THE NEW CHANNEL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XX, Issue 3408, 27 June 1877, Page 2

THE NEW CHANNEL.

True translation of a letter from Major Kemp (Te Keepa) te Kaugihiwioui, dated Putiki, 24th June, 1877:— . . To Thomas Bamber, Esq., Chairman of the Wanganui Harbjur Boai'd, &c, &c, &c. Also to the Engineer-in-Ohief to the Board, &c, &c, &g. To the Engineer in particular : I salute you ! I have heard of your sailing hither ward upon the foaming waves of Raukawamoana, the Greatg Deep. I have further been informed that you are au experienced and clever Engineer. I, therefore, Major Keepa, Rangihiwinui, communicate my thoughts to you, for I am the great fish Tanhvha, namely, iNavigator, residing at Piitiki, who, from my ancestors downwards, has been in the habit of frequenting these seas, from the ancient fishing station called Putiki wharanui. The right passage for the fresh water of Wanganui to take is that at Te Patapu, now being closed up by the Europeans ; being a direct course to the sea. If the present entrance, nosy being used by steamers, be the one sought to be kept open, the effort will nob prove thoroughly sue- j

cessful. If you persist in closing up the passage naturally sought after by the contending waters of Wanganui, the money of the Government spent thereon will float to sea, and be lost to sight. In ancient days, before the memory of living man, this was the course taken by the Wanganui, as handed down to us by the oral traditions .of our ancestors. Therefore, I advise you to let the waters of the Wanganui seek their ancient outlet, ; through the straight course followed in 1 daysof yore, viz., by the direct channel of my ancestor, Reroomaki. Na te Jcotore , nui 0 Rereomaki (literally, "through the bowels of Rereomaki,") to nature's outlet. Let the water follow its strong bend seaward, in a direct course, as in days gone by. Owing to the contending influences of the ocean and its cast up sand, the river, much against its will, diverged its course; but now, having tired of its winding stream, and having become weary of the strife and oub of breath, it seeks to return to its ancient channel. I therefore, your friend, advise you to allow the fresh waters of the Wauganui to have tlieiv own way. — From Meiha Keep a. ' . Eangihiwinui, (Major Kemp.) The above was translated by R. W. Woon, Esq., R.M., and forwarded to the Board together with the original letter, and read at the special meeting held yesterday.