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European correspondents who have a knowledge of Maori are requested to be good enough to forward their communications in both languages. To the Editor of the Waka Maori. Wellington, October 7th, 1874. My Fkiesd, —Will you insert in the Waka Maori the following letter in reference to the statement of that very ambitious man, Smyth, that he had caught two Moas. When it was said he had valiantly overpowered and secured those two huge birds—the moa and its young one —his fame went forth among the people, and he was called " Smyth, the Moa-catcher." We \\ ere thoroughly startled when we heard that this famed bird, the Moa, had been not only seen, but actually caught; because this bird has been effectually hidden by " Tane," and hence the Maori proverb, " Man is passing away like the Moa." Probably Mr. Smyth may be able to find some other of Tane's hidden treasures. I suggest that he search for the Manoao tree, which is a large tree quite equal to the matai tree in size. Possibly Mr! Smyth may discover it in the Middle Island, as he seems to possess a genius for discovering the hidden things of Tane. ° It appears, however, by a telegram received in Wellington subsequently, that these precious birds have escaped! All the people are much grieved at this news, for their hopes of seeing in life this famed bird disappointed ; they have only the skeleton in the Wellington Museum to look at. We feel assured, however, that the thing is a hoax. If the birds had escaped, Smyth at least would have some of the feathers. Let him send some of the leathers to each of the Museums in New Zealand, and we may believe him. It is not fair that the
Museum at Christchurch alone should receive his favours. Prom the Maori People of the East. [ln Maori mythology, Tane and Tangaroa were sons of Eangi and Papa, or the Heavens and the Earth, from the union of which man first sprung. The forests represent Tane, and the ocean Tangaroa ; therefore, Tane is said to have rule over the forest and its birds and insects, and Tangaroa over the ocean and its finny tribe. Mr. Colenso, P.L.S., in a paper on the Botany of the North Island of New Zealand, says : —" The Manoao (Dacryclmm Colensoi), is a small hard-wooded pine, incorruptible (according to the Natives), found sparingly in high and dry forests on the East Coast, north of Whangarei, and also in the mountainous country near Taupo."]
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAKAM18741020.2.18
Bibliographic details
Waka Maori, Volume 10, Issue 21, 20 October 1874, Page 267
Word Count
422OPEN COLUMN. Waka Maori, Volume 10, Issue 21, 20 October 1874, Page 267
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