TAKITUMU.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 19, 5 January 1912, Page 2

TAKITUMU.

DESTRUCTION OF A FAMOUS MAORI HOUSE.

ITS INTERESTING HISTORY

The Takitumn—so called after the canoe in which the Maoris came to New Zealand from Hawaiiki, which was destroyed by lire on Sunday, near Martin borough—was carved at Papawai by people of the Ngatipo and To Kooti tribes who came from the East Coast, and were something like 40 in number. This work occupied about three-years in completion, and after that it was suggested by the Chief Te Kooti that the house should be erected at Tableland, about four miles east of Martinborough, in the South Wairarapa. In 1891, the whole of the carved timber was carted down to the scene, with the exception of the ridge pole—a massive piece about 70ft in length. This was sailed down the Ruamahanga Raver, and the carved house was erected where it has since stood—a monument to tlio patience of the race andrto their skill in chisel work. About the year 1891 or 1892 the great warrior Te Kooti visited the Wa'rarapa to attend the opening ceremony, which took place at that time. The original owner of the building was Manihera Rangitakaiwaho, of the Ngatimoe tribe, but he died before its completion. The building was used as a meetinghouse, and had been the scene of many noted gatherings of the 1 natter,s. In 1898, Tamahau Mahupuku, the then principal owner, received an offer of £6OOO for the carved house. The offer was made by Messrs. Fitzgerald Bros., the well-known circus proprietors, who proposed exhibiting the famous piece of Maori craftmanship in the large cities of Great Britain and Europe. The chief refused to accept the offer, and subsequently declined other offers.