A Famous Maori Gong
A singular fact which struck early visitors to New Zealand was that the drum was not employed by the Maori though it was widely used botli in Polynesia and Melanesia. The Mauri of New Zealand never used anything more than a wooden gong. A famous “tree” gong formerly stood on a hill near Te Apu. on the old native track from Wbirinaki to Ahikereru. Of this tree Captain Gilbert Mair writes?— “When General Whitmore’s force invaded Ruatalmna in May, 1869, the friendly natives represented to the General that it wa.s of supreme importance to secure this tree ami prevent the enemy giving the alarm and ambuscading the column. So I was sent forward to seize the position, and we were enabled to capture the Harema pa and many prisoners.” This unique palm (gong) was formed out of a living totara tree. The tongue was elaborately carved, and when struck with a hardwood club, the vibrations were tremendous and could be heard many miles away.—M.W. (Wanganui).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DOM19370227.2.184.5
Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 131, 27 February 1937, Page 21
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169A Famous Maori Gong Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 131, 27 February 1937, Page 21
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