A MAORI TRADITION.

Gisborne Times, Volume LV, Issue 6143, 29 July 1921, Page 3

A MAORI TRADITION.

SEQUEL TO EELING DISPUTE

Writing in the Northern News regarding the three delta-shaped outlets from Lake Omapere, Mr W. E. Bedgood, of Waimate North, relates the following Maori traditionAt a certain time of the year the eels leave the Lake by the thousands on tlieir way to the deep sea to breed. The Maoris became acquainted with this fact, and by spreading a funnelshaped net across the outlet, with an eel pot at the end, were enabled to catch them by the hundred. One man stood in the water and when the pot was full handed it to his companion, on the bank, who handed him another to he fastened to the net, the full one being emptied into a pit with upright sides dug for the' purpose. So valuable was this fishing to the Maoris that constant disputes for possession arose between the tribes whose property bordered the Lake, which at fast—about 200 years ago—culminated in a war in which GOO men were slam. Then some wise man devised a means of settlement, by which other outlets were dug so that each party might have one. and leave it to each individual eel to choose the one he preferred to take.