THE WAIKATO TANIWHA'S REVENGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20454, 4 January 1930, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE WAIKATO TANIWHA'S REVENGE.

By BETTY E A BONE, Arupuni

For many years tho and ferocious Taniwha has reigned supremo in tho deep and swift rivers of New Zealand.

hi the turbulent waters of the \\nikatu In! lias his favourite liomo, rushing through narrow ravines, lashing the water into loam, his terrible, voice vibrating and echoing in the far recesses ol' the rocky gorges. iSix years ago man began to disturb him at Arapuni, and when he turned the dashing, swirling waters through a huge diversion tunnel, barred his natural course.

Being rushed through a strange tunnel was no joke to proud Taniwha and when he emerged into daylight again, spluttering and defiant, ho was in a furious temper, vowing revenge on his successful antagonists. His anger could not be stilled, and rising amid mighty waves, he hurled himself against the stalwart cliffs, and lashed the water with surprising vigour in his wrath and disappointment. Then finding his efforts in vain, Taniwha slowly glided down to the site selected for the power house. The proceedings there disgusted him so lie quietly betook himself to a quiet little spot and settled down to think and plan his vengeance. This came soon, for, with a mighty swoop lie made a huge hole in the bank against the foundations of the power house, this feat causing the. engineers much worry. Thou, when his spiteful work was nearly repaired, lie once more let water into the power house foundations, much to tho consternation of his foes, but they were not to be beaten.

Tiring of " child's play " as he called it, -Taniwha travelled down the tail race and crossed the sand bar, looking for more mischief.

With great intrepidity he glided along, for onco lazily lashing his tail from side, to side, cutting off corners in the course of the river, which brought up much rubbish on tho Ilorahora screens. This work was beneath his contempt and ho slowly retraced his steps to Arapuni, still intent on punishing the engineers and wiping the works out of existence.

Ho did not go up to the poWer 'house this time, but round to the beautiful falls, for during his absence the huge dam construction had been completed and •the water was now turned through the old river bed, which had, many years ago, carried this same Wnikato. Taniwha. proceeding up the channel, came to the wonderful prc-iiisloric forest which is at least 4000 years old.

Here lie gave a delighted chuckle and pushed the remarkable old trees, one bv one, down stream, which. <>f course, would cause more trouble at Ilorahora Tben one wet Sunday when no visitors were about, lie saw bis change, and with one immense bite took 50.000 tons of sand and rock from the crest of the falls, and did the greatest damage-to bis credit yet

Much to the engineers' relief lie lias not been keen since, and lei us hope that lie has resolved to Aiapuni a rest, and so out to sea in search of some miict spot, in the ocean hed, where the hated white man will let him lie in peace.