ruaumoko was god of volcanoes and earthquakes and one of the children of the earth mother. He was accidentally pressed into the earth when his mother, who

had been feeding him, turned over. According to Maori legend, Ruaumoko has continued to express himself from his place of entombment by vigorous protests and struggles that constantly shake the earth. The English version of the earthquake haka is:— Hark to the rumble of the Earthquake God! Au! Au! Au e ha! 'Tis Ruaumoko that quakes and stirs! Au! Au! Au e ha! A ha! ha! It is the rod of Tunga werewere The Sacred Stick given by Tuataua to Uenuku,

It struck the monster Rangitopeka Cleaving the twin peaks on Hikurangi Where the carved rocks emerges, A gift of the gods! The wonder of Men! A miracle of Heaven! The Lure of mankind! ’Tis divine! ’Tis divine! Behold Paretaitoko Searches and finds the Evilsmelling House! A hd! ha! where the dogs gnash their teeth in frenzyt Au! A hat ha! They have gnawed and bitten deep Until in pain I see the heavens blaze Ere I faint Ha! Like the shag spread out! Ha! In the throes! With its last expiring breath. Ha!