A Resurrected Maori.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XX, Issue 144, 18 June 1886, Page 2

A Resurrected Maori.

Operations were meanwhile being carried on by the natives to dig out the members of their own tribe. The road to the hut a Wairoa had to be cleared, and the great trees removed. While the work was going on, an old Maori, over 100 years of age, was dug out. He had waited patiently, with his elbows upon his knees, until his deliverance came, and when the ashes were properly scraped off him, ho rose and shook tho dust of the crater from his feet, and without giving a look of recognition to anyone, wont straight away off and had a good feed. (Written at Oxford, Thursday night.) Journeying along with Mr Rich, of tho Pakatere Company, by special train to Oxford, we were surprised to find that the nearer Rotorua we approached, the less excitement was shown. We learned that up to sunset there had been little or no uneasiness felt regarding Rotorua. The guard (Suck) and driver (Cook) of the Oxford train had not yet heard of any loss of life, and the feeling of tho residents was not at all one of alarm. The temporary relief we felt was rudely dispelled at Oxford, when a coach load of tourists returned and described the dreadful scenes of the early morning. The volcanic eruption is said to have been preceded a week ago by a tidal wave on Lake Tarawera, and the Maoris were afraid to go up with their canoes. Another circumstance which increased their superstition was as follows : — Some tourists and Natives were standing ou the border of the lake, when a large warcanoe is said to have appeared, gliding along quietly on the placid water, the Maoris standing upright, using their paddles. A Native woman who was with tiu Lourists called to those in the canoe, Ir I .': it suddenly disappeared from view. It was regarded as being a phantom canoe, an omen of the evil which has befallen their tribe. They are satisfied it was an apparition, as they have no war canoes.