Passing Maori Memories

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7107, 16 March 1933, Page 6

Passing Maori Memories

INSTINCT OP THE MAORI AND A COW [Recorded by “ J.H.S.” for the Times. ] When the site of Palmerston City was but a bush clearing with half a dozen weatherboard huts, each with a pungent Are of dried cow dung at the back and front doors to ward off the deadly Cngaeroa (mosquito), a survey party consisting of Alex Dunclas, Tom Drummond, Arthur Dernier, and their chainman, Hori Ngapaka, were under canvas near the Boys’ High School at the edge of the forest which stretched ten miles west. The beach road to Wellington wa3 interrupted by storms, so all travel was stopped. The surveyors packed the tent and provisions on the tethered cow which was also their portable dairy, and went to Awaburi through the trackless hush for a week’s sportshooting pigeon and kaka, wild pigi or cattle. When their holiday ended, Hori strapped the traps on the patient pack milker and the party struck for home. After eight hours weary tramp they found a spot on the Oroua river a mile bclow last night’s camp, recognised by some stranded articles of tom qlothing which had been thrown into the river. Next morning being sunny, aided by a watch used as a compass, they started due east and got through swamp and tangled wood till dark. Again they camped for the night, tired and hungry. Molly the cow, being fed on succulent leaves, gave them half a gallon of milk. At day dawn the hungry Maori packed up and roused the bosses. To their amazement he took the halter off tho cow and Molly, adding her instinct to that of the Maori, up tail and made for the permanent camp at a gallop, followed by three swearing surveyors. They reached home in ten minutes!