The Lost Tiki

Northern Advocate, 11 January 1938, Page 2

The Lost Tiki

(By Edna Clark, Tanekaha R.D.) Way back in the ancient days, there lived a Maori chief called Ratana. All his people obeyed him. Now, E, at an a had, two little children; a boy and girl, named Rangi and Keppi. Rangi and Keppi were very fond of hearing old-time stories of Maoris and warfare.

They were particularly interested in the story of a big tiki being lost and if it were found happiness and peace would come to the Maoris.

The children made up their minds to go and look for it.

The tiki was somewhere in an old cave under the mountains.

One fine morning they started off on their great adventure, hoping to find the tiki.

“Ah! Here we are, Rangi,” said Keppi, when at last they reached the cave, after a long and weary tramp. Rangi clapped her hands. “Now, three feet from the entrance to the cave; I shall measure it,” and Keppi measured three feet. Then, with greenstone axes, they both began hacking away at the earth till their backs ached.

“Let’s lunch, Rangi, and then we shall have another try,” said Keppi. "Yes.” answered Rangi. After lunch they started again. Rangi’s greenstone struck something and she gave an exclamation of surprise. She called for the help of Keppi to unearth it.

When this thing was unearthed, they danced for joy, for it was the lost tiki. Then out of the cave they bounded and ran home as fast as their legs could go.

That night there were great feastings in the Maori village. And you may be sure that Rangi and Keppi were the heroes of the evening. Peace and happiness came to the Maoris, —Original.